Tiong Bahru’s Horse-Shoe Block curves around a shared interior space, making its shape both a visual landmark and a practical response to housing design. Built in 1939–40, it also contains a purpose-built air-raid shelter.
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From the street, the block’s curved plan is easy to recognize; the less visible story is built into its structure. Block 78, known as the Horse-Shoe Block, was constructed between 1939 and 1940 by Singapore Improvement Trust, the predecessor to modern public housing provision.
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UpgradeQuick facts
- Block 78 was built between 1939 and 1940.
- It is the largest residential block in Tiong Bahru.
- Its Guan Chuan Street section contains the first purpose-built air-raid shelter in a public housing project.
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