Singapore Architect

The urban planning of Singapore is moving towards mixed-use work-live districts that make better use of land and bring jobs closer to homes. At the same time, an ageing population is driving stronger aspirations to age with dignity, including access to meaningful work and essential services near home, as well as greater recognition of the importance of intergenerational connections. Let us imagine a new kind of community where people can live, work, play, and learn under one roof. This new typology would create supportive work- live-play-learn environments within a single building, encourage mutually beneficial relationships between light industrial businesses and resident communities, and advance the goal of healthier, more sustainable ways of living and working. In collaboration with JTC, this Think Tank seeks bold ideas for a new industrial-residential typology that brings industry and housing together while strengthening community through the ways we live, work, play, and learn.

SIADA 2026 is the Singapore Institute of Architects' highest accolade — recognising members whose work demonstrates vision, excellence, and a meaningful commitment to the communities we build for.

Written by Mr. Chan Wai Kin

Mr. Meng Ta-Cheang, a distinguished pioneer architect and urban planner, who received the DesignSingapore Golden Jubilee Award in 2015, passed away on 25th August 2025.  His passing marks the loss of a visionary whose work left a profound impact on our fraternity. Image: Mr. Meng during an NUS Kent Ridge campus visit on 21st June 2009. (photo by author)

In this critical essay, Jacob Meyers shares his critical reflections of “To Draw An Idea: Retracing the Designs of William Lim Associates – W Architects” - the inaugural retrospective exhibition for the Singapore Architecture Collection (SAC) held at URA Gallery in the first half of 2024. Images courtesy of Rachelle Su and Ronald Lim.

In this Insight piece, Chew Yunqing shares the authentic and unexpected urban encounter of a weekend flea market inside Fook Hai Building, one of Singapore’s many aging strata malls, reflecting on how such spontaneous appropriation of pocket public spaces enrich our urban landscape.    Images by Fabian Ong

In this project review, TSA’s Sean Chia examines Zarch Collaboratives’ recent public-realm rejuvenation of Ang Mo Kio Town Centre and reflects on its unique blend of nostalgia and novelty. Images by Ong Chan Hao, courtesy of Zarch Collaboratives.

The SIA Design Awards (SIADA), the pinnacle recognition of the Singapore Institute of Architects, stands as a beacon of excellence in architectural design. SIADA, formerly known as the SIA Architectural Design Awards, honours SIA Members for their exceptional contributions to architectural excellence and innovation, emphasizing their vital role in fostering meaningful conversations about architecture both within and beyond the discipline.