Lighting it up #1
Last year, I highlighted about Orchard Road having grown busier through the years and how all the then on-going construction and improvement works made any casual walk along the "road" a frustration rather than an enjoyment.
This year, my observations lead me to believing that much have changed for the better. Most of the construction and improvement works that were seen last year during the year-end period have either been completed or are at its final stages. This in return, cleared up quite an amount of blockages and cramp spaces which allowed smoother movement for its visitors. The pedestrian flow along Orchard Road has no doubt improved a lot as compared to last year. Not forgetting, a trial initiative was also launched recently to close a stretch of the road to vehicles between a certain timing once a month for “full pedestrian” access. Visitors’ experience during this period of time is further made unique with various organised events taking place on the road itself. Although it only happens once a month, we can’t deny that it did create a refreshing experience to its visitors with an even wider “walking pavement”.
As for Orchard Road’s Christmas Light-up this year, I don’t have much of an expectation. After all, I think it's more of a "hit or miss" year after year. Some years they nailed it with more positive comments and other times it's more negative comments than positive ones. Therefore, what’s there really to expect for? I guess we’ll just enjoy what’s on display as long as there’s nothing offensive. Anyway, I’ll still quickly touch on a few points.
Firstly, the arch “symbolising” a grand entrance to Orchard Road is finally back this year after last year’s absence. Secondly, this year’s colours combination seems to bring a warm feeling with colours such as gold, red and blue. These colours, when combined together, somehow just seem to inject a warm atmosphere to the area. Last year, the colours combination was more on the cool side with colours such as blue and silver, which probably made people felt a little blue.
However, I do find it quite a pity that the 2.8km light-up ends somewhere around Plaza Singapura. I think this might be largely due to the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) being the main organiser of this light-up. With ORBA, Orchard Road is obviously its main area of focus. I remember there was at least one year, although I’m not sure who were the organisers then, the light-up stretches all the way into the Marina Bay area. I’ve no idea why this was eventually stopped. My guess is that perhaps the hustle and bustle after Plaza Singapura might be much lesser compared to Orchard Road itself and therefore there aren’t sufficient convincing reasons to light-up all the way to Marina Bay.
This year, I made a trip to the “great street” to capture some of its light-up. The journey turned out slightly more pleasant than last year’s as I’ve mentioned above. Although it might seem like the same old usual stuff, I do believe all these would become memories once January 2015 comes and all the strings of lights starts being taken down. Therefore, enjoy while it last.
This Orchard Road light-up entry shall be a 2 part entry due to the number of images. Here’s part 1.
View it bigger: Click on images
Month taken: November 2014
Time taken: Night
Photo size above: 640 pixels - Longer side
This year, my observations lead me to believing that much have changed for the better. Most of the construction and improvement works that were seen last year during the year-end period have either been completed or are at its final stages. This in return, cleared up quite an amount of blockages and cramp spaces which allowed smoother movement for its visitors. The pedestrian flow along Orchard Road has no doubt improved a lot as compared to last year. Not forgetting, a trial initiative was also launched recently to close a stretch of the road to vehicles between a certain timing once a month for “full pedestrian” access. Visitors’ experience during this period of time is further made unique with various organised events taking place on the road itself. Although it only happens once a month, we can’t deny that it did create a refreshing experience to its visitors with an even wider “walking pavement”.
As for Orchard Road’s Christmas Light-up this year, I don’t have much of an expectation. After all, I think it's more of a "hit or miss" year after year. Some years they nailed it with more positive comments and other times it's more negative comments than positive ones. Therefore, what’s there really to expect for? I guess we’ll just enjoy what’s on display as long as there’s nothing offensive. Anyway, I’ll still quickly touch on a few points.
Firstly, the arch “symbolising” a grand entrance to Orchard Road is finally back this year after last year’s absence. Secondly, this year’s colours combination seems to bring a warm feeling with colours such as gold, red and blue. These colours, when combined together, somehow just seem to inject a warm atmosphere to the area. Last year, the colours combination was more on the cool side with colours such as blue and silver, which probably made people felt a little blue.
However, I do find it quite a pity that the 2.8km light-up ends somewhere around Plaza Singapura. I think this might be largely due to the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) being the main organiser of this light-up. With ORBA, Orchard Road is obviously its main area of focus. I remember there was at least one year, although I’m not sure who were the organisers then, the light-up stretches all the way into the Marina Bay area. I’ve no idea why this was eventually stopped. My guess is that perhaps the hustle and bustle after Plaza Singapura might be much lesser compared to Orchard Road itself and therefore there aren’t sufficient convincing reasons to light-up all the way to Marina Bay.
This year, I made a trip to the “great street” to capture some of its light-up. The journey turned out slightly more pleasant than last year’s as I’ve mentioned above. Although it might seem like the same old usual stuff, I do believe all these would become memories once January 2015 comes and all the strings of lights starts being taken down. Therefore, enjoy while it last.
This Orchard Road light-up entry shall be a 2 part entry due to the number of images. Here’s part 1.
A great street
The one building that needs no Christmas Tree for its decorations. It already has one all year round. If I've not mistaken, this cone section is supposed to resemble the pencil tip, and the other part of the building is to resemble the rest of a pencil.
At the junction of a great street
Zooming along the great street
"Christmas shopping" rush?
This year-end, this star can be seen all along the "great street" - Orchard Road.
This year, the arch welcoming vehicles to the great street is finally back.
Another view of the junction and the arch (larger image not available)
View it bigger: Click on images
Month taken: November 2014
Time taken: Night
Photo size above: 640 pixels - Longer side
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