Raffles Place green

Raffles Place, the heart of the financial district, has these lawny patches that has such a lovely, calming ambience. There're always people reposing on the seats by them and taking a breather. Lots of buzz in this place, as corporate suits in ties whizz by on their cell phones or linger under their offices for a smoke. The triangular neo-classical facade is of course, the entrance to the Raffles Place train station.
There's a sculpture by Aw Tee Hong, Struggle for Survival, shaped like a boat, on one of these grassy patch right in front of OUB Centre. OUB Centre, designed by renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, has the prestigious address of 1 Raffles Place. OUB or Overseas Union Bank has been bought over by UOB (United Overseas Bank) and so the bank no longer exists.
Compare the scenery with this vintage postcard picture of old Raffles Place. I wonder why no one thought to put in a fountain here, like in the old days. Oh, I see where the neo-classical facade got its origin from, see the building on the left.

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Raffles Place

The futuristic UOB Plaza One (designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange) which is owned by the United Overseas Bank is the tallest building in Raffles Place standing at 270 metres and 67 floors.
This neo-classical facade is the entrance to the Raffles underground train station and is a colonial legacy in stark contrast to the gleaming skyscrapers surrounding it. This is Singapore's central business district so the sky is dominated by these super tall buildings inhabited by banks, MNCs and commercial institutions.
A far view of the entrance. The unassuming rectangular block just next to it is Change Alley, a relic of past times. Singaporeans of the post war generation will remember fondly the commercial hub it was back when it was an important downtown building at the heart of the financial district, linked by a bridge, a thoroughfare to the old Clifford Pier. As part of that legacy, you can still find Indian money changers here.

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