In recent years, debates about Singaporean identity in architecture have given way to the discussion of other issues: sustainability, technology, and social life. At the same time, Singapore’s architects are increasingly producing work that is recognized in international circles—projects with clear formal and material agendas. Against this backdrop, it would seem appropriate to re-engage questions of identity; at least, to identify those aspects of Singapore’s architecture that are identifiable as our own.

SUTD invites two significant architects, Yip Yuen Hong and Tan Kok Hiang, to share their opinions on the state of local contemporary architecture—how it is developing and what is possible futures may be. In particular, we will ask how Singapore’s architects are creating a sense of place within the common techniques and preoccupations of modern architecture.