Mr Alan Chan, Chairman, URA
Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, CEO, URA
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

Good afternoon. It gives me great pleasure to be here today to open the Singapore 1:1 (Island) exhibition.

Introduction

2 In November 2005, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) presented the Singapore 1:1 (City) exhibition, which highlighted our city’s architectural and urban design uniqueness through 60 prominent projects in our city centre.

3 Today, we are pleased to showcase another 65 notable works, which are located outside our city centre. Like the earlier exhibition, the Singapore 1:1 (Island) exhibition is undertaken to demonstrate the significant architectural trends in Singapore over the last four decades. It serves as a visual archive of good architecture and urban design in our city, providing us with new ideas in our search for new design philosophies. This is part of URA’s efforts to promote architecture and urban design excellence in Singapore, so as to encourage greater awareness and appreciation of good design in our urban environment.

Works of Significance

4 The character of our cityscape has indeed changed remarkably over the last 40 years. Each project in this exhibition has its own story to tell of how our nation has evolved and what we hope to become. You will find among the exhibitions great contrasts - from landmarks that spelt economic progress (Jurong Town Hall, Biopolis) to quiet spots that defined a new lifestyle (Aramsa Spa); from the busiest locations (Changi Airport) to tranquil sanctuaries (Darul Aman Mosque, Church of St Mary of the Angels); from places of congregation for communities, such as East Coast Seafood Village for our “makan” crowd, VivoCity for our shopping crowd, and Bishan Community Library for our reading crowd; to the quiet privacy of our homes in Toa Payoh, Arcadia and Carribean at Keppel Bay. The variety and quality of the exhibition will excite you.

Adopting a balanced approach

5 While we celebrate the architectural successes of our country, we should not be constrained by our successes. Economic developments require us to renew ourselves constantly. Different countries take different approaches that shape the way their cities evolve. Some can afford to retain a large proportion of the city (much like a photograph, frozen in time) yet accommodating growth. They do so by creating new cities or expanding the old cities. For example, Pudong in Shanghai was built as a brand new financial hub to complement the old historical core in Puxi, while others such as London (UK), Paris (France) and Amsterdam (Holland) have also expanded beyond their earlier boundaries and into their surrounding regions.

6 For land-scarce Singapore, we do not have such options. Conservation will always be a fine balancing act. The government is committed to expand our city’s growing collection of architectural gems and more than 6,500 of our significant buildings are already conserved to date. However, we must be mindful that with only 700 sq km, it is neither practical nor realistic to expect that every architecturally inspiring building in the city can be kept. We need to take into account economic opportunities and social demographic trends in balancing our landuse needs with preservation of our legacy.

7 This is a key long-term challenge for all of us from the private, public and people sectors. By understanding our common objectives, we believe we can find optimal solutions. One example of such successful collaboration is the conservation of the former Asia Insurance Building. The new owner of this city landmark, The Ascott Group, has agreed to its conservation and is now restoring the building into an all-suite service apartment.

8 URA would similarly welcome more owners to offer their buildings for conservation, be they pre-War buildings or Modern landmarks. URA would be open to discussions as to how conservation can result in a win-win situation for both the building owners and the wider society.

Partnership in Good Architecture and Urban Design

9 Besides celebrating good architecture and urban design from the past, URA is also committed to help nurture the creation of more architecturally distinctive buildings and delightful urban spaces for our city. Achieving architecture and urban design excellence on a national basis is not something that the Government can achieve on its own. We are constantly looking out for champions - in the architectural fraternity, building and real estate community, and the general public - to partner us in showcasing good designs.

10 As we move into our next phase of development, there will be more opportunities for collaboration. These include the creation of a new milestone for our public housing projects; as well as development opportunities in Marina Bay, the centrepiece of Singapore's urban transformation. There will also be potential for more rewarding partnerships as we focus on developing regional centres outside the city centre.

Design as a way of community life

11 Good designs can also be part of our daily lives. Since 2005, URA’s $3 million Architecture and Urban Design Excellence Promotion Programme has been providing funding support to private organisations and individuals to carry out projects to promote good design in our community. Earlier this year, URA co-presented STAMP, Singapore’s first postbox public art competition, with a local creative interest group FARM. More recently, URA collaborated with the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA), on a Design Ideas Competition for the upcoming Marina South District, to offer design professionals and students an opportunity to shape the future development of this “next-generation” city.

12 We look forward to partnering more champions to show that good design can be found in everyday things and that ordinary Singaporeans can make remarkable contributions towards an endearing living environment.

Raising Singapore’s architectural profile

13 Not forgetting the professionals, in conjunction with the Design Singapore Council, we will be announcing the winners of the second President’s Design Award – the nation’s highest honour for its designers and their designs – within the next few weeks.

14 I am also very pleased to note that the Singapore Institute of Architects, with the support of the Ministry of National Development, Singapore Tourism Board and URA, has put in a bid for the first time for Singapore to host the International Union of Architects (UIA) World Congress in 2014.

15 The outcome of the bid will only be known next year but if Singapore is successful, we will have the honour of hosting the world’s largest international architecture and urban design conference in our city. We will then be able to share with the world our own unique architecture, given that the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and other key developments at Marina Bay will be completed by then. I would like to commend the SIA for taking a bold step in raising the profile of Singapore architecture – the profession and the works.

Conclusion: Building on strong fundamentals

16 In conclusion, the quality of our living environment is the key in attracting businesses and talents to Singapore. Our differentiation will not be a stand-alone “iconic” building. Ours will be one that has a façade that is attractive and vibrant, a construction that is integrated, well planned and sustainable, a programme of activities that are exciting and appealing to all age groups. All these facets are layered on the strong foundations that we have build over the years – a clean, safe and secure environment. Our aspiration is best described by MND’s Vision – an endearing home, a distinctive global city.

17 It is now my pleasure to declare the Singapore 1:1 Island exhibition open.

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