Symposium: Modern Ordinary Architecture & Urban Ensembles [fr]
Join us for an exciting 2-day symposium to learn what ‘home’ in a modern city means and how modern-era buildings: high-rise housing, commerce and community buildings have evolved in order to adapt to contemporary challenges in future-proofing our built environment. Keynote speakers include Philippe Prost, Winner of Grand Prix national de l’architecture 2022, will be sharing on Continuity from Past, Present and Future and François Decoster from L’AUC, Winner of Grand Prix de l’urbanisme 2021 who will be sharing on Refurbishment of ordinary architecture & its process.
Details:
Topic: Modern Ordinary Architecture & Urban Ensembles: Sustainability, Innovation, Heritage and Preservation
Format: Symposium, Plenary, Roundtable, Networking Sessions
Date: 27 – 28 November 2023
Time: 08H30 – 18H00
Duration: Two Days
Venue: River Room, Level 2, Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore
Registration Link: https://modernordinaryarchitecture2023.eventbrite.sg
Brief:
The recent developments in Singapore, France and elsewhere – to prolong the useful life of modern-era, post-war buildings – refurbishment, creative adaptations and even conservation of a few, point towards a new direction on how we can think about development in a world where sustainability is a common goal.
Built in the 1960s and 70s, these structures hold a special place in the collective memory of city dwellers. Some iconic examples locally, such as the extraordinary Golden Mile Complex – recently gazetted for conservation and rejuvenation, helps to honour Singapore’s history and also fosters community and promotes a more sustainable future. Other explorations globally have ranged from creative adaptive reuse to preservation.
Beyond the extraordinary and iconic, everyday modern architecture has played a significant role in shaping the day-to-day lives, identity and history of people in France, Singapore and around the globe. To safeguard the rich history and identity encapsulated in these structures, these ensembles of often high-rise housing, commerce and community buildings call for more– technical, design, economic and social knowledge and expertise, particularly when it comes to sustaining and preserving the ordinary architecture that anchors everyday life.
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME
KEYNOTE SPEAKER 1: PHILIPPE PROST, AAPP
Philippe Prost is a French architect and urban planner, professor at the Paris-Belleville School of Architecture. He is also the winner of the Grand Prix national d’architecture 2022, the highest national distinction in the field of architecture in France. He is a member of the Academie d’Architecture and was awarded the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. After dedicating ten years to research, Philippe Prost was called for help in 1991 on a 15-year long adventure at the citadel of Belle-Ile-en-Mer. In 2004, he was awarded an Equerre d’Argent special mention for a housing project in Paris. He has also written numerous articles and books on military architecture. His book "Vauban, le style de l’intelligence. Une oeuvre source pour l’architecture contemporaine" has been awarded the Architecture Book Prize in 2008. His International Memorial of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette was inaugurated on November 11th 2014 by the French President Hollande to commemorate the First World War Centenary. This project has been internationally acclaimed and won several important design awards, including the RIBA International Award for Excellence. His project for the Monnaie de Paris – a place mixing industrial, commercial and museum activities in the very heart of Paris - finally opened to the public. He is currently working on the Port Vauban project in Antibes and the Port Gallice in Juan-les-Pins.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER 2: FRANÇOIS DECOSTER, L’AUC
François Decoster is a French architect and urbanist, co-founder of the architecture and urbanism office l’AUC. l’AUC was awarded the Grand Prix de l’Urbanisme by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion in charge of urbanism, housing, construction, and city politics in 2021, and the Patrick Abercrombie Prize by the UIA (International Union of Architects) which internationally recognises exemplary works of urban and regional planning and design in 2023.François Decoster teaches urbanism and urban design at the National University of Singapore, College of Design and Engineering, Department of Architecture, Master of Urban Design, since 2003. He regularly participates and lectures in schools, institutions, talks, interviews, and conferences related to planning, urban design and urbanism. He is involved in projects and research dealing with the issues of metropolisation, urban and architectural transformation and regeneration, environment, and public space.
PANEL 1: A NEW LEASE OF LIFE!
Apart from iconic buildings and structures, everyday modern architecture has held equal importance in holding essential functions for a city to grow and thrive. On the other hand, the 20th century introduced modern housing – very often in high-rise buildings such as in France and Singapore, while also in the form of low-rise buildings in the case of Hong Kong. These have become intrinsic infrastructures in the functioning of everyday life, so much that locally, almost 80% of the resident population in Singapore live in such housing. Similarly, France, while home of iconic traditional architecture, also has a substantial stock of such modern high-rise housing and neighbourhoods. Though abundant in our built environment, modern ordinary architecture has evolved since its debut from the modernist era, evolving to serve various generations of our society whilst functioning as a vehicle for economic development and growth. This panel discusses the need to understand, manage and preserve modern housing in its various forms with the values it brings for our societies, and how it plays a role towards building sustainable cities for future generations.
PANEL 2: MEANINGS OF A ‘HOME’ IN THE URBAN CONTEXT
In urban cities where land allocation is carefully managed and planned, housing is highly densified. More than a basic necessity, the surrounding neighbourhoods and amenities in the broader urban scale create a sense of ‘home’ for its communities. Collectively, these urban ensembles serve as infrastructures for intangible and tangible heritage to build upon, to be passed down to our future generations. As part of a holistic approach, this panel provides a ground-up perspective in which we discuss ideas of a ‘home’ and more importantly what the preservation of a sense of home means to the everyday dweller.
PANEL 3: CHALLENGES OF OUR CURRENT BUILDINGS
With most modernist buildings past half-a-century old, there comes the challenge of maintenance and staying relevant. While many may consider these concrete vessels to be obsolete, many are also beginning to see the hidden potential that these buildings hold and the value that they can bring with adaptation and thoughtful refurbishment. Apart from active interventions, regulatory frameworks in the built environment are vital in enabling these possibilities and to allow for greater initiatives. In this panel, we look at how our current buildings can be more adaptable, and what are some successful examples in various contexts toward sustainable development.
PANEL 4: INNOVATIONS TO FUTURE-PROOF EVERYDAY ARCHITECTURE
Typically, the rigour of sustainable design is often developed in its details (i.e., green materials, certifications) rather than considering a building’s lifespan. Alternatively, buildings can also be designed and engineered as a legacy for future generations when a non-demolition stance is considered in the first place. In this line of thought, synergy and collaboration within the industry are essential in enacting changes in mindset for a more sustainable way of approaching everyday architecture. In this panel, we look into how everyday architecture can be built for posterity and how innovations can be considered in today’s building technologies for future uses.
—
About Urban Redvelopement Authority (URA):
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is Singapore’s land use planning and conservation agency. We strive to create an endearing home and a vibrant city through long-term planning and innovation, in partnership with the community. As the main government land sales agent, we manage the sale and development of State land to support planning, economic and social objectives. In shaping a distinctive city, URA also promotes architecture and urban design excellence. Visit www.ura.gov.sg for more information.
About Asian Civilisations Musuem (ACM):
ACM is Singapore’s national museum of Asian antiquities and decorative art. As the only museum in Asia with a pan-Asian scope, ACM is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia through our outstanding collection of masterpieces, and through ground-breaking special exhibitions. ACM focuses on the many historical connections between cultures and civilisations in Asia, and between Asia and the world.
About WY-TO Group:
Guided by philosophy, “Design with A Cause”, WY-TO Group combines research with a Planetary well-being approach in the design of cities, places, and spatial narratives for People. WY-TO addresses present-day challenges coherently with our advocacy for climate sensitivity and regenerative design in the fields of Urban Planning and Place Design, as well as Architecture (FR).
