On 6 & 7 February 2023, TCHS once again collaborated with the Micro Builders Association, Singapore (MBAS) to host around 80 students of Interior Architecture & Design from Temasek Polytechnic (TP) at two bungalows under construction, as we continue our endeavour to bring about a new generation of designers who can construct and builders who can design.
Students were shown different materials and how they are put together or structurally supported, waterproofing of wet areas, and how building services are coordinated within tight ceiling spaces. Students were also asked to consider where materials come from and how to design for less wastage. Understanding the physical realm is fundamental to 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.
“This site visit was definitely an eye-opening experience, it is able to help me understand what I would enjoy doing in this line of work. And it is definitely more interesting to get to see the things that you have learnt in school being applied right on site.“
Brian Lim Yan
“It was a fun and interesting experience seeing how the buildings looked like raw, before any finishes/beauty are added. It was also an eye-opening experience seeing how much effort it takes for a 4-storey building to be constructed and erected from the ground.“
Tham Wai Hoe
“It was super exciting to be able to observe and analyse the materials, and witness every stage of the building process. Insights given by our facilitator were truly eye-opening. We were even fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to ask questions and get them answered on the spot by the experienced workers showing us around.“
Mahirah Firzanah Binte Sulaiman
Specials thanks go to Mr Ian Teo, Mr Nelson Tee, Mr Winston Ang and the Secretariat of MBAS for their enthusiastic support, and to Mr Hong Weiming, Mr Juniarto Hadiatmadja, Mr Kelvin Tan and Mr Varit Charoenveingvechkit from TP for managing and organizing the students, and last but not least Mr Leslie Tan, Ms Winnie Sombrito Cruz, Mr Zaw Min Naing, Mr Winston Ang and Mr Thein Po and workers for hosting, taking care of safety, and, especially, inspiring the students to see the importance of construction skills.
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. Catherine Loke
on behalf of the
Ecological Design and Construction Working Group
Ar. Catherine Loke (coordinator), Ar. Ho Sock Yee & Ar. Kuan Chee Yung
