Stop Architectural Deforestation
A video by Jonathan Yee Chenxin, Freda Yu Bing Jie, Ge Luyao and presented by Ho Weng Hin.
On 11 June 2021, Docomomo SG Chairperson — Ho Weng Hin — joined Encounters with Southeast Asia Modernism (SEAM — Encounters) for a video presentation on the demolition of modernist buildings in Singapore. The presentation is a part of Contested Modernities: The Present of Modernity Online symposium.
The rate at which modernist buildings in Singapore are being demolished is a cause for concern. Often referred to as “ugly”, “run-down”, and “urban blight”, large modernist structures are primarily perceived at face value and people are reluctant to look beyond these labels to see their potential, architectural or otherwise. By steering the conversation towards a larger and more ethical discourse of environmental and social sustainability, we hope that the modern built heritage can be saved by virtue of its universal good to the climate and environment, moving the discussion away from subjective perceptions.
Three leading industry practitioners – Ho Weng Hin (Studio Lapis), Dr Hossein Rezai (Web Structures), and Immediate Past President of the Singapore Institute of Architects, Mr Seah Chee Huang (DP Architects) – give their take on the issue, calling to save both our heritage and the environment before it is too late. Iconic modern structures such as Golden Mile Complex as well as the “everyday modern” landscapes of HDB estates will frame the discourse.
The video was presented by Ho Weng Hin, who provided guidance for the production.
Watch the recording of the event online at arch+ Facebook page >
Encounters with Southeast Asian Modernism
As a long-term project and growing international platform, Encounters with Southeast Asian Modernism provides a transdisciplinary forum for exploring the legacy of postcolonial modern architecture and contemporary urban development in Southeast Asia, as well as new questions on globalisation, local adaption and sustainable approaches to urban design within the region and beyond.
Through its projects, Encounters aims to raise public awareness about the development of postcolonial modernism in Southeast Asia and to demonstrate its underlying potential for the future; advancing international exchange and cooperation in both the study and protection of the built heritage of this period.
Freda Yu Bing Jie
is a recent architectural graduate who is currently pursuing the multidisciplinary study of art and global sustainability.
Ge Luyao
is a recent architectural graduate interested in health-restoring design in urban settings as well as therapeutic architecture and cognitive learning.
Jonathan Yee Chenxin
is an assistant consultant at Studio Lapis, an architectural conservation consultancy. His research interest centres around Singapore’s modernist architecture.
The production of this video was made possible through the support of the Goethe Institute Singapore.
Ho Weng Hin, Partner Studio Lapis and Chair Docomomo Singapore
Ho Weng Hin is founding partner of Studio Lapis, an architectural conservation specialist consultancy based in Singapore with local, regional, and overseas projects. Its work has garnered accolades such as the URA Architectural Heritage Awards, and the UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Ho Weng Hin is Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore (NUS). He studied architecture at NUS and obtained his postgraduate diploma in architectural conservation from the University of Genoa, Italy, with full honours.
He is a founding Board Member of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Singapore National Committee, an Expert Voting Member of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on 20th Century Heritage, as well as Founding Chair of the Docomomo Singapore Chapter. He also serves on government advisory panels on heritage policy and planning.
An ardent advocate for Singapore’s built heritage, Weng Hin is co-author of several publications including Our Modern Past: A Visual Survey of Singapore Architecture, 1920s–70s, a groundbreaking book commissioned by the Singapore Heritage Society. He is a former co-editor of The Singapore Architect, the professional journal of the Singapore Institute of Architects.
