50 ARAB STREET, SINGAPORE

RESIDENTIAL/UX (CAT HOSTEL)

50 Arab Street is one of the many iconic shophouses found in the area of Kampong Gelam, Singapore. There is only one cat cafe (Meomi Cafe) in the region and it is right at the edge and hidden away from the central area. Plus, it is only a cafe with no diversity of programs involving cats.

My project goal was to create an interactive space between humans and cats, involving humans being able to stay, dine and play with cats, creating this massive playground for both beings to roam freely around the space.

Therefore, in tribute to my past and present cats, this project was inspired by my personal love of cats and through case studies such as Together Hostel and Cat Cafe Tryst. This design involves a combined space between humans and felines.

With my keyword being ‘affinity’, and my design statement supports by expressing “similarity of characteristics suggesting a resemblance in structure between animals and people”.

Even though most areas of the building have cats circulating in, the programs involved will be distinguishable amongst humans, such as the tent beds. There are shelves, platforms, bridges, and so on, fixed all around the walls allowing the cats to have their own circulation. My design strategy involves C-shaped forms, located next to each plan and section, that help enhance the design experience. There C-shapes can be found through the form of stairs, wall partitions, shelves, counters, bridges and voids.