Battle of the Malls in Orchard Road

Information taken from Explore SG and Smart Local and Li’s Feng Shui

​The former grounds of Orchard Road was once a huge Teochew cemetery called Tai Shan Ting. The 72-acre large cemetery was owned by Ngee Ann Kongsi and housed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 graves. It was cleared in the 1950s to develop Singapore’s most famous shopping district. Today, it is the grounds of Wisma Atria, Cineleisure Orchard and Ngee Ann City.
 
The first building built on the cleared land was the 10-storey high Ngee Ann Building. However, it was unprofitable and reportedly haunted. It was torn down in 1985 to make way for the new Ngee Ann City.
 
To appease the spirits, a Feng Shui master was consulted to oversee the design and reconstruction of the new building.
 
Completed in 1993, the architecture of the new building bears resemblance to Chinese offerings and a tomb; Tower A and Tower B represent the red candlesticks while the five flagpoles and fountain symbolizes joss sticks and wine. The curved frontage of Ngee Ann City was reportedly made to resemble the armchair-like design of traditional Teochew headstones.
However, this rumor has been debunked by Ngee Ann Kongsi, owner of Ngee Ann City, who claimed that the building was inspired by Western architecture infused with elements of Chinese character.
Facebook commenter Wong Boon Hong said that this explanation isn’t true. He believes that Ngee Ann City was designed as two mountains to stand up against the flood from the Ocean that is Wisma Atria beside it.
 
The battle of the malls didn’t stop there. There are other Feng Shui inspired architecture along Orchard Road.
 
CK Tang and Marriott Hotel is built in the shape of a Pagoda and has the bagua design motifs around the mall. The bagua mirror is a protective amulet used in the classical feng shui schools to deflect and ward off any “poison arrows” or “sha qi” by nearby buildings.
 
Wheelock Building however was not as fortunate. According to Feng Shui analysis: It was built like a shape of a harp, to signify a continuous progress. It's concourse sits on Hai and facing Si. The Building was erected during the Age of 7th, thus resulting in Up mountain and Below water formation. Its pointed entrance at the concourse is at Zhen Flying Star 64 which does not signify wealth. So despite being

situated in such a prominent prime spot, Wheelock does not enjoy the same level of success as its neighbors.
 
Shaw Centre had a formidable Feng Shui structure designed to withstand the fire element coming from Wheelock and the wealth draining effect of CK Tang. Shaw Centre, according to Feng Shui, represents a lion facing the large junction which absorbs the water element in thus driving wealth. Apparently the metal clock tower is erected at a position that is meant to pin down the effects from the surrounding buildings, giving Shaw Centre a fighting chance.
 
However, in recent times, Shaw has revamped their facade and the Lion’s Mouth structure is gone. Some people believe that there’s the reason why Shaw Centre has lost its popularity.