Date: 1 December 2017
Company: Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
On 1 December, Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong launched the ‘20 under 45: The Third Edition’ exhibition and publication, showcasing the architectural works of 20 leading architects under the age of 45, who have displayed a strong social consciousness in their designs. Curated by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and a panel of industry professionals and academics, the exhibition is held from 1 December 2017 to 31 January 2018 at The URA Centre.
A total of 56 submissions were received and 62 projects were featured. The selection of architects and their projects was based on their overall achievements in architectural designs, ideas and dossier of works. They were required to demonstrate a sensitive response to the site context, meet functional requirements and respond well to the environment, show clear design language and expression, as well as demonstrate consistency in design quality.
INCLUSIVITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS REFLECTED IN DESIGN APPROACH
These architects have contributed towards shaping a distinctive and highly liveable city. Their designs are set apart not only by their social consciousness and inclusivity, but also their Green and sustainable approach. ITE Headquarters and ITE College Central at Ang Mo Kio, designed by Lawrence Ler, is one such example. Students, teachers and the public can easily navigate across the campus and gather in pockets of public spaces as the school buildings are connected seamlessly by a central circulation spine. Combined with lush landscapes, extensive green walls and a continuous canopy, it provides a cool and conducive environment for interaction and learning.
The integration of greenery, and natural light and ventilation to enhance people’s experiences and building performance, can also be seen in several other projects. For instance, Agape Village, designed by Ho Tzu Yin, brings together various Catholic organisations and their services through its green terraces and pocket gardens on every level. These green spaces are accessible from the rooms, so activities can extend outdoors. Louvred windows maximise cross-ventilation, while a series of skylights draw in natural light. The private residences designed by Khairudin Saharom also embrace greenery. One of them, the family home Maya, includes a ‘landscape valley’, a carved-out feature that brings ventilation, natural light and lush vegetation to the basement.
“These 20 architects have contributed towards our iconic architecture. Their sensitive environmental and community-centric approach to designing our built environment contributes towards our vision for a distinctive and liveable city. I look forward to seeing more creative works from them to inspire future generations of architects, and enhance our quality of life,” said Lim Eng Hwee, Chief Executive Officer of URA.
APPRECIATION FOR LOCAL ARCHITECTURE
In conjunction with the exhibition, the architects will share their philosophies and works with the public in a series of talks. To further raise awareness of and appreciation for local architecture and design quality, a new Archi-Model Centre is also currently in the process of being set up. Open to the public, visitors will be able to browse the collection of local monographs and publications at the architecture library, while a dedicated gallery within the premise will exhibit works by small, medium and up-and-coming practices. The centre will be located at the ground level of the URA Centre and is slated to be ready by July 2018.
