Now in its third instalment, the ’20 Under 45’ series is an initiative of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) that recognises the work of 20 promising architects registered in Singapore, who are under the age of 45. First held in 2004, and again in 2010, the awardees are selected by a panel of jurors based on their overall achievements in architectural design, their ideas, and their portfolio of work.

“These 20 architects have contributed towards our iconic architecture,” says Mr Lim Eng Hwee, Chief Executive Officer of URA. “Their sensitive environmental and community-centric approach to designing our built environment contributes towards our vision for a distinctive and liveable city. I look forward to seeing more creative works from them to inspire future generations of architects, and enhance our quality of life.”

Congratulations go to:

• Chia Lay Kuan, DCA Architects
• Ho Tzu Yin, LAUD Architects
• Khairudin Saharom, Kite Studio Architecture
• Ler Bing Huan Lawrence, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers
• Lim Yin Shi, AGA Architects
• Ng San Son, DP Architects
• Ong Chin-Po Jerry, CPG Consultants
• Ong Ker-Shing, Lekker Architects
• Phua Hong Wei, WOHA Architects
• Pung Whei Huong, Formwerkz Architects
• Quek Shao Sheng Jonathan, RT+Q Architects
• Seah Chee Huang, DP Architects
• Soon Choon Siong Donovan, FDAT Architects
• Tan Hua Jin Melvin, LAUD Architects
• Tan Teow Leong James, WOW Architects
• Tang Kai Vern, CPG Consultants
• Teo Yee Chin, Red Bean Architects
• Thean Poh Lian Christina, Park + Associates
• Tiah Nan Chyuan, FARM Architects
• Wee Mark, Annex A Architects

The jury Chairperson, Fun Siew Leng (Chief Urban Designer, URA), explains that the intent behind the ’20 Under 45’ series is to be more than a show of support for young architects in Singapore; it is also about providing the selected architects with a platform to share their ideas. “We hope that this Urban Redevelopment Authority-led initiative will grow to become one ‘by the architects for the architects’ through increasing participation and support from the local fraternity,” she says.

The 2017 jury also consisted of Tan Shao Yen (President, Board of Architects Singapore), Prof. Ho Puay Peng (Head, Department of Architecture, School of Design and Environmet, National University of Singapore), Augustine Tan (President, Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore), Ong Tze Boon (President, Singapore Institute of Architects) and Prof. Erwin Viray (Head of Piller, Architecture and Sustainable Design, Singapore University of Technology and Design).

Comments Prof. Viray: “The third generation of ‘20 Under 45’ shows us how a group faces the weight of the legacy of the previous two generations of ‘20 Under 45’, continuing and going beyond; working in modular components and buildability, abiding by the codes and costs, resulting in the production of certain forms and places. Underlying the effort will be the use of technology, and the collaboration of architects, clients, contractors, and government to create innovation, buildability being appreciated by all not just as modular dimensions and simple shapes but related to living life…”

The exhibition can be viewed from 1 December 2017 to 31 January 2018 at The URA Centre. In conjunction with the exhibition, the architects will share their philosophies and works with the public in a series of talks at the URA Centre on 12 Jan, 17 Jan, 24 Jan and 31 Jan 2018. Find the details here.