Cover From neighbourhood tours to vibrant installations, SGAF 2025 celebrates architecture and Singapore’s 60-year journey
From neighbourhood tours to vibrant installations, SGAF 2025 celebrates architecture and Singapore’s 60-year journey
1 / 1
From neighbourhood tours to vibrant installations, Singapore Archifest (SGAF) 2025 celebrates architecture and Singapore’s 60-year journey
Singapore’s annual architectural festival Singapore Archifest (SGAF) 2025 returns for its 19th edition from June 25 to July 25.
This year’s theme ‘Don’t (Just) Think Like An Architect’ invites the public to adopt a fresh perspective on design—one that recognises architecture as a dynamic force shaping lives, communities and the future of our world. The festival encourages attendees to go beyond traditional thinking and embrace new, unconventional approaches to architecture.
Organised by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) since 2007, SGAF brings together visionary architects, thought leaders, educators and built environment professionals to push the boundaries of creativity, design and architecture. The 2025 edition is supported by DesignSingapore Council and led by festival director Rene Tan and his team at RT+Q Architects.
In case you missed it: Meet the three brilliant winners of the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2024 - Singapore’s Architects on the Rise initiative
Above This year’s theme ‘Don’t (Just) Think Like An Architect’ invites the public to adopt a fresh perspective on design
This year’s theme ‘Don’t (Just) Think Like An Architect’ invites the public to adopt a fresh perspective on design
1 / 1
Tan shares: “Our theme ‘Don’t (Just) Think Like An Architect’ challenges traditional mindsets and invites new unconventional ways of thinking in architecture. The future of architecture lies in going beyond the expected and this festival is an invitation to embrace that mindset.”
President of SIA Tiah Nan Chyuan adds: “As with every iteration of Singapore Archifest, we are deeply committed to cultivating a more design-conscious society and fostering Singapore’s vibrant creative culture, ensuring that the profound impact of architecture is understood and celebrated by all.”
This year, SGAF collaborates with Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to celebrate Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee, with a special focus on the vibrant Katong-Joo Chiat precinct. The month-long festival features a dynamic program of events in the iconic area, aiming to enliven the precinct and engage the community.
Above Anticipate immersive walking tours, insightful roundtable discussions, installations and more
Above SGAF is led by Rene Tan and his team at RT+Q Architects
Anticipate immersive walking tours, insightful roundtable discussions, installations and more
1 / 2
Tan emphasises: “This year, we want everyone—not just built environment professionals or design enthusiasts—to understand that architecture is for them and to think more deeply about the impact of our work on the environment and communities.”
From immersive walking tours to insightful roundtable discussions, we share some of the most exciting experiences you’ll want to check out at the upcoming SGAF 2025.
1. ArchiBake: Don’t Bake Like an Architect, Bake Like a Baker! bake-off
Above This bake-off will see architecture firms recreate Singapore’s architectural icons in cake form (Photo: RSP)
This bake-off will see architecture firms recreate Singapore’s architectural icons in cake form (Photo: RSP)
1 / 1
To celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday, RSP Architectural Planners & Engineers has collaborated with SIA and partners to organise a bake-off. Titled ‘Don’t Bake Like an Architect, Bake Like a Baker!’ This design-inspired fringe event will see architecture firms recreate Singapore’s architectural icons in cake form. The bakes will be assembled into a visual map of Singapore.
When: June 28
Where: Cosentino Showroom, 5 Straits View, West Tower
2. Kueh Kueh at Katong
Above Kueh Kueh at Katong explores the intersection of food and architecture
Kueh Kueh at Katong explores the intersection of food and architecture
1 / 1
Head down to Katong and you’ll find a playful installation that reimagines beloved local treats as a spatial expression of memory, identity and nostalgia. Exploring the intersection of food and architecture, this installation is one of five semi-permanent installations in the Katong-Joo Chiat neighbourhood. Kueh Kueh at Katong is a collaboration between SAA Architects, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong by IHG, Singapore Institute of Architects and Urban Redevelopment Authority.
When: Late July onwards
Where: Outside Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong by IHG, 86 East Coast Road, S(428788)
3. Architours by NUS
Above A property by EHKA (Photo: Kevin Siyuan)
Above A property by Yume Architects (Photo: Yume Architects)
A property by EHKA (Photo: Kevin Siyuan)
1 / 2
Learn more about the city’s hidden gems and iconic spaces with Architours by NUS. This series of chaperoned tours around Singapore offers exclusive access to some of the city’s best newly built architectural works, from residential homes to commercial space. A crowd favourite at SGAF each year, these tours are led by chaperones from The Architecture Society at the National University of Singapore.
When: July 5, 6, 12, 13
Where: Around Singapore
4. Sit in with Tiffin
Above This installation located beside Roxy Square is inspired by traditional tiffin carriers
This installation located beside Roxy Square is inspired by traditional tiffin carriers
1 / 1
This installation located beside Roxy Square is inspired by traditional tiffin carriers and designed by students from Singapore University of Technology and Design, and RSP Architects. The installation offers insight into some of Katong-Joo Chiat precinct’s hidden gems through nostalgic items sourced from shops within Roxy Square.
When: From June 28
Where: Roxy Square, 50 East Coast Road, S(428769)
5. Behind the Facade: Secrets of Katong
Above This walking trail uncovers Katong’s past (Photo: Ng Wee Liang)
This walking trail uncovers Katong’s past (Photo: Ng Wee Liang)
1 / 1
This walking trail uncovers Katong’s past and lesser-known secrets hidden in plain sight. Take a walk around the neighbourhood and discover pastel Peranakan terrace houses, a forgotten maternal clinic, Singapore’s first air-conditioned mall and more.
When: June 29; July 6, 13, 19, 20 and 26; August 2 and 3
Where: Meeting point at Marine Parade MRT
6. SG60 Singapore Architects Roundtable
Above This roundtable brings together over 60 architects to share their creative processes, the future of architecture in Singapore and more
This roundtable brings together over 60 architects to share their creative processes, the future of architecture in Singapore and more
1 / 1
This roundtable brings together over 60 architects to share their creative processes, reflect on Singapore’s journey over six years and engage in discussions on how to design for a better and more sustainable future. Among the participants are Asolidplan’s Wong Ker How, Peter Tay Studio’s Peter Tay, and RSP Architects’s Law Yoke Foong.
When: June 27
Where: Sands Expo & Convention Centre
Credits
Images: Singapore Archifest
Topics
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
