Last month, we concluded the students’ one year of thesis work at NUS architecture. Sat in the finals, all mixed feelings. But mostly proud. I thank Prof Teck Kiam for having me as guest critic throughout, but also I was happy to talk with the students pre-thesis. I remember that was June 2024 at Marina Square Starbucks discussing philosophical and theoretical underpinnings for design research. Back then we were still finding our way and direction, fast forward a year later, there’s clarity (hopefully) and what a journey it has been.
Also, to the panel, Faiz Bin Zohri, Eng Kiat (SJ), as always, I’ve learnt so much from you both. Other perspectives, worldviews, experience. Prof Joo Heng, thank you for allowing me into your studio, I’ve learnt so much from you too, your students, and guest panel. At the finals–Ivan, Sam Son, external examiners, so much learning on a range of topics, which of course include discussions on issues and crises facing architecture and humanity.
Maybe some notes on the students’ work. The theme/direction was about an incomplete urbanity, but students were given free rein (I believe) on how they’d like to interpret and expand on it. Jason gave us a rather dystopian (or utopian depending on how one sees it) future of complex human-tech relationships (interdependencies), rooted in hyper capitalistic/consumeristic overdrives, and Baudrillard’s exploration of the reality/representation duality (particularly the interrogation of what’s real in our world today mediated by images and simulations). Definitely, some neo-malthusian and neo-cornucopian overtones here (which excites me anyway). Ziling gave us a future of coastal Port Klang threatened by rising sea levels and a new city and way of life emerges and thrives. Zhe Wen challenges Western concepts of time and space. Using an oriental lens and exploring ancient (Chinese) philosophies and architecture, she offers a dark narrative with a ‘bemusement park’ called Manipuland. The last place in the theme park is where the human’s fate gets read ala Judgement Day and then they get flushed down through a pool of water. We teased her if she would consider her full landscaped panel be turned into a carpet graphic and that would sell. Finally, He Miao designs a ‘garden in the city’ in busy Marina Bay area, critiquing urban characteristics like efficiency. Her introverted personality is reflected strongly in the work.
Seems like their view of the future isn’t optimistic is it?
