NUS Department of Architecture

On 23 May we celebrated the Final Review of two remarkable MUP option studios – REWRITING SMART HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City) led by Assist Prof Dr Chaewon Ahn, and THE PHYGITAL FRONTIER: AI Township at Iskandar’s Western Gateway led by Dr Zhou Yuliang. The “Rewriting Smart HCMC” adopted data analytics and interactive visualizations to understand the underlying systems that support the city functions, the critical gaps in the current urban data, and proposed a cyber-physical intervention that enhances liveability, walkability, mobility, climate responses and industry adaptations. Through diagnosis, system reconfiguration and breaking/fixing phases, students developed scenarios of change with physical, technical, and/or cyber-physical strategies to operationalize the alternative Smart City plan for Ho Chi Minh City. The “AI Township” studio capitalized on the strategic momentum of urban development within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to develop visionary spatial-planning proposals for a hypothetical Government-to-Government (G–G) collaborative AI township. The studio explored an “Adaptive Spatial System” to navigate the impacts of AI-driven digital disruption and the climate emergency. The township is conceived as a dynamic living system, integrating embedded AI infrastructure, circular metabolism, and regenerative landscapes to create a “phygital” environment that synchronizes digital connectivity with high-quality, place-based experiences. Congratulations to the MUP students on their outstanding proposals and presentations! Special thanks to our guest reviewers Ar. François Decoster (l’AUC), Dr Mohd Alif bin Mohd Puzi (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia) @utmofficial , Roy Lin, John Achari (MUP), and Asma Annie Khawatmi (MAUD Programme Director) @nusurbandesign See their projects in person! Visit the master programmes gradshow exhibition at SDE1 Exhibition Hall from 8–28 May, 9am–6pm (weekdays). #NUSArchitecture #Architecture #ArchitecturalEducation #NUSImpact #ShapeTheFuture @nus.cde.sg

As the academic term comes to a close, the MSc ISD programme celebrates a semester of bold ideas, critical inquiry, and design exploration. This term, students developed visionary proposals for the future of the Jurong Industrial Estate, explored nature-based low-carbon master plans for Singapore’s Greater Southern Waterfront and Long Island, and investigated a range of emerging urban challenges through a research-by-design approach. A huge note of thanks to this semester’s tutors, including Dr Swinal Samant, Asst Prof Naomi Hanakata, and Ar. Wong Mun Summ, as well as to our panellists for the final reviews — including esteemed guests from JTC @jtc_sg , the Centre for Liveable Cities, and WOHA Architects @woha_architects — for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the semester. We warmly invite you to experience these exciting student works at our Gradshow Exhibition 2026, from 8–28 May at SDE1 Exhibition Hall, Level 2. #NUSArchitecture #Architecture #ArchitecturalEducation #NUSImpact #ShapeTheFuture @nus.cde.sg

Celebrating the final review of our master programmes MAUD & MUP Regenerative Bangkok Transversal Urban Studio—an exciting tri-university collaboration with Tsinghua and Chulalongkorn brought together brilliant minds. Congratulations to them for delivering outstanding, visionary proposals! See their projects in person! Visit the master programmes gradshow exhibition at SDE1 Exhibition Hall from 8–28 May, 9am–6pm (weekdays). Huge thanks to Prof Zhang Ye (Tsinghua M.Arch) @tsinghua_uni , and guest contributor Ar. François Decoster, plus our insightful jury panelists Prof Chaewon Ahn and Prof John Achari. #NUSArchitecture #Architecture #ArchitecturalEducation #NUSImpact #ShapeTheFuture @nus.cde.sg

Can a historic building help shape the future of sustainable design? NUS-ArCLab is embarking on a landmark conservation project at 141 Neil Road to explore how heritage buildings can be adapted for a lower-carbon future without compromising their heritage value. Housed in a conserved townhouse in the Blair Plain Conservation Area, NUS-ArCLab will transform the building into Singapore’s first historic building retrofitted to achieve net-zero retrofit and operational energy, while also targeting BCA Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy certification. More than a restoration project, it will serve as a living laboratory for research into sustainable conservation. Launched at the NUS-ArCLab: Shaping Sustainable Heritage Futures event, the initiative was graced by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, as Guest of Honour. Mr Foo Cexiang, Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, also attended as a special guest. The project brings together traditional repair methods and materials, including lime-based restoration, with contemporary building science and digital tools such as simulations, environmental monitoring and a digital twin powered by artificial intelligence. It will also test passive design strategies, thermal comfort and energy performance in ways that could inform the renewal of other conserved buildings across Singapore. Supported by a gift from the Portabella family, works are slated to begin in May 2026 and continue through end-2027. The project could help shape new approaches to research-led conservation, sustainability assessment and the long-term adaptation of historic buildings in Singapore. Read more: /NUS-ArCLab #CDE #NUS #ForgingNewFrontiers #CDEImpact @nus.doa

As Singapore ages, the conversation must go beyond care provision — towards supporting dignity, identity, and meaningful participation in later life. “Memory in Motion” is a ground-up design project that explores this through the lens of architecture. Developed by M Arch student Chu Yi Tan @chuyiiiii_ , this portable travel archive invites seniors in Whampoa to reconnect with personal and collective memories through tactile, spatial storytelling. It reflects a belief long championed by Tsao Foundation @tsao_foundation : that ageing well is not just about services, but about nurturing connection to self, community, and place. Come and join her at the sharing session, where the project will be presented alongside a conversation with seniors and the community: Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026 Time: 10am – 12pm Venue: Café Kawan, level 3 at Whampoa CC #NUSArchitecture #Architecture #ArchitecturalEducation #NUSImpact #ShapeTheFuture @nus.cde.sg

A royal palace reimagined as a heritage destination: the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC), housed in the former Istana Kampong Gelam, reopened on 25 April 2026. As a national monument and cultural anchor for the precinct, the site reminds us how architectural form can carry identity—where typology and spatial planning shape how a community’s story is told and shared. Dr Imran Bin Tajudeen (Department of Malay Studies and Department of Architecture) notes that the Istana belongs to a building type called the ‘Compound House’ in the building drawing records: while the exterior may appear “typical of European colonial architecture”, the type “presents a synthesis of Malay and European architectural logic.” He points to spatial cues rooted in Malay domestic architecture—from the surong/balai peranginan to the hierarchy of the main upper floor and the kolong (undercroft)—showing how built form can encode cultural practice and social life. He added: “The Istana Kampong Gelam therefore reflects the translation and adaptation of Malay domestic architecture and European building craft, resulting in a shared building form that was once popular across different communities in Singapore, here manifested in Istana Kampong Gelam as a royal residence.” As PM Lawrence Wong noted at the reopening, MHC and Kampong Gelam can be “spaces of shared meaning” for all Singaporeans—where culture is not only preserved, but lived and shared. The reopening festival runs until 3 May 2026. Visit the Malay Heritage Centre to experience the refreshed galleries and programming, and to “read” the building itself as part of the heritage narrative. Read more about the reopening of MHC and Dr Imran’s interview about the project: /MHCImran   @nus.doa @fassnus @malayheritage #CDE #NUS #ForgingNewFrontiers

Last week, M Arch Yr 1 and 2 wrapped up their Option Studio and Design Thesis reviews. We’re heartened by the hard work and effort the students have put in, and it’s been inspiring to see what they’ve learned and developed. The outcomes are truly outstanding, as we’ve come to expect from NUS Architecture students. #NUSArchitecture #Architecture #ArchitecturalEducation #ShapeTheFuture @nus.cde.sg

This year marks the inaugural Joint Graduate Programmes Grad Show, bringing together three programmes and an even wider range of disciplines to explore and learn from. The Joint MAUD x MUP x MSc ISD Grad Show 2026 showcases outstanding student work across diverse scales, complexities, and geographies. Exhibition Details Dates: 8 May to 28 May Venue: SDE1 Exhibition Hall, Level 1 Time: 9.00am to 6.00pm (weekdays) Opening Night Join us on 8 May 2026. Refreshments and canapés will be served from 6.00pm. RSVP at https://bit.ly/nusdoa_gpgradshow2026_rsvp (link in bio) For more details, visit bit.ly/nusdoa_gpgradshow2026 (link in bio) #NUSArchitecture #Gradshow #ArchitectureExhibition #ShapeTheFuture @nus.cde.sg

First year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Studio has been preparing all semester for their final reviews, titled Coastal Imaginaries, exploring sensorial and experiential design interventions at West Coast Park. Always a joy when your projects involve outdoors and working hands on with plants, terrain, and the coastal environment. Thumbs up to studio tutors Lehana Guo and Faiz Zohri! #NUSArchitecture #LandscapeArchitecture #ArchitecturalEducation #ShapeTheFuture @nus.cde.sg @nus.la

Final Review season is here! This was a true team effort: more than 100 students collaborating across scales, supporting one another through iterations, and bringing ideas to life in a full-scale (1:1) building-part model. Impressive work by our Architecture Year 1 students… it’s only their second semester! A huge shout-out to our9 studios/tutors: Hui Lian @omgatelier / @arkiyogic Elaine - @designmein Jerome - @jerome_ng_xinhao Emerald Kien Kok @envelopearchitects Liping - @blackbirde Micheal - @michaelbudig Yen - @genomearchitects William- @studiowillsarchitects #NUSArchitecture #Architecture #ArchitecturalEducation #ShapeTheFuture @nus.cde.sg

We are pleased to invite you to the Opening Night of NUS Landscape Architecture Gradshow 2026.✨️ The exhibition will bring together the work of students from the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) programmes, showcasing the range of ideas, approaches, positions, narratives developed by our graduating cohort. Opening Night: 🗓Friday, 15 May 2026 🕑6-8PM 📍SDE3 Level1 Exhibition Space, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore, 117566 We invite you to join us for the opening night as we celebrate our students’ journeys at NUS and mark their transition into shaping the landscapes of the future. RSVP by scanning the QR code or visit the link in our bio #nusla #nuslandscapearchitecture #nusdoa #gradshow #landscapearchitecture

Show us your story 🌿✨ Ever wondered how designers shape the spaces between buildings, where art meets environment? Join us for the Singapore Landscape Architecture Workshop (SLAW) 2026, organised by our students from the Landscape Architecture Collective (LAC) @lac.ollective ! We’re hosting a 3-day conceptual journey at NUS for pre-university students to dive deep into design thinking and creative experimentation. Whether you’re a model-making pro or just curious about the built environment, come build your portfolio and find your creative voice in our studios 🏢 🌱 What’s in store? 🎨 Conceptual thinking & material exploration (clay + cardboard + more!)  👥 Mentorship from NUS professors & student facilitators  📂 Portfolio development for future applications Save the dates 🗓️ 📍Applications Open: 1 April 2026 📍Phase 1 Deadline: 21 April 2026 📍Workshop Dates: 3 – 5 June 2026 (Wed – Fri) Don’t miss out on the chance to turn your ideas into a reality. Ready to start? Visit the link below (or the link in our bio) to complete the interest form. 🔗 bit.ly/SLAW2026_reg #NUSArchitecture #LandscapeArchitecture @nus.cde.sg @nus.la