Architect Tang Kok Thye envisions 3D-printed buildings transforming Singapore’s skyline within the next decade

/ EdgeProp Singapore |

November 7, 2024 12:50 PM SGT

“It is essential for a project’s design to demonstrate an efficient layout that is practical for end users and offers flexible spaces,” says Tang Kok Thye.

Leading Singaporean architect Tang Kok Thye envisions a future where 3D construction will revolutionise how architects, designers, and developers conceive homes, offices and buildings.

The senior partner at ADDP Architects says that Singapore’s wealth of local talent in the built environment, along with innovations in sustainable design — such as 3D-printed buildings — are positioning the country as a global learning hub. “Our approach to compact urban planning will become increasingly relevant to many countries as cities emerge as engines of social and economic growth,” adds Tang.

He returns to the annual EdgeProp Excellence Awards for his third stint as a judge. Tang says: “It is important that an industry player like EdgeProp Singapore organises an award event like this, recognising outstanding projects in the local market and the teams of people working behind the scenes.”

All the award-winning projects this year demonstrate the cohesiveness of the various development, design and marketing teams, says Tang, adding that the different award categories like Showflat Excellence and Marketing Excellence make it one of the most holistic award events in Singapore’s property market.

This year’s awards theme emphasised the importance of efficiently designed spaces across all segments of the real estate market, including residential and commercial projects, hospitality, co-living and industrial buildings.

“It is essential for a project’s design to demonstrate an efficient layout that is practical for end users and offers flexible spaces,” Tang observes. “Equally important are the designs of the common areas and the provided facilities.”

He adds that GuocoLand’s Network Hub concept stood out as a unique space, offering a variety of flexible areas for office workers in the adjacent 30-storey Grade-A office tower and residents of the nearby 219-unit Midtown Bay.

Guoco Midtown is GuocoLand’s ambitious integrated development along Beach Road, featuring an office tower, two residential projects (the 219-unit Midtown Bay and the upcoming 558-unit Midtown Modern) and retail clusters. “The Network Hub transforms the entire integrated project into a more holistic space that embodies the live, work, play lifestyle,” says Tang.

Judging the hotel categories this year was also an eye-opening experience for him, with each of the winning properties displaying good design that catered to their specific clientele and site context. “For example, the design of 21 Carpenter, which won the Best Boutique Hotel award this year, fits in well within the conservation shophouse area. The designer, WOHA Architects, did an excellent job of carving out internal courtyards and incorporating heritage elements into the rooms and overall hotel design.”

Singapore’s competitive real estate market, driven by the rising expectations of homeowners and end-users, compels developers and architects to innovate continuously, says Tang. “We have reached the technical limits of prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC), and the next game changer in building design and construction will be the widespread adoption of 3D construction methods”.

He is confident that within the next decade, the widespread adoption of 3D construction will enable architects and engineers to design buildings with more diverse layouts, improve space planning efficiency, and enhance climate resilience and sustainability. “We are at the beginning of a global revolution in 3D construction and must prepare for a mindset shift to embrace new design and construction processes.”

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