The Pinnacles at Duxton

Every visitor and expat in Singapore quickly learns what the acronym HDB stands for. The Housing Development Board was a critical component in the social and economic development of Singapore over its 50 years of Independence. All over the island, clusters of HDB apartment blocks can be found. They are very easy to spot, mostly due to the fact that they are tall, unattractive buildings with big numbers on their sides. More than 70% of Singaporeans live in these public blocks which are made affordable enough for most residents to buy. In the past decade, however, the government has recognized that these blocks are unattractive and need to catch up in terms of design and modernity with the incredible private condos that are popping up nearly everywhere. The Pinnacles at Duxton are a good example of the HDB's attempt to compete with private options. Five large towers connected by sky bridges at their mid-levels and at their 56th floor rooftop are an unmissable sight at the west end of Chinatown. Open to the public, the sky walkway connecting the five rooftops was a wonderful place to catch the falling sun one fine weekday evening.