3. Guerrilla Lighting Student Workshop – about the site
Guerrilla Light Walk Map
Why Esplanade Park for Guerrilla Lighting?
- To re-discover some of the most important monuments in one of the oldest park in Singapore.
- To enhance and create a pleasing park for all to enjoy.
- To highlight the importance of good lighting in public spaces and to reinterpret our environment through participatory design.
About Esplanade Park
The Esplanade Park is a historic park located in the Esplanade within the Downtown Core of the Central Area in Singapore’s central business district. Built in 1943, the Esplanade Park is one of the oldest in Singapore. The park was redeveloped in 1991.Many historical landmarks are located at the Esplanade Park, which include the Queen Elizabeth Walk, the former Indian National Army Monument site, The Cenotaph (completed in 1922), the Tan Kim Seng Fountain (moved here in 1925 from Fullerton Square), and the Lim Bo Seng Memorial (which was unveiled in 1954). The Esplanade Park is bounded by Connaught Drive, Stamford Road, Esplanade Drive and the mouth of the Singapore River. It also forms an important frontage for the Padang, Supreme Court and City Hall.
Tan Kim Seng Fountain
The Tan Kim Seng Fountain at Esplanade Park was built to commemorate Tan Kim Seng’s contribution towards Singapore’s first public waterworks.
Lim Bo Seng Memorial
Lim Bo Seng was a World War II anti-Japanese resistance fighter based in Singapore and Malaya. During the Second Sino-Japanese war, Lim participated actively in activities organized by the Nanyang Federation to boycott Japanese goods and raise funds for the Chinese army.
The Cenotaph
The Cenotaph was built in memory of the 124 British soldiers born or resident in Singapore who gave their lives in World War I (1914–1918), with a second dedication (but no names) added in remembrance of those who died in World War II (1941–1945). The structure was designed by Denis Santry of Swan and Maclaren.
Former Indian National Army Monument
The monument was constructed to commemorate the “Unknown Warrior” of the Indian National Army. The words inscribed on the war memorial were its motto, which is Unity, Faith and Sacrifi ce. It was built during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore as the Japanese and the INA had one enemy in common, i.e. the British.
Queen Elizabeth Walk
A promenade located along the Esplanade and bordering the Esplanade Park within the Downtown Core of Central Area in Singapore’s central business district. The wide and engaging promenade along the seafront was named Queen Elizabeth Walk in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Queen Elizabeth Walk, formerly known as the Esplanade, was the focal point of sporting activities in Singapore in the early days. This seafront promenade was further inland then and the Esplanade stretched across the Padang. In 1890, land around the Esplanade was reclaimed and enlarged, turning it into a park that became a popular place for evening walks and social activities. Over the years, monuments such as the Tan Kim Seng Fountain, the Cenotaph and the Lim Bo Seng Memorial have been placed along the Esplanade. In 1953, as part of the Coronation Celebrations, the seafront promenade was refurbished and renamed Queen Elizabeth Walk.
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