Young lions … Singapore's new designers
Authors
Citation
Hinge, v.85, 2002, pp. 40-50
Abstract
It might be argued that to consider the thoughts and direction of a new generation of designers, one might 'give them the microphone' and hear what's on their minds. While monographs and critical essays may be premature, young practices nevertheless often have much to say or show about the state of things on the frontlines, and where they are headed. After all, each and every established architectural practice (and this is true anywhere) was itself once a 'young', up-and-coming operation. It used to be said that architecture was 'an old man's game' … it simply took too long to adequately learn all one needed to finesse the remarkably complex process for it to be otherwise. Well, the speed at which the modern world evolves now almost requires a 'young' mentality, not to mention stamina. 'Kids' (of both genders) now seem as ubiquitous throughout the field as 'old men'. And in the new cultural context, youth is prized as a value all its own. The so-called cutting edge has never been sharpened by wrinkled hands. In a small city-state, perhaps it's appropriate that most new architecture work is at a compact scale. After all, small spatial volumes can 'speak volumes' nonetheless. In a city not associated with radical thought (or radicalism period), a group of new voices want us to listen. Ang Hwee Chuin leads the discussion. But before we lend them our ears - and eyes - Tan Kok Meng first provides us with an overview of what's shaped Singapore's architecture scene since its modern inception, and includes a gentle critique of the current situation.
Description
Type
Article
Format
Date
2002
Language
en