In Which a Staircase Inspires the Hypnotic Tiling of a Singapore Apartment

The Tiong Bahru neighborhood in Singapore consists of low-rise postwar public housing buildings characterized by Art Deco flair. The dwellings here feature rounded corners, facades with bands of brick, and sculptural staircases, giving the development a unique atmosphere. A decade ago, gentrification replaced local coffee shops and mom-and-pops with trendy cafes and retailers, but the charming architecture remains.