Preserving the original Nanyang University arch roof tiles on Lianhe Zaobao

26 JAN 2025 – The historic Nanyang University arch located on Jurong West Street 93 underwent a major restoration that started in 2024. While the arch is regularly monitored and maintained, the original green glazed roofs tiles on top of the arch have faded and are damaged after 70 years of weathering, . After consultation with the National Heritage Board (NHB), these old tiles have replaced with identical replicas. Some of these original tiles are now in the care of NTU Museum.

The Nanyang University arch was constructed in 1955 along with the Former Nanyang University Library and Administration Building. They were collectively gazetted with the Nanyang University Memorial as Singapore's 42nd National Monument in 1998. A replica of the Nanyang University arch can also be seen in Yunnan Garden on campus.

 

Resources:

Read article on Lianhe Zaobao 前南大牌坊大维修 顶部原装琉璃瓦拆换后获保存 [CHINESE]

 

The wa dang (瓦当, circular eaves tiles) and di shui (滴水, triangular drip tiles) are imprinted with the characters nan (南) and da (大), the abbreviation of the university’s name (南大, Nantah). 

Original Nanyang University Arch roof tile
The original tiles have been damaged by prolonged exposure to the elements
Original vs Replica - Nanyang University Arch Roof Tiles
Original (left) vs Replica (right)