On 28 June 2022, two members of the Micro Builders Association, Singapore (MBAS) hosted 43 Diploma in Architecture students from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) at two bungalows under construction.
This is the second initiative by The Circle for Human Sustainability’s Ecological Design and Construction Working Group, in collaboration with NYP and MBAS, to continue creating awareness and establishing craftsmanship and tradesmanship skills in Singapore. Tutors and students now begin to understand & support our endeavour to break down the separation between PMET and workers, to bring about designers who can construct and builders who can design.
The students and also tutors were able to interact with builders and see that construction work is interesting, challenging and meaningful; plus it often pays well once expertise and skills are attained. Many of the skilled craftsmen have been happily working in their companies for over 15 years! Students were also asked to consider sustainable materials and efficient/low-waste construction methods which are important in our journey towards low-consumption lifestyles, and low-wastage and low-energy construction methods.
For the majority of the students, this was their first time visiting a construction site and it was an eye-opening experience for them. It was also a rare opportunity, given the COVID-19 restrictions over the past two years. Many of them participated actively when guided by these builders who demonstrate pride in their work.
Specials thanks go to Mr Ian Teo, Mr Nelson Tee and the Secretariat of MBAS for their commitment to this initiative, and to Mr Michael Tan, Mr David Tanadi, lecturers and tutors from NYP for guiding, managing and organising the students, and last but not least Mr Nelson Tee (again), Mr Tee Wei Kang and Mr Lim Yu Teck for offering their sites, hosting and organizing the logistics, providing safety helmets, etc.
Stay tuned for more TCHS initiatives to link architects & engineers (both students and current practitioners) with builders, to move towards a more holistic approach to design and construction.
See photos of the event here.
Written by Ar. Kuan Chee Yung
on behalf of the
Ecological Design and Construction Working Group
Ar. Catherine Loke (coordinator), Ar. Ho Sock Yee & Ar. Kuan Chee Yung
