From Slouching Somewhere, a blog post about a visit to Singapore with colorful photos of shophouses: "Among its attractions, what I was most interested to see were the districts that possessed culture and character in every corner. Singapore had been criticized for the lack of both when it began to prosper back in the 1970s and 80s. But it does have them, albeit too gentrified for some. And the charming shophouses definitely boast both culture and character in its history and architecture." The shophouses featured seem to be from Singapore's Chinatown (Ann Siang Hill), Kampong Glam (Arab Quarter), Emerald Hill, and Little India. Full post here. What could small urban buildings do for your city?
Update: Slouching Somewhere posted more photos from Ann Siang Hill.