The Former Supreme Court

The Former Singapore Supreme Court building was one of many in Asia that was built by the British(Frank Dorrington Ward of the Public Works Department)  in the style of neoclassical architecture. Completed in 1939, it is the last colonial neoclassical building constructed in Singapore.

Cavalieri Rudolfo Noli, a Milanese sculptor designed the Corinthian and Ionic columns at the front of the building.

These columns are made of gypsum plaster, commonly known as Shanghai plaster, in reference to the skilled Chinese artisans who fled China during the Sino-Japanese war and came here to work. Unlike the real marble columns, the "fake"columns are a representation of the emulation of old style using new materials. 

Looking up at the tympanum, another of Noli's work—the little triangular section over the the columns. We can see that the depiction of Justice here is not blindfolded, as it usually is (on the United States Supreme Court, for example). 

Justice, the central figure in the group of pediment sculptures. To the right, a figure bows in gratitude, also representing supplication. 

Next to Justice is of a lost soul begging for protection. representing violence and deceit. Two legislators next to it with books in the hands represent the law. 

On the right is a group of sculptures (A man with a bull) representing prosperity and two young children holding a sheath of wheat representing an abundance of  law and peace. 

(Resource link: http://thelongnwindingroad.wordpress.com/tag/hotel-de-leurope/)

The big copper dome that has oxidized to green is one of the most distinctive features of the old Supreme Court building.

(Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adforce1/4282071290/)

The former Supreme Court had suffered from a lack of funding resources due to the time of the Great Depression. Although it reveals such a grand facade, economical building materials were used, and the inside of the building appears more austere and practical. The cornices and the main hall were finished with gypsum plasters. Although an Art Deco influenced tiling, it is made of rubber. These were locally manufactered and are sound absorbing in order to ensure that the halls remain silent.

The Supreme Court was created at around the same time as the Old Kallang Airport and there is a clear distinction between the two styles of these two buildings thus this building does not reflect the architecture of that time. It does however reflect what was believed as the Ideal Structure for a Government building. 

Resources:
http://nationalartgallery.sg/wp-content/uploads/6_OpenHouse_Guided_Tour_Brochure_101110.pdf
http://app.supremecourt.gov.sg/default.aspx?pgID=39