Cover The Gallop extension at the Singapore Botanic Gardens by Kay Ngee Tan Architects was one of the projects named the Design of the Year at the SIA Architectural Design Awards 2023. (Photography: Nishikawa Masao)
The Gallop extension at the Singapore Botanic Gardens by Kay Ngee Tan Architects was one of the projects named the Design of the Year at the SIA Architectural Design Awards 2023. (Photography: Nishikawa Masao)
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The talented architects and winners of the SIA Architectural Design Awards 2023 not only exhibited innovation and creativity, they underscored sustainability in their design ethos
“Beauty perishes in life, but is immortal in art,” said Leonardo Da Vinci. That is true in the case of architecture—aesthetic expression and creativity placing it under the classification of art. The buildings that architects design stand as vestiges of civilisation, reflecting the trends, culture, technological advancements, and artistic tastes of a place at a particular time.
The SIA Architectural Design Awards by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) was conceived with the aim to draw attention to such buildings in Singapore that are remarkable in design and have a story to tell, as well as recognise the creative geniuses behind them. This focus on architectural excellence is not underscored by a desire “to glorify ourselves, but encourage our architects to sharpen their skills and keep pushing the limits of their creativity”, says Melvin Tan, president of SIA. “Through the awards, we continue to raise the bar for architectural standards and solidify the importance of design as a crucial aspect of architecture and development in the built environment.”
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SIA Architectural Design Awards 2023 were given out across six categories with two among them being conferred the title of Design of the Year. Here are the projects that were selected as winners.
Delta Sports Centre by Red Bean Architects
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Category: Design of the Year, Commercial Projects
Revitalising the Delta Sport Centre at Redhill was tasked to boutique agency Red Bean Architects. The firm harnessed its specialisation in residential design to echo a feeling of community to the 44 year-old structure. Key to the project was offering connectivity, modernising the structure while retaining its history. Zeeson Teoh, partner at Red Bean Architects, shares that the choice of the red brick look was to lend it visibility but also a homage to the neighbourhood itself.
Strategic refurbishment of existing features for comfort and better accessibility as opposed to complete demolition was also key. A completely sheltered pool with accessibility ramp for the elderly and disabled and the full-size hockey pitch are examples of some of the enhancements made. A fully equipped gymnasium sits atop the indoor pool. They added four new futsal courts, which are partially sheltered by the cantilevered roof. An outdoor running track hugs the entire complex and also interests it within certain spaces.
In connecting the neighbourhood with the complex, there is also an access route from the pedestrian overpass on Tiong Bahru Road. As Melvin Tan, president of SIA expressed, the jury were unanimous in their appreciation of how the design of Delta Sports Centre connected with the larger community. The project took longer than the original timelines due to the pandemic, which proved to be a blessing in a way, as it gave them more time to refine the design, says Teoh. Delta Sports centre officially reopened on 30 April after almost five years.
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Gallop Extension at Singapore Botanic Gardens by Kay Ngee Tan Architects
The Gallop extension at the Singapore Botanic Gardens by Kay Ngee Tan Architects was one of the projects named the Design of the Year at the SIA Architectural Design Awards 2023. (Photography: Nishikawa Masao)
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Category: Design of the Year, Special Projects
Awarded to Kay Ngee Tan Architects for expertly converting two colonial houses at the Singapore Botanic Gardens into contemporary and functional public spaces. Although the footprint of the structure was small, the architects had to work with 80,000 sqm of English-styled landscape. Their key goal was to streamline the design and optimise the space without taking away its original essence or interfering with the tranquillity of its verdant surroundings. The end result is an architectural restoration that balances history and heritage with contemporary design, where open nature flows harmoniously with curated closed spaces.
Make House by Park + Associates
The facade of Make House by Park + Associates (Photography: Derek Swalwell)
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Category: Residential Projects
A residential project by Park + Associates scored on the artful employment of whimsy. The architects visualised the whole structure as a Play Doh factory out of which its functional interior spaces were moulded. A red spiral staircase blends with the playful vibe of the home. Soft contours purposefully placed in the facade of the home provide a preview of what to expect inside.
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Punggol Soka Centre by Formwerkz Architects
Punggol Soka Centre by Formwerkz Architects. (Photography: Fabian Ong)
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Category: Institutional Projects
Designed by Formwerkz Architects, this five-storey building is another fine example of eco-construction with large open spaces on every floor holding dialogues with greenery. The religious institution is envisioned like a citadel where these open courtyards are interspersed with closed-door congregational settings— such as an auditorium that can seat 500, 11 meeting rooms, and an exhibition among others.
Nanyang Technological University Academic Building South by RSP Architects Planners and Engineers
Nanyang Technological University Academic Building South by RSP Architects Planners and Engineers (Photography: Madeni Jais)
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Category: Institutional Projects
This project by RSP Architects Planners & Engineers and Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects, utilises Mass Engineered Timber (MET), which is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional construction materials. The six-storey building is about 22m long creates awareness and communicates the design possibilities offered by renewable materials. It finds the perfect placement in an educational institution.
Of Bricks and Breath by IX Architects
Of Bricks and Breath by IX Architects (Photography: Chu Yang Keng)
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IX Architects transformed the staid and industrial typology of this factory in Surakarta, Indonesia, into one that embraces nature. Its facade made up of locally sourced bricks aligned in creative conformations add texture and aesthetic appeal. Taking the eco ethos a step further are workspaces that draw in light and ventilation through energy efficient systems.
Le Corbusier: A Travelling Exhibition by RT+Q Architects
Le Corbusier: A Travelling Exhibition by RT+Q Architects (Photo: Courtesy of RT+Q Architects)
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Category: Interior Architecture Projects
This exhibition concept which is an ode to Le Corbusier was designed by RT+Q Architects. Taking into account the challenges involved in transporting physical models of the houses the iconic Swiss-French architect designed, the architects designed collapsible pedestals out of materials that were robust, yet lightweight and easy to transport. Sustainability was key in the materials used for this travelling exhibition. These pedestals were designed such that they could adapt easily to different spatial arrangements.
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