The industry’s most prestigious awards programme has recognised 19 recipients this year, and named two “Design of the Year”. Take a look at the remarkable projects!
23 August 2023
Text by Lookbox Living
Great design inspires, and with that, the recipients of this year’s SIA Architectural Design Awards delightfully underscore some of Singapore’s most admirable architecture and bring attention to the remarkable talents to be found in our city-state.
A total of eight Design Awards and 13 Merit Awards across six categories were given out in this year’s programme, and of these, two outstanding projects were conferred the title of “Design of the Year”. The Gold Medal in recognition of an architect’s lifetime contribution to architecture and the profession was also presented to Ar. Raymond Woo and the late Ar. Kerry Hill.
Across the board, the awarded projects at SIA Architectural Design Awards 2023 were recognised for their exceptional design, sensitive placemaking, high responsiveness to societal shifts, as well as a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Here are the projects, starting with “Design of the Year”.
This project involved the revitalisation of the 44-year-old Delta Sport Centre. By skilfully preserving the existing structures and making strategic modifications, the renovations effectively revamped the complex, enhancing its visibility and integration with the diverse surrounding neighbourhoods across the vast site.
The jury noted: “One of the notable aspects of this project is the enhanced connectivity to the wider community, evident through the integration of pedestrian infrastructure and improved urban response. The architect has created a welcoming environment that fosters engagement with the neighbourhood. Furthermore, the project’s budget constraints did not hinder the architect’s ingenuity, as they successfully opened up the entire building and groundscape to create more facilities.
The project embodies the principles of sustainability, historical appreciation and inclusivity – serving as an example to other urban developments seeking to revitalise old places.”
The project successfully balanced conservation efforts with modernisation, creating a beautiful and
functional public space that incorporates nature, architecture, heritage and conservation. Reduction design was the main guiding principle in conserving the original spirit of the place and transforming the two colonial houses, Atbara and Inverturret into contemporary venues for enjoyment.
The jury noted: “The architect’s thorough research of the historical narratives, site context and conserved buildings is evident, as every design intervention was introduced with sensitivity and restraint. While the overall building footprints were limited, the architect had to contend with a vast canvas of elements bridging over eight hectares of forest and English-styled landscape. The curation of the architectural restoration, new structures, maintenance of the view axis and open outdoor spaces, exemplify the architect’s focus and clear-mindedness.”
A family abode envisioned to embody a sense of playfulness – much like a Play-Doh factory where volumes, spaces, and spiral staircases are artfully shaped from the core structure. The architectural design aspires to curate dynamic and joyful living spaces, brimming with vitality, whimsical movement, and playfulness.
Residential Projects
Merit Award – 37 One Tree Hill
By ipli Architects
Residential Projects
Merit Award – Forgetting Time House
By Wallflower Architecture + Design
Residential Projects
Merit Award – House with Verandahs
By RT+Q Architects Pte Ltd
This project involved the revitalisation of the 44-year-old Delta Sport Centre. By skilfully preserving the existing structures and making strategic modifications, the renovations effectively revamped the complex, enhancing its visibility and integration with the diverse surrounding neighbourhoods across the vast site.
Commercial Projects
Merit Award – Djitsun Mall at Bedok
By Zarch Collaboratives Pte Ltd
Commercial Projects
Merit Award – SEEK HQ, Cremorne, Australia
By Hassell
Stretching approximately 220 metres in length, the six-storey Mass Engineered Timber (MET) structure boasts a straightforward and effective modular timber framework. MET, being remarkably renewable, aligns seamlessly with environmental sustainability objectives. The design’s vision is to forge a world-renowned, expansive timber building that not only engages human senses but also fosters a stimulating environment for learning.
Envisioned as an Open Citadel, this project aims to challenge the frequently inward-focused architecture of compact religious establishments. Instead, it embraces a biophilic design philosophy that enhances the values of the institution and establishes a profound connection with its pastoral surroundings.
Institutional Projects
Merit Award –National University of Singapore School of Computing COM3
By LAUD Architects Pte Ltd
Institutional Projects
Merit Award – National University of Singapore School of Design and Environment (SDE) 1 and 3
By CPG Consultants Pte Ltd and School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore
Institutional Projects
Merit Award – Singtel Waterfront Theatre
By Architects 61 Pte Ltd
Embracing the idea of harmonising with nature, the factory seamlessly incorporated locally sourced bricks and employed passive techniques to revitalise the factory’s typology. The brick walls were skilfully arranged in imaginative configurations, contributing to an appealing aesthetic and tactile experience. This green design approach fosters a sustainable and pleasant workspace by promoting natural light and ventilation, creating an environment that is both eco-friendly and conducive to productivity.
Industrial, Transport & Infrastructure Projects
Merit Award – JTC Cleantech Three
By Architects 61 Pte Ltd
This project involved the revitalisation of the 44-year-old Delta Sport Centre. By skilfully preserving the existing structures and making strategic modifications, the renovations effectively revamped the complex, enhancing its visibility and integration with the diverse surrounding neighbourhoods across the vast site.
The project successfully balanced conservation efforts with modernisation, creating a beautiful and functional public space that incorporates nature, architecture, heritage and conservation. Reduction design was the main guiding principle in conserving the original spirit of the place and transforming the two colonial houses, Atbara and Inverturret into contemporary venues for enjoyment.
Special Categories
Merit Award – Garden Pod at Gardens By The Bay
By LAUD Architects Pte Ltd (Innovation, Material and Construction Detailing)
Special Categories
Merit Award – National University of Singapore School of Design and Environment (SDE) 1 and 3
By CPG Consultants Pte Ltd and School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore
The travelling exhibition features physical models of houses designed by the icon of modernist architecture, Le Corbusier. To address the challenges of a mobile exhibition, collapsible pedestals were built with sustainable materials that were robust, lightweight, and easy to transport and assemble. It can flexibly accommodate the unique spatial requirements of different venues worldwide.
Interior Architecture
Merit Award – Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
By Studiogoto
Interior Architecture
Merit Award – Wanderlust
By FARM Architects Pte Ltd
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