Singapore architecture collection

The Singapore Architecture Collection is a repository of architectural materials of buildings in Singapore that were completed after 1965. Managed by National Library Board, Urban Redevelopment Authority and National Heritage Board, the collection comprises architectural models, photographs, drawings, artefacts, oral history recordings and more. Together, they tell the stories behind the design of our landmarks, inspiring present and future generations in shaping Singapore's built environment.

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Collection Highlight

Urban corridor study sketch of the National Museum of Singapore, 2002

This drawing shows a sketch of the glass corridor of the National Museum of Singapore. Added during its development by W Architects from 2002 to 2006, it cuts through the tiled roof of the original museum. When visitors enters the corridor, they will be able to see the exterior of the museum as well as its iconic rotunda through the glass windows, thereby signifying the passage through time.

ARTICLES

Learn about Singapore architects or buildings below or through our NL Online articles.

Timothy Seow

Timothy Seow was a prolific Singapore architect. He designed some of the earliest and most iconic high-rise condominiums in Singapore during the nation-building years such as Maxima (today's The Belmont), Beverly Mai and Futura. Seow introduced the architectural concept of "bungalows in the air", which called for the creation of apartment units that provide the comparable amount of privacy and space found in landed properties.

Golden Mile Complex

Golden Mile Complex is a residential and commercial development, situated between Nicoll Highway and Beach Road. Formerly known as Woh Hup Complex, it was developed as part of the Urban Renewal Department’s goal to redevelop Singapore’s central area in the 1960s. Over the years, it has become a popular location for shops selling Thai products and a gathering place for Thai workers in Singapore.

William Lim

William Lim was an architect, urban theorist and activist. The Singapore citizen was involved in the design of many iconic buildings in the country, including the former Singapore Conference Hall and Trade Union House (now known as the Singapore Conference Hall) and the People’s Park Complex.

explore the buildings

Every building has a story to tell. The more care we put into preserving our cities, the more sense of belonging we create within the community. The National Library and National Archives of Singapore has a large collection of photographs and digitised materials related to the buildings in Singapore. Explore some of them below.

explore the works of our architects

The materials in the Singapore Architecture Collection are mostly donated by our architects or architectural firms and organisations. Below are some of the selected ones.

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Architect

Mok Wei Wei

Mr Mok is Managing Director of W Architects Pte Ltd. Trained under pioneer architect William Lim, he is the person behind many post-1980s projects in Singapore including Paterson Edge, The Oliv, The Loft and the redevelopment of the Singapore History Museum and Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall. (Image Credit: Courtesy of Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore)

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Architect

Sonny Chan

Principal of CYSA Architect, Sonny Chan is a pioneer architect of Singapore. OVer the decades, he has undertaken a wide range of residential, commercial, institutional, recreational and tourism related projects in the region as well as internationally including Hyatt, Sheraton, IHG, Mandarin Oriental, and Hard Rock Café. (Image Credit: Courtesy of DesignSingapore Council)

Tay Kheng Soon
Architect

Tay Kheng Soon

Pioneer graduate of Singapore Polytechnic's architectural school in 1964, Tay Kheng Soon is renowned for his unconventional thinking and bold architectural stances. Starting his career with Malayan Architects Co-partnership, he later founded Akitek Tenggara in 1976 where he undertook tropical-appropriate buildings, such as Kandang Kerbau Hospital and Institute of Technical Education Bishan. (Image Credit: Courtesy of Tay Kheng Soon)

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Organisation

Singapore Institute of Architects

The Singapore Institute of Architects is the sole representative for architectural profession in Singapore. Established in 1963, it has contributed to the growth of the Singapore Architecture Collection by donating a comprehensive collection of architectural materials including its annual reports, yearbooks, journals and publications. (Image Credit: Courtesy of Singapore Institute of Architects)