“When I was in school we learned about Golden Mile Complex, and how the pioneer architects designed it. It was truly one of a kind in its time,” says Howard Wee, founder of 7 Interior Architecture. “The terraced, stepped-back, brutalist language of the building is a nice departure from the uniformity that we always see. I think that’s what architecture should be, it should make a statement," continues Wee, who was awarded Best Architectural Concept at the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2023.

Completed in 1973 and designed by local architects Tay Kheng Soon, Gan Eng Oon, and William Lim of DP Architects, Golden Mile Complex has grown to become one of Singapore’s most iconic architectural landmarks over the years. Once praised by the famed Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas as a masterpiece of experimental architecture and urbanism, Golden Mile Complex has been gazetted as a conserved building since 2021. It was recently sold in May 2022 for SG$700 million (US$525 million) to a consortium comprising Perennial Holdings, Sino Land, and Far East Organization.

Now 50 years old, Golden Mile Complex has not only grown to become one of Singapore’s most iconic architectural landmarks but is also an inextricable part of many people's memories. “The history behind Golden Mile is quite interesting, and there’s something about the brutalist-era design movement that really draws me to it,” shares Gareth Low, associate at Farm and winner of the Best Bespoke Concept category at the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2023. “I used to go there quite often to take public transport back to my hometown in Malaysia, so I have very fond personal memories of the space.”

In case you missed it: Why Golden Mile Complex and Other Modern Architecture in Singapore Are Worth Conserving

“At this moment in time, I’m really obsessed with the State Courts Towers. It's a building that doesn’t scream and shout, but in its simplicity, it is so timeless that I could stare at it forever,” shares Dennis Cheok, founder and creative director of Singapore-based design studio Upstrs_ and winner of the Best Workspace category at the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2023.

Standing at an impressive 178 metres high, the State Courts Towers is the tallest Government building in Singapore and one of the tallest courthouses in the world. One of 6 projects that were awarded Design of the Year at the President*s Design Award 2023, the State Courts Towers were designed by Serie + Multiply Consultants in collaboration with CPG Consultants to symbolically signal a sense of openness and accessibility. In a contextual nod to the surrounding shophouses, the grid-like facade of the building is made up of pigmented and stained pre-cast panels.

Don’t miss: President*s Design Award: The 8 winners of the 2023 edition

A cherished symbol of the nation’s homegrown architectural ingenuity, the Singapore Conference Hall is a harmonious blend of modernist and traditional influences, showcasing a striking combination of clean lines and intricate motifs inspired by Malayan architectural elements. Designed by William Lim, Chan Voon Fee and Lim Chong Keat, the landmark–which is officially named the Singapore Conference Hall and Trade Union House–was opened just 2 months after Singapore gained independence in 1965. Today, the Singapore Conference Hall continues to serve as a prominent venue for various events and is also the permanent home of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO).

“The lead architect, Lim Chong Keat created a modernist masterpiece that features a cantilevered flat roof supported on heroic 'pylons', dramatic open terraces, and a soaring naturally ventilated atrium,” notes Ho Weng Hin, founding partner at architectural conservation consultancy Studio Lapis and chair of Docomomo Singapore. “The seamless integration between architectural form, space and programme permeates throughout the building, down to the level of materiality and detailing such as the patterned mosaic wall finishes, and teak handrails.”

Read more: 5 Unexpected Modern Architecture Gems in Singapore

“I’m recently very inspired by Marina One. I think the entire internal courtyard was done very well and it really is beautiful at night,” shares Diong Fuhan, principal architect and founder of Quod Architects as well as sister company QED Design, and winner of the Best Tropical Concept at the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2023.

Marina One is a mixed-use development located in the heart of Singapore’s Marina Bay district designed by Ingenhoven Architects. Taking pride of place in the centre of Marina One is the futuristic-looking ‘green heart’; a lush three-dimensional garden oasis that resembles a plant-covered mountain. Designed by landscape architects Gustafson Porter + Bowman in collaboration with ICN Design International, the ‘green heart’ has won widespread acclaim for its sustainability, and has even been used as shoot locations for international productions including season 3 of the popular HBO series Westworld.

In case you missed it: From ‘Friends’ to ‘Succession’, how TV shows are influencing home décor trends

“If you ask me about my favourite spot or somewhere that I find very meaningful in Singapore, it will be the Padang at the beginning of the Singapore River,” says Tan Kay Ngee, principal architect of Kay Ngee Tan Architects.

Although not exactly a building nor an architectural icon, the Padang is a historical landmark and an integral part of the nation's heritage. One of the oldest green spaces in Singapore, the Padang served as a witness to key moments in Singapore's journey towards nationhood, including a victory parade to mark the end of the Japanese Occupation in 1945 and the inaugural National Day Parade in 1966. Surrounded by distinct Neo-Classical colonial-era buildings, the Padang was gazetted as Singapore’s 75th national monument in 2022 by the National Heritage Board (NHB).

“We have the old Padang, which relates to our colonial period history, and we've also created the Marina Bay area,” explains Tan, who was recently named Designer of the Year at the President*s Design Award 2023. “So we have the Padang versus this water, and they relate to two different eras of Singapore. The new buildings versus the old buildings is exactly how an interesting city should be like; the old and the new co-exist at the same time.”

NOW READ

12 award-winning Singapore design firms to shortlist for your next home renovation

National Day 2023: Where to find the most delectable and unique Singapore-inspired menus

National Day 2021: 9 Singapore Furniture And Decor Designs To Shop Local