Second Transitional, Art Deco & Modern Shophouse Styles

The streamlined end of the shophouse story, from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Compare the later styles

Style	Approx. period	Look
Second Transitional	c.1930s	Simpler façades, less ornament.
Art Deco	c.1930s onwards	Geometric lines, streamlined forms.
Modern	c.1950s–1960s	Plain, functional, concrete construction.

Cleaner façades often suit contemporary offices and retail, yet conservation rules can still apply. Confirm with URA.

Are Art Deco shophouses conserved?+

Many are in conservation areas and URA recognises Art Deco as one of its shophouse styles.

Do Modern shophouses have a five-foot way?+

Generally yes; the covered walkway remained a feature of terraced shophouse design.