#5 & #7 Gallop Road

Happy Place, Happy Space

Daughters and I spent a couple of happy hours visiting the Forest Discovery Centre (#5) & Botanical Art Gallery (#7) on Friday.

Walking on the grounds of the new Gallop extension of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, we were transported to a different time and place. Built more than 100 years ago (#5 in 1898, #7 in 1892), the British owners landscaped the grounds in the style of the English Landscape movement, recreating a home away from home.

View of #5 from the grounds of #7

From walking through both buildings, I learned that the architect of both houses, Regent Alfred John Bidwell, adapted the design of a Victorian house to our hot & humid climate, creating the black and white bungalow, with features that maximised air flow (to counter the heat & humidity) as well as took into account the local environment (flash floods, termites). We have him to thank for many of these iconic bungalows still in existence today.

Although the exhibits housed in both buildings were interesting (what’s not to love about 400 year old botanical illustrations), I was more fascinated by the rooms themselves.

The architect borrowed from the Malay tradition of building on stilts. These stilt arches are low hanging as Petite Younger Daughter demonstrates.

I imagined the ascent up the main staircase into the foyer as a guest visiting, afternoon tea served in the airy verandah as I lounged in the low teak chairs, or perhaps cocktails in the large drawing room. I will have to return to pay more attention the books, prints and other displays.

Our photo souvenir from #5 Gallop Road: Forest Discovery Centre, a takeaway from an interactive exhibit

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Reading your Joyful Posts brings me to my happy place. I hope having them in one place makes it easier for you to find when you need a bit of happy therapy, too.

If you would like to join in, ping back to this post and I will include you next week.

• Amanda‘s Gratitude Finding Three Things: ponders and challenges us to consider gratitude
• Carol Ann Siciliano;s Delights: recounts the delight in each day of the past week
• Deb’s World’s #LifeThisWeek: shares lots of exciting things on the book, food and friends fronts
• Laurie Graves‘ Friday Favorites: receives an edible care package
• LittlePiecesofMe‘s Grateful Friday: enjoys Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs – another sign of Spring!
• Nancy Loderick‘s Peeps are Back-yay!: gets excited that Peeps are back this year! Eat lots for me, Nancy!
• Natalie the Explorer‘s 5 Themes for a Fun Week: relishes spring with outdoor fun
• She Writes‘ Another Day to Be Present: considers the things she loves about her life despite her struggles
• Thistles and Kiwis’This Week’s Small Pleasures: appreciates a week filled with dance, music, good food, friendship & other successes (including her passport – you are now prepared to travel again!) 
• Trent’s World‘s The Weekly Smile: gives a speech and makes the draws at a successful raffle fundraiser, and enjoys time & space with attendees

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Notes:

• The lead photo is #7 Gallop Road: Botanical Art Gallery.

• This post is my contribution to
  • Friendly Friday Photo: Something Learned hosted by Sandy at TheSandyChronicles and Amanda at SomethingToPonderAbout
  • Natalie the Explorer’s Weekend Coffee Share
  • Hammad Rais‘ Weekend Sky