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The theme of this year's Archifest, located on the tiny nation-island of Singapore, was aptly named indeed: "Small is Beautiful." Organized by the Singapore Institute of Architects, the annual architecture festival includes a host of activities, ranging from architecture tours to urban picnics, and featured a curated selection of several leading local architects.
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Luke Yeung from Architectkidd presented a series of projects that utilize the materiality of contemporary Thai architecture, revealing Yeung's interpretation of the 'Bangkok vernacular.' With a humorous tone, Manfred Yuen of Groundwork Architecture + Urbanism explained a host of incredibly imaginative urban interventions and competition entries. Eoghan Lewis, of Eoghan Lewis Architects, discussed his work and the concepts behind them.
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A celebrated local architect, Colin Seah, traced his inspiring journey from being a one-man interior design firm to founding Ministry of Design, an award-winning, multi disciplinary design firm that spans across several countries. Chang Yong Ter from Chang Architects gave an optimistic presentation tinged with a touch of dry humor. The presentation gave insight into his various approaches towards architecture, from the pragmatic to the poetic.
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Last but not least, the keynote speaker, Yoshi Tsukamoto from Atelier Bow-wow described his projects within the context of Architectural Behaviourology, an investigation into the relationships between inhabitants, buildings, and nature. The conference drew to a close with a round table discussion moderated by local Architect Tan Suze Hann, a common face within the Singaporean architectural scene.
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After the conference, we managed to have a short conversation with Chang Yong Ter :
What is Contemporary Singaporean architecture to you?
A built environment that is appropriate for our contemporary needs and the tropical climate.
How does scale affect your approach towards your projects?
The scale of a project would not affect the design approach. Hence the title of the presentation ‘Nothing’s too small’. If I may finish that statement; Nothing’s too small to be big.
Your projects are filled with intimate interventions that come together to form a unique yet coordinated whole. How do you manage to achieve this cohesion?
By being conscientious of the main needs of the users, and keeping in alignment with the design concept/approach/intention.
What is your future vision for CHANG Architects?
Achieving timelessness is a key objective in our vision.