Examples of bike blockers in cities around Southeast Asia. From the thoughtfully designed barriers that allow wheelchair access, to pedestrian-hostile metal bars. In my research trips around Southeast Asia, I like to walk as often as possible to get a feel for the city I am in. It’s a tough region for flâneurs, as sidewalks […]
Urban Planning
The Next Singapore
A list of cities in Southeast Asia that aspire to be “The Second Singapore”. Singapore is the most economically prosperous country in Southeast Asia, and one that others look to emulate. With its modern infrastructure and its GDP per capita among the highest in the world, other cities use Singapore as a benchmark for future […]
The last days of the DDR Apartments of Vinh
The Quang Trung housing complex in Vinh was built as a show of solidarity by the Deutsche Demokratische Republik. These historic apartments are now 50 years old and are being replaced. The city of Vinh in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam was extensively damaged during the first Indochina War and the Vietnam-American War, […]
Batam, not Bali, should be the financial hub of Indonesia
Indonesia has proposed to turn Bali into a financial hub, but Batam would be a more suitable location. Indonesia has over 900 permanently inhabited islands among its 17,000+ islands, but Bali gets the overwhelming majority of international visitors to the country. The last thing that Bali needs is to be turned into a financial hub like the […]
Redrawing new districts and geographical zones in Ho Chi Minh City
A proposal to create new districts and geographical zones in Ho Chi Minh City. These new designated areas would act like postcodes and not another government body. On July 1, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City merged with the neighbouring provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. This was part of the nationwide merger that […]
Penang Turf Club redevelopment: How Penang should look to Singapore for inspiration
The closure of the Penang Turf Club presents a rare opportunity to redevelop a large area of land on the island. Penang should look to Singapore for racecourse redevelopment inspiration before they build another uninspiring car-dependent development. The Penang Turf Club was founded in 1864, making it Malaysia’s oldest remaining horse-racing club. However, there has been […]
Hanoi’s plan for public space around Hoan Kiem Lake
An ode to the Shark Jaw building in Hanoi, turning tram depots into opera houses, more lakeside demolition for metro construction, and thoughts on if Hanoi should go full Haussmann. Hanoi authorities have announced plans to demolish one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Ho Guom Plaza at the northern end of Hoan […]
Sidewalks are the secret sauce to simulating Singapore’s success in Southeast Asia cities
Cities that want to be “the next Singapore” should start with improving sidewalks first. Cities across Southeast Asia use Singapore as a measuring stick for development progress. “The next Singapore” is a phrase that is often used in this context. These cities try to emulate Singapore by building luxury apartments and landmark towers to attract […]
Bad Urban Design: Center Point of Indonesia, a missed opportunity to put Makassar on the map
Center Point of Indonesia is a megaproject being built off the coast of Makassar. City planners had an opportunity to make an iconic global city. Instead, they have opted for suburbia in the sea. They are making the same urban planning mistakes that are being made in every other Indonesian city. This is a review […]
An Thuong Streets: how Da Nang inadvertently built a vibrant beach neighbourhood
An Thuong Tourist Streets is a neighbourhood on My Khe Beach in Da Nang. Despite the cringe name, this area is a model for how to build a walkable and vibrant beach neighbourhood. Other cities in Southeast Asia should take note. An Thuong Tourist Streets The An Thuong Tourist Streets (also referred to as An […]
