Singaporean Urban Design: Where Structure Meets Spirit

This interview features Calvin Chua, founder of Spatial Anatomy in Singapore, discussing how he integrates design, research, and advocacy into challenging global contexts. Chua's work focuses on the hidden forces shaping urban development, such as the unique ownership structures of Singapore's "strata malls" and a replicated North Korean apartment project revealing everyday life realities. He highlights different models of adaptive reuse, from large-capital projects to community-led efforts, emphasizing that successful adaptive reuse requires understanding both the structure and spirit of a building—neither can be neglected. Chua's experience ranges from urban planning training in North Korea to curating Singapore Archifest 2023, showcasing his profound insights into urban development.