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His latest partnership is with Kengo Kuma, the famed Japanese architect who designed Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium. Together, they won the design competition for the Founders’ Memorial, which commemorates Singapore’s pioneering leaders who were instrumental in the country’s nation-building journey. This year also marks the 20th year of K2LD Architects, with teams based in Singapore and Australia—the Melbourne office is led by architect David Lee. We find out more from Ko about the studio’s recent projects and plans ahead.

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Tell us about your collaboration with Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA) on the Founders’ Memorial.

Ko Shiou Hee (KSH) KKAA is the lead designer while K2LD Architects plays the lead architect’s role in adopting the design to the local context. Having partnered Kengo Kuma on numerous built projects for eight years, we have become familiar with Kuma’s unique way of incorporating local elements while re-interpreting his Japanese sensibilities. 

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Kuma’s design expresses the Founders’ Memorial as being part of the land; as Mr Kuma said, “it is a living monument”. We believe the result will be a vibrant space to which people can come to learn about our country’s past, reflect on how far we have come as a nation, and enjoy wonderful cultural programmes in the beautiful gardens.

What fascinates you about the collaborative residential projects you have spearheaded?

KSH All collaborative projects require the teams to work closely, respect one another and share knowledge for the betterment of the project. Every time a new group comes together, we have to find a different synergy that works best among the team members. For the Lien Villas Collective, the client was keen to try out younger talents. For Dalvey 7, we worked with more experienced architects who are well-versed in bungalow projects because there were sensitive issues to manage, with the elderly family member living on the site during the project’s four-year development. 

How do you think the Covid-19 pandemic will change the way the industry operates?

KSH The pandemic has had a severe impact on the local construction industry, as the most affected groups in Singapore are workers living in the dormitories. Our industry is heavily reliant on foreign workers and the restriction of movement not only created an unprecedented delays in all projects, it acutely pointed out that our construction industry needs to be revamped as the traditional means of using cheap, labour-intensive methods of construction are not sustainable. However, efficiency in construction should not lead to repetitive and boring buildings.

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One’s craft is often informed by other passions. What are yours?

KSH Food makes me appreciate nature’s creations. I feel responsible for giving produce made perfect by nature’s design a second life by turning it into delicious food and presenting it beautifully. Similarly with wine, I appreciate the terroir and seasons of wine-making as they heighten my understanding of nature and time.