This lecture presents a methodological deep dive into the conservation of the House of Tan Yeok Nee, which stands as the last remaining Teochew mansion in Singapore and a gazetted National Monument. Rather than approaching this landmark as a monolithic relic, the project adopted a differentiated reading by treating the historic fabric as a composite text of varying temporal layers.

Associate Professor Yeo will outline how the building was analytically deconstructed into three distinct architectural portions, each defined by unique historical conditions and degrees of transformation. By synthesising archival research and material analysis with a rigorous revival of traditional architectural crafts, the project implemented a spectrum of interventions. These ranged from the meticulous restoration of ornamental Teochew features by master craftsmen to surgical stabilisation and restrained contemporary interpretation.

This session examines how maintaining the legibility of successive layers of change allows for a unified whole that honours both historical authenticity and modern functional requirements.

About the Speaker 主講人介紹:

Associate Professor Yeo Kang Shua is an academic and specialist in architectural history and heritage whose work spans from archives to conservation sites and laboratories. His research focuses on the history of building technology and the theory of architectural conservation, particularly within the context of the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia. He has led the restoration of prominent religious and institutional National Monuments in Singapore. Beyond the technicalities of fabric and material, his work seeks to bridge the gap between academic discourse and traditional craftsmanship to deepen the understanding of our shared built landscapes. He operates on the fundamental belief that we must look beyond the surface of a structure: do not just look at architecture; see architecture.

About the MA in Cultural Heritage Management, HSU 文化遺產管理文學碩士:

The MA-CHM Programme by Art and Design Department, the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, is designed for the effective management of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, conservation and value creation, operation, and public education of heritage projects. The curriculum incorporates the UNESCO Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management adopted since 2018. It is specially tailored for professionals in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) who intend to engage in related industries to enhance their knowledge on the management of cultural relics and heritage conservation, providing a learning path for relevant management and applied knowledge.