Speech by President S R Nathan at the Singapore 1:1 - City

Minister Mah Bow Tan
Mrs Cheong Koon Hean
Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

1 It gives me great pleasure to be here today to open URA’s latest exhibition called “Singapore 1:1 City”.

2 This year, as Singapore celebrates its 40th anniversary as a nation, it is timely to take stock of the progress of our nation. One measure of this progress is the evolution of our built environment and our architectural and urban design achievements since Independence.

Timely exhibition

3 Despite our relatively short history of 40 years, we do have architectural and urban design gems to celebrate in our city. Sometimes, in being all too familiar with our environment, we do not realise the quality of the spaces we occupy every day and the thoughtful design of the building details.

4 Today’s exhibition is a showcase of our development achievements. I understand that the exhibition is called “Singapore 1:1 City” because Singapore is being likened to a compact, 1:1 full scale gallery of significant buildings and good urban design. This is a good analogy as our city contains many buildings that mark significant milestones in our progress, as well as in the development of architecture and urban design.

Architectural showcase

5 The sterling efforts and close partnership of architects, developers and other stakeholders have created significant works of architecture and urban design over the last 40 years. I am told the Selection Panel for this Singapore 1:1 City exhibition had a tough time deciding which buildings to feature. In the end, they selected 60 buildings that represent the significant historical, architectural and developmental trends that have prevailed in Singapore over the last four decades. This exhibition also showcases the talents of our local architects and some of their collaborative efforts with internationally renowned architects.

6 Many of the selected developments were innovative and ground breaking in their architectural approach for their time. They continue to provide lessons and inspirations for today’s architects, urban designers and developers. Many are familiar landmarks like the OCBC Centre, the Singapore Power Building, and the People’s Park Complex. Others like Far East Square and One Fullerton demonstrate how new developments can be sensitively fitted into historical locations.

Anchoring meaning and memory

7 For me, certain buildings bring back some fond memories, for example, The Fullerton Building, where I worked early in my career. Today that same sturdy building stands where it was, but given a new life, preserving its original outward form, still so pleasing to the eye. Its new addition, One Fullerton, further adds to its attraction today.  The other Building that brings me fond memories is the Singapore Conference Hall (cum Trade Union House). It is here the NTUC made a formal presence in Shenton Way, that was yet to develop to its present state.  When it was declared open in 1965, it looked then like a Building not just to serve the Labour Movement but the newly Independent Nation itself.

8 I am sure other Singaporeans also have memories to share of significant buildings of the past that have since been redeveloped or demolished or others built in the last 40 years. Singly and collectively, these buildings and their memories contribute layers of personal and social meaning to our city. They not only enrich our young city’s history, but also enhance its character and sense of place.

Importance of Urban Design

9 Singapore’s city-scape has evolved over the years. But much of it is also the result of careful planning and urban design. Planning and urban design are the logic by which a city’s building blocks are assembled to meet its functional, social and symbolic needs. Whether it is the varying of building heights to create a layered skyline; the creation of public spaces for the community; or the provision of covered walkways and shelters for pedestrians’ comfort, good urban design sets out the context for which individual buildings can fit well into the larger environment. These design gestures give character to a place and raise the quality of our urban life.

10 Through careful planning and thoughtful urban design, individual buildings are guided to enhance not only its own image, but that of the entire area. Cumulatively, they help to realize part of the greater plan of making Singapore distinctive.

Everyday good design

11 Good design does not apply only to large or important buildings.  In this exhibition, there is a section that highlights the usually uncelebrated elements of our environment – electrical sub-stations, outdoor recreation areas, bus stops and the like. These elements demonstrate that good design should permeate our everyday environment as well.

12 Indeed, much can be inferred of the social and cultural maturity of a city’s people from how thoughtfully the city is put together. The integration of good design, even in the most mundane of a city’s urban furniture such as bus stops, street lamps and park benches, reflects a culture of excellence and creativity. We should aim to apply good design in all areas of development, so that we can experience on a daily basis the beauty and comfort of well-designed structures and buildings.

Architecture and Urban Design Excellence promotion

13 As Singapore seeks to achieve the vision of being a vibrant global city, good design will not merely be a nice thing to have. Indeed, it will be a necessary element of our country’s attractiveness. Architecture and urban design excellence that is also functional and sustainable should be Singapore’s differentiating factor and our competitive strength. As investors and tourists are spoilt for choice in where they invest or visit, Singapore should distinguish itself by building on its already excellent reputation of a clean and efficient city to become a vibrant city of excellence, founded upon quality and architectural achievements.

14 I am pleased to be involved in this effort to promote design excellence. We have established the President’s Design Award to recognise good designs in various fields. A collaboration between URA and DesignSingapore Council, the President’s Design Award includes an A.UD[1] category which honours excellent architecture and urban design and their designers. This category of the President’s Design Award for architecture and urban design is an excellent way of recognising the works of architects and urban designers. It should go a long way in nurturing a greater consciousness of good architectural design among Singaporeans. I look forward to the first President’s Design Award winners in this category to be announced next year.

Conclusion

15 In conclusion, I hope that the Singapore 1:1 City Exhibition will raise our awareness of the contributions of various buildings and places to our nation’s development. An appreciation of the projects featured would encourage building owners to care for them appropriately. In this way, our built legacy can be properly maintained for the enjoyment of future generations.

16 Looking forward, there is a great opportunity for more exemplary projects to be designed and built at Marina Bay, which we envision will be a future showcase of our architectural and urban design excellence.

17 Given our firm foundations in urban planning and design, the multitude of talents among our people, and the resolve of all to create a distinctive city, I am confident that all of us in the public and private sectors will continue to work in collaborative partnership to further raise the architectural standards of our developments. Through distinctive and quality developments, Singapore can be among the celebrated cities of the world; and a place that future generations of Singaporeans can be proud of.

18 It is now my pleasure to declare the exhibition Singapore 1:1 City open.