After landing in Singapore, I admit, I beelined it to the soaring architecture and city-sized shopping malls. But after the endorphin-inducing heights of Marina Bay Sands wore off, I started to look else where to see what makes up Singapore architecture. Parenken shophouses are a window into the past of Singapore, with intricate detailing and styles that personally excited me more than the sheets of glass towering over me, making me feel ant sized.