A Different Skyline

Anchoring this piece of artwork is the former National Aerated Water Factory in the center of the painting. My generation remembered growing up with soft drinks like Sinalco, Kickapoo Joy Juice and Royal Crown Cola and this Art-Deco factory was where these soft drinks were bottled!

At this same location, the more recent Jui Residences rejuvenates and juxtaposes the older structures at this heritage skyline and Kallang River. Other buildings that shape the skyline in this artwork are the brainchild of James Goh and his creative team.

James, the founder of JGP Group, helms a growing built environment with stunning overseas projects that form the skyline beyond Elgin Bridge in this artwork. At the lower reaches of the river, we see James’s local buildings which span the residential, public housing, healthcare, institutional, retail and commercial themes. James continues his uncanny ability to steer his aesthetic and professional career to the current phase of focusing on healthcare and public projects which are more fulfilling for society and definitely have long-term benefits for all in the community.

This piece of artwork celebrates James’s long and exuberant architectural journey. The journey began from his humble beginning at 63 Killiney Road, where he was born and raised in a shophouse on the right of this artwork; while my third aunt’s residence was located at the corner of Killiney Road and Exeter Road. We both had many shared childhood memories; from the time when we studied at the same River Valley Middle School at Jalan Kuala just down Killiney Road; to attending the same National Junior College in early 70s. James subsequently completed his National Service and we met again at the School of Architecture. He often joked and mentioned to all his architect friends that I was the person who initiated him into studying Architecture when he already had a place in Estate Management. As the Founder of Urban Sketchers Singapore, I can attest that James’s aesthetic acumen definitely had roots in the art foundation that both of us received during our formative years in schools.

In closing, let us eat and drink in the alfresco setting next to greenery at the river bank in the company of good friends; and enjoying the beautiful and a different skyline.