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DP50 Design Conference

October 11, 2017
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DPA Chairman, Mr Francis Lee and Ms Angelene Chan presenting Mr Fumihiko Maki with a token of appreciation.
DPA CEO, Ms Angelene Chan giving her opening speech
(From left) Mr Keith Brewis, Prof. Chan Heng Chee, Ms Angelene Chan, Mr Fumihiko Maki, Ms Chan Hui Min, Prof. Erwin Viray engaging in a panel discussion

The DP50 Design Future Conference, held on 10 October 2017, marked the third high point in DP Architects’ (DPA) year-long 50th anniversary celebrations. A motely audience of over 1,400 attendees comprising of students, industry experts and practitioners of the architectural community from around the world, convened at the MES Theatre on MediaCorp Campus for the conference.

The conference was categorised into three primary themes: Future Cities, Future Architecture and Future Design; and was graced by two keynote speakers. They were the renowned architect and Pritzer Prize winner, Mr Fumihiko Maki and the diplomat, Professor Chan Heng Chee.

Taking to the podium first, Mr Maki spoke on the topic of “Future Architecture”. His presentation, aptly titled Humanism of Empathy not only gave insight into his design thoughts and philosophy. Through clear examples of signature projects from his portfolio of works, he challenged the architects of today to re-examine the relationship between architecture, time and space in order to create spaces that delight. Professor Chan seconded this. Speaking on “Future Cities”, she made a clear call for the creation of more “sacred places” within the city’s fabric in her presentation on Asia’s Future Cities: Sustainable, Liveable, Loveable.

The conference also saw special guest appearances and presentations by the well-known Mr Keith Brewis, a partner at Grimshaw Architects and Ms Chan Hui Min, a Director at DPA. Both explored the theme of “Future Design” with Mr Brewis speaking on Our Relationship with Mobility and Ms Chan sharing insights on Tech and the City. Each provided unique perspectives on how emerging technology-enabled trends are influencing user-space relationships and changing the way architects design.

The event culminated in a panel discussion on the future of the built environment facilitated by Professor Erwin Viray, Head of Pillar of Architecture and Sustainable Design in Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

Mr Seah Chee Huang, Director at DP Architects, concluded the event with the announcement of the winners of DP’s inaugural Inspire Awards. An annual awards programme, it aims to drive design excellence and innovation within the practice.

Click here for the 2017 DP Inspire Awards results