'In the upscale, high-rise Tokyo district of Ginza, you need only walk 50 yards to see traditional Japanese low-density streets off the main road.'

Singapore, however, cleared out the back lanes and side streets along with main arteries of old districts during its many urban renewal programmes over the years.

The clean-slate approach and rigid state control drained the streets of colour that characterised traditional activities in these areas.

Mr Lim should know. The 76-year-old urban theorist and retired architect was one of the brains behind Golden Mile Complex and People's Park Complex, which were hailed regionally as cutting- edge projects when built in the 1970s.

Read the full report in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.