No_1_June_1964 — Page 116

Singapore Architects' Annual Dinner:-

ARCHITECTS REMINDED NOT TO FORGET THEIR DUTY AS CITIZENS

THE attention of Malaysian archi-

tects has been drawn to the challenge that a fast developing Malaysia. especially Singapore, pre- sents to their talents, and the positive contribution that they can make to the future of the community.

Two men who spoke on this sub- ject recently, at the annual dinner of the Singapore Institute of Architects, are both builders in their own field: Mr. Hon Sui Sen. chairman of the Economic Development Board. and Mr. Alfred H. K. Wong, president of the SIA and designer of the State's latest showpiece. the National Theatre.

Mr. Hon. speaking of the architect in his relation to the community. said that the architect's duty as a citizen was often forgotten.

"Walking in the streets of Singa- pore. one is confronted with one of architecture's most glaring problems. that posed by the inter-relationship of the various buildings, stemming from the various styles standing cheek by jowl and not always in harmonious relationship with each other." he said.

"Somehow. one strives to imagine that a patently Chinese. Chamber of Commerce. may yet be related to an American Consulate. Besides the in- teraction of what may be described as East-West styles. there is also the relationship of the old to the new.

"We have inherited from the colonial past some dominant. not always ungraceful architecture, which has become part of our townscape. and part of the Governmental and ceremonial life of Singapore.

"Many of these buildings will be the backdrop to new architectural developments and the architect as a

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citizen must insure that the new will blend harmoniously with the better old buildings. At the same time. I would not regard as sacrosanct much of what we have."

For instance, it was hard to believe that all the skyline from Fullerton Building westwards was worth pre- serving. He thought the urban re- newal programme which Government would soon be starting "can be dras tically iconoclastic without any great detriment to our cultural heritage."

"It is hoped," said Mr. Hon. "that the architectural profession will seize upon the opportunity which urban enewal presents and create buildings of lasting utility. commodity and

He said that architects faced a further challenge in the planned ring cities of the coastal areas. Architec tural skill would be required in areas where the commercial buildings end- ed and residential suburbs began. and then gave place to the industrial complexes and the new town centres.

Jurong would be only one of such ring cities.

The design of offices, residential units, low cost flats, factories, com- munity buildings and schools would be an immediate concern in Jurong.

"But the design of whole neigh- bourhoods. whole cities, in a word, of a new Singapore these are the challenges of the future facing your profession." Mr. Hon said. "I pray you may be worthy of it."

Mr. Wong, speaking of the role of architects, said: "The architect is at all times an adviser to the community not only because of his technical knowledge but also because he is attuned to the significant social and economic trends prevailing at any one time. His technical skili is used for

Hon Sui Sen

Alfred H. K. Wong

THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER-VOLUME 19, NUMBER 1