LOUISA TANG Today Online 1 Dec 17;
SINGAPORE — The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central, which was officially opened in 2013, boasts the world’s largest vertical greenery installation comprising seven 25-m-tall walls of plants which act as heat buffers while giving the school’s four faculties and three training blocks at Ang Mo Kio a unique identity. The green wall and roofs also help save energy by reducing the cooling load of the interiors.
The design was the brainchild of architect Lawrence Ler of RSP Architects Planners & Engineers, whose vision is to create spaces that are highly responsive to the tropical climate so that members of the public can fully enjoy and perform in the environments within the buildings.
Mr Ler is one of 20 leading local architects featured in the ‘20 under 45: The Third Edition’ exhibition and book - which was curated by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), industry professionals and academics - launched on Friday (Dec 1). The first edition of the exhibition was held in 2004 to showcase the works of local architects aged 45 or below, and the second was held six years later.
“I believe that as an architect, I have the social responsibility to protect the environment we live in for our children and future generations,” said Mr Ler, 39.
“Global warming and resources depletion are real issues that we should not ignore, and every building we design can play a significant part to reduce the impact on our environment.”
In his speech delivered at the launch, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong said that architects should be “innovative and strive for higher standards”. He also added that they should design for sustainability and maintainability such as green buildings that are environmentally friendly.
It is a belief shared by Mr Ho Tzu Yin, who designed the Agape Village, a social service hub at Toa Payoh. The 45-year-old from LAUD Architects said that he always tries to convince his clients of the benefits of creating a sustainable building.
“Sustainability does not always mean solar panels and other technology features,” he said. “It starts with something as basic as orientating the building to minimise west sun exposure and creating rooms that allow for proper cross ventilation.”
Director of DP Architects Seah Chee Huang, who designed Our Tampines Hub, said that green, sustainable, and inclusive design is a “vital aspect” of his work, particularly as land is scarce in Singapore.
Mr Seah, 42, added that members of the public should also be encouraged to participate in the design process of social and community spaces. For example, he and his team had engaged the wider Tampines community to help decide what Our Tampines Hub would be like.
Mr Ler, who also designed the Henderson Waves pedestrian bridge that links Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park, also cited the importance of creating features that are accessible to everyone.
Confessing that he had not expected the bridge to become so popular, he added: “I have witnessed firsthand that through inclusive design, my architecture can benefit a wide spectrum of people. There’s always a space for the elderly, young children, persons with disabilities, couples, and even, monkeys crossing the ridges.”
In his speech on Friday, Mr Wong also urged architects to get involved with game-changing projects that will positively impact Singaporeans.
“Poorly designed cities can easily become a high-rise concrete jungle that is stressful to live and work in. On the other hand, well-designed buildings, homes, neighbourhoods with greenery and public spaces can improve our well-being and happiness,” he added.
Mr Wong also announced the setting up of an exhibition space in the URA Centre, which will showcase the works of local architectural practices, especially small, medium and up-and-coming firms. Called the Archi-Model Centre, it will be completed by the third quarter of next year.
