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The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Why this architect swapped drawing tools for watercolours
The Springburn-born architect, who was awarded the Royal Gold Medal in Architecture from the Royal Scottish Academy in 2008, is gearing up to stage the largest exhibition of his artwork next month. Entitled Not Black and White, the exhibition will see Mr Dunlop showcase sketches completed during lecturing and teaching trips to Italy and Spain, trips to Lewis and other watercolours that represent the range of his current interests. Also on display will be a collection of fiery watercolours documenting infernos across the globe, including his triptych of the Glasgow School of Art blaze in 2018, which was shortlisted for an international prize. Alan Dunlop's Mack triptych (Image: Alan Dunlop) He told The Herald on Sunday: "I've always drawn and drawing has been part of the fundamental practice for me not only in my working life but also in my teaching. So everywhere I go, if I've been in Spain or to China or to Italy, I've always taken a sketchbook. I find that is much better as far as what you see and recording what you see than taking a photograph, which is just a kind of snap. "In 2023, I wanted to do something which would commemorate the fifth anniversary of the burning down of the Mackintosh Building. I did some sketches the morning after the fire and felt that I could make them a little bit more dramatic and that I could give a better indication of what it was actually like, so I did paintings of it for the first time for the fifth anniversary. "I was taken back by the attention the paintings received. They got shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival and they were exhibited at Sir John Soane's Museum in London and also at the Royal Academy of Arts. So I thought, 'Well let's pursue this a bit further', and rather than simply doing pencil drawings I thought I'd try and do watercolours." He added: "This will be the largest exhibition I've held of my artwork. There will be 16 to 20 watercolours on show. The Art School fire watercolours have gone on display before but the majority of the rest of them have never been seen before. There's a variety of different kinds of watercolours. Read more: "So although I've drawn all my life and I've taken a sketchbook with me everywhere I've been, actually doing watercolours is a brand-new experience for me. And it's one I think which is developing very interestingly. And people seem interested in it. So that's good." As a now fully fledged aficionado of the painting method, Prof Dunlop expresses frustration as to why it took him so long to pick up a brush. He said: "Quite frankly I don't understand why I didn't start doing it 25 years ago. I'm a relatively new watercolourist and as I'm doing it I'm trying to understand the kind of discipline behind it. "Watercolours are not like doing an oil painting or any other similar medium because you can't overpaint with watercolours. Once you've made the decision to do a watercolour, what you put down is what you put down. So there's an element of discipline in planning how you actually construct a watercolour painting. "As an architect, I enjoy that element of it, although it's very different to the work you produce as an architect. My architectural drawings have to be very, very precise. A client has to know what they are getting. So although they were drawings they had to be done very accurately, especially when you are making planning applications and things like that, so the planners could asses accurately what it is your proposing. "Whereas, with a watercolour, you can be a lot more free-hand in how you approach it." 'Gondola repair yard in Venice' by Alan Dunlop (Image: Alan Dunlop) Swapping architectural drawings for watercolours has also allowed Prof Dunlop to do something he has never had the chance to in his 40 years as an architect – embrace colour. He noted: "I've moved from black and white drawings to drawings that are bursting with colour. That's why I called the exhibition 'It's Not Black and White'. Although it can be bloody difficult to find the right colours and the right tone. I have to hand it to the brilliant watercolourists out there. Of all the artistic disciplines I think painting watercolours is the hardest." Read more: As well as being motivated to continue painting watercolours by the reaction he received to his School of Art triptych, Prof Dunlop, who himself studied architecture at the world-leading institution, said he also uses Charles Rennie Mackintosh's watercolours, which were mainly painted in France in the last years of his life, as a source of inspiration. He said: "The people I find inspirational are people like Mackintosh, who went to the south of France and produced some beautiful watercolour paintings. He wasn't just a great architect, he was also a formidable artist. "I've been looking very seriously at how he tackled things and how we worked and not necessarily replicate it but learn from him. That's been a kind of motivating factor too behind what I've been doing in the last couple of years. There's no better a person really whose footsteps to follow in.' 'Not Black and White' runs from September 15 to October 3 at Il Salotto on Bell Street in Glasgow.
Business Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Building neighbourhoods and advancing innovation
IN 1992, a newly incorporated construction company quietly broke ground in Singapore. Its first project, Sentosa's now-defunct Volcano Theme Park, marked the beginning of a long and growing commitment to the citystate. Thirty-three years on, China Construction (South Pacific) Development Co Pte Ltd (CCDC) has firmly established itself as a key player in Singapore's urban story, credited with building 82,691 homes, major national infrastructure, and a reputation for quality, safety and sustainability. Now one of Singapore's leading contractors with the highest Building and Construction Authority (BCA) builder grade (A1) and over 280 industry awards, CCDC's growth has closely tracked Singapore's development. Beyond the numbers, however, the company measures success by the lives and communities shaped by its work. From its early days, CCDC has responded to Singapore's priorities. After its private residential debut in 1994, the company swiftly moved into the public housing space, winning its first HDB project in Bukit Batok that same year. Since then, it has delivered 48,984 HDB flats and 33,707 private homes. Today, one in 20 people here lives in a home built by CCDC. Beyond housing, the company has extended its reach across the built environment, from educational institutions, commercial centres and healthcare facilities to transport infrastructure and even water management. Key milestones include the construction of Republic Polytechnic's Woodlands campus (2003-2006), which featured varied structural designs; the Canberra MRT Station (2015-2019), a technically challenging project that earned multiple safety and design awards; and the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant, its first foray into water infrastructure. The developer's current portfolio includes high-profile, complex projects like Bukit Canberra, an integrated sports and community hub, and CanningHill Piers mixed development, its first large-scale, high-end project. Bukit Canberra, an integrated sports and community hub. Responding to changing aspirations CCDC's steady growth reflects not just Singapore's development needs, but also the evolving aspirations of its people. Singaporeans today are placing greater emphasis on quality of life, sustainability, and smart living, moving beyond traditional goals like material success or homeownership. This shift has created stronger demand for thoughtfully designed technology-enabled spaces that enhance everyday living in a modern urban environment. This is visible in projects such as Oasis Terraces, a lushly vegetated waterfront hub in Punggol that integrates healthcare, retail, residential and transport within a green ecosystem. The development received acclaim locally and abroad, including an award at the World Architecture Festival. CCDC has also been an early adopter of green building standards. It has built more than 70 BCA Green Mark-certified projects since 2006, many of which exceed minimum regulatory requirements. These include green rooftops and innovative natural lighting systems, all designed to minimise environmental impact while improving user comfort. By prioritising and practising Green Mark building standards, CCDC proactively implements environment friendly construction methodologies, materials and systems. Harnessing technology for transformation Key to CCDC's growth has been its push to modernise construction through technology. As early as 2014, it set up a dedicated Building Information Modelling (BIM) team and today deploys over 200 BIM specialists across its projects. The team works on full-scale 2D to 6D models to enable more precise planning and resource management, as it seeks to 'build twice and build wise'. On the prefabrication front, CCDC has led the local adoption of Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA). Its Lake Grande project was Singapore's first reinforced concrete condominium using PPVC, significantly reducing build time and site waste. At Bulim Square, another ongoing project, the company is employing an advanced drilling robot, prefabricated MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) modules, and an integrated digital management platform. At Bulim Square, another ongoing project, the company is employing an advanced drilling robot, prefabricated modules, and an integrated digital management platform. The drilling robot showcased its precision and efficiency, completing complex tasks with minimal human intervention, thus significantly reducing labour costs and project timelines. According to CCDC, these technologies are not just about speed, they support higher build quality, better safety outcomes and reduced carbon emissions. The company is also piloting smart micro-grid systems and battery energy storage technologies, while exploring AI-assisted inspection and construction automation. These initiatives align with Singapore's Smart Nation and Green Plan goals. Investing in people CCDC's belief in building well extends to its people. With over 1,600 employees in Singapore, the company places strong emphasis on local hiring, skills development and workplace inclusion. Today, 94 per cent of its core management team are Singaporeans or permanent residents. To equip its staff with the right qualifications and skills, the company implements a comprehensive annual training plan that includes both internal and external programmes. These initiatives aim to help employees stay current with industry standards and effectively support the increasing demands of CCDC's construction projects. The company also offers dual career tracks for professional and leadership development. CCDC's active emphasis on safety and quality is also supported through dedicated training sessions, interactive site activities, and internal knowledge-sharing platforms like the 'EasyLearn' series. Community at the core Looking beyond the bottom line, CCDC has invested heavily in building communities. This includes social outings for migrant workers, such as a recent Gardens by the Bay trip in partnership with The Salvation Army, and friendly badminton tournaments that encourage camaraderie and inclusion on site. At Riviera MRT station, one of CCDC's ongoing projects, a vibrant community mural now brightens the space, featuring 18 artworks created by young artists from Greendale Primary, Horizon Primary, and the Punggol Shore neighbourhood. The company's commitment to community care extends even after construction is completed. Its Building Service Centres, for instance, handle post-handover support for HDB developments, reflecting its focus on resident satisfaction. In 2024, CCDC received the HDB Excellence Service Award for its work at Tampines GreenCourt and Woodleigh Village. Riviera MRT project. 'Passionate customer service is the cornerstone of our success. We emphasise empathy, active listening, and timely solutions, with the goal of building meaningful connections with residents,' says a CCDC spokesperson. Building ties across borders CCDC's story is also about cross-cultural connection. As a wholly owned subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), CCDC has served as a ground-level bridge between Singapore and China for over three decades. 'We believe that every project is not just a structure, but a bridge between people, ideas, and cultures. Delivering high-quality work, acting responsibly, and building lasting relationships is a meaningful way to support the broader Singapore-China partnership on the ground,' says the company spokesperson. This includes adapting innovations from China for local use and ensuring Singapore standards and culture are integrated into every delivery. The company also works closely with local suppliers and industry partners, promoting local procurement and inclusive business practices. Looking ahead, CCDC's priorities remain aligned with Singapore's national goals over the next decade. The company plans to deepen its role in key sectors such as healthcare, transport and green infrastructure, areas identified in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. 'While we have played an active role in Singapore's residential and public construction landscape, we are now placing greater emphasis on landmark projects, which reflect the country's evolving infrastructure needs,' says the CCDC spokesperson. 'By introducing innovative products from our Group and adapting them to local needs, we aim to provide solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and suited to Singapore's urban vision.'
Business Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
A nation by design
WHEN then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong described Singapore as a 'Nation by Design' in 2018, he captured the belief that progress must be intentional. From public housing to floodplains, the country's development reflects deliberate choices supported by good design. This has helped Singapore build a global reputation for turning constraints into possibilities as it transformed limited land into neighbourhoods of thriving communities through urban planning, and used architecture to manage climate risks. This distinct design-led development also earned the city-state a UNESCO Creative City of Design recognition in 2015. According to Dawn Lim, Executive Director of the DesignSingapore Council (DSG), the same approach remains key as Singapore enters its next chapter. 'In the early days, design was about getting the basics right. We needed to house a nation, build infrastructure, and get people connected to jobs and services. That was foundational design, and it was incredibly effective,' she says. 'Today, we see Care, Sustainability, and Emerging Technologies as key issues where design can make a deep impact on Singapore's future.' Design that builds better lives A striking example of Singapore's pioneering mindset is Pinnacle@Duxton. Designed by local architectural firm ARC Studio Architecture + Urbanism and launched in 2009, it was Singapore's first 50-storey public housing project. With its sky gardens, walkways, and communal decks, it showed that high-density public housing can be both liveable and appealing as it picked up international awards like the World's Best Housing Development at the World Architecture Festival in 2010. Design has likewise reshaped Singapore's spaces for public good. Led by landscape architect and President*s Design Award 2023 Designer of the Year, Leonard Ng, the 53-hectare Jurong Lake Gardens was transformed into an inclusive community garden, restoring biodiversity while enhancing climate resilience in the process. Using a nature-based approach, the park doubles as a floodplain, capturing and slowing stormwater before it reaches the lake. In healthcare, hospices such as Oasis @ Outram demonstrates the critical role of design. Lekker Architects and The Care Lab reimagined palliative care through human-centred design of the space and programmes at Oasis @ Outram which bring healing and dignity to the patients. Design has also changed how government services are delivered to be more intuitive and accessible. Apps like LifeSG put hundreds of services on a single interface, while ServiceSG centres offer in-person assistance for those who prefer a human touch. As Lim points out, these design solutions – whether in physical spaces or online – are not just functional, they reflect empathy and an understanding of everyday needs. 'Singapore is designing not just structures, but experiences. Whether it's how someone navigates a hospital, a hawker centre or a digital service, we're thinking more deeply about the human experience,' she explains. Intergenerational design journey Singapore's story would not be complete without the individuals who have shown what local design can achieve. Take Nathan Yong, an industrial designer trained at the former Baharuddin Vocational Institute, Singapore's first design and applied arts school. His storied career includes being the recipient of both the Red Dot Concept Design Award from 2006 to 2007 and the President*s Design Award for 'Designer of the Year' in 2008. He has created furniture for Ligne Roset, Sancal and Herman Miller through his line Nathan Yong Design and further licensed his designs for exports – proving that local design can be commercially successfully. 'I never approached design with the idea of 'local' or 'international'. Human needs are quite universal. If you want your designs to have a future, they need to be relevant globally,' says Yong. Today, the designer is paying it forward as a Programme Leader at LASALLE College of the Arts, where he mentors and nurtures the next generation of designers in Singapore. Other homegrown studios such as STUCK Design, co-founded by a DSG scholar Yong Jieyu, Lee Tze Ming and Donn Koh, are blazing a trail with their standout designs as seen in the award-winning AIR+ Smart Mask, cult-favourite Morning Coffee machine, and its latest AI-powered creativity tool, Hypersketch. 'Keeping the human element at the centre isn't just a design principle for us – it's the reason we design in the first place. STUCK's shift from design consultancy to developing tools like Hypersketch has been about rethinking how creativity can be sparked and shared more widely. It is something that could empower anyone to access and grow their creative potential,' says STUCK's Koh. 'In our journey, DesignSingapore Council has been a vital partner. The Council nudged us to think bigger. Much of what we've dared to pursue – and the scale at which we now think – is rooted in the confidence and stretch that came from working with them.' The global stage Globally, Singapore is positioning itself as a hub for bold design solutions for the world, through platforms like the Singapore Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, World Expo, and the yearly showcase of Singaporean designers at Milan Design Week. This forward-thinking approach carries significant long-term economic implications. As countries worldwide grapple with complex challenges in an ageing population, healthcare, public services, and sustainability, Singapore is uniquely positioned to offer answers to global challenges in areas such as healthcare, sustainability, and urban living. In the latest Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION at Milan Design Week this year, design stalwart FARM tied up with Changi General Hospital and technology firm Vouse to present a digital twin of an emergency department, which demonstrates design technology at work in healthcare. The event also highlighted emerging talents: Nazurah Rohayat presented an AI-powered textile work blending tradition with technology while E Ian Siew displayed Auxobrace, a James Dyson Award-winning sternal rehabilitation device. Equipping talent for the future This momentum reflects a deeper national movement: integrating design thinking into education to cultivate future-ready innovators and promoting design literacy in the community. To help groom a pipeline of design talent, DSG has been running workshops for students aged 7 years onwards through its Learning by Design initiative which is open to schools. In addition, it has worked closely with the Design Education Advisory Committee to prepare the next generation for a future where design and technology must go hand in hand. Education institutions are already at the forefront of this development. The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is investing $50 million to integrate AI into its curriculum; its first cohort of Design and AI graduates has entered the workforce. Meanwhile, Temasek Polytechnic's Design School has launched a generative AI lab to give students a hands-on experience with AI tools. It's not just the schools which are adapting. Local SMEs like LionsBot are proving that design-led innovation is a competitive edge. The robotics company clinched top honours at this year's The Business Times and SUTD Design, AI and Tech Awards for its fleet of AI-powered cleaning robots which are designed to be accessible to the elderly and less tech savvy, according to the company's head of design Tan Wei Hua. The big picture Design has long been integral to Singapore's nation-building story. Looking ahead, Singapore must not only continue to cultivate great designers, it will require a society that thinks and problem-solves like one. The collective mindset must also evolve for Singapore design to gain greater appreciation and depth. 'The idea of 'Singapore design' is reliable, functional, well-engineered, but less often seen as soulful or distinct. That's changing slowly. When we start valuing and supporting those things more intentionally, Singapore design can evolve beyond being well made into being deeply felt,' shares Yong. Summing up, Lim says: 'If design helped build this nation, it will shape what we become next – an even more caring, inclusive and thoughtful society.' Snapshots of Singapore's design journey 1. Designing the ultimate gateway Jewel Changi Airport is a biophilic feat that redefined the airport experience. PHOTO: TIM HURSELY From its functional beginnings in the 1980s, Changi Airport has grown into a global benchmark for airport experience. Jewel Changi Airport introduced a new level of design-led placemaking, while the upcoming Terminal 5 is envisioned as a 'vibrant microcity that is distinctly Singaporean – lush, layered, and deeply human,' according to Trent Tesch, head designer for the project at Kohn Pedersen Fox. 2. The Baharuddin education legacy The former Baharuddin Vocational Institute helped train generations of Singapore designers, including Nathan Yong and Low Cheaw Hwei. Low, a design leader in the corporate world, chaired the Design Education Advisory Committee, a national platform for design education thought and practice leadership launched by DSG in 2020. 3. Sustainability, every day, every way Singapore incorporates sustainable design extensively from biophilic buildings and self-cooling architecture to a city-wide network of lush park connectors. These everyday features make green living a part of the daily landscape. 4. Public housing on the global stage Going from basic pre- and post-war flats under the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) to award-winning estates like Bidadari shows how design has elevated public housing. In fact, Bidadari won the prestigious World Gold award at the 2024 FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards. 5. Building a 'Blue Zone 2.0' Jurong Lake Gardens is among Singapore's many parks promoting active lifestyles, contributing to a Blue Zone 2.0. PHOTO: HENNING LARSEN Design is a key tool in Singapore's approach to health and longevity. With ample green spaces and accessible healthcare, the city is recognised as a 'Blue Zone 2.0' which promotes well-being by design.
Observer
20-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
MoHUP's urban vision wins Global Smart City Award
MUSCAT: In a major international achievement, the Greater Muscat Structure Plan has won the WAFX Award 2025 in the Smart Cities category and has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Comprehensive Urban Planning category at the upcoming World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Miami, scheduled for November 12–14, 2025. Developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the plan reflects Oman's bold efforts to shape a sustainable, inclusive and technologically advanced future for its capital — aligning closely with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. The WAFX Awards, introduced on the 10th anniversary of WAF, celebrate future-facing projects that offer practical solutions to global challenges including climate change, digital transformation, urban equity, and smart development. The Greater Muscat Structure Plan's win underscores Oman's rising prominence on the world stage in strategic urbanism. The plan now competes with innovative entries from nations like China, the US, the UK, Brazil, Canada, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, a testament to the maturity of Oman's urban planning and its ability to blend cultural authenticity with global innovation. 'This award marks a key milestone in our journey to create a future-ready Muscat that respects its heritage while embracing modern urban values,' said Eng Yaqoub bin Amer al Harthy, Project Director. The plan is a testament to Oman's ability to blend cultural authenticity with global innovation 'It's not just a regulatory plan - it's a strategic blueprint that tackles core challenges like mobility, sustainability, livability, economic growth and community safety. The recognition is the result of extensive collaboration across public, private and civil sectors.' Monika Beck, Urban Planning Adviser to the Minister, highlighted the strategic and technological depth of the project 'This isn't just about innovative design - it's about crafting solutions for global issues like climate change and urban health. By embedding the plan into a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework, we ensured deep coordination across transport, sustainability, economic diversification and public services. This multidisciplinary approach is what made the plan stand out.' The plan is guided by five strategic pillars mainly: Green Muscat: Enhancing urban livability by preserving natural assets like wadis and water systems. Connected Muscat: Reducing car dependency through a smart, integrated transport network. Productive Muscat: Fostering innovation and knowledge-based industries, Vibrant Muscat: Promoting livable neighbourhoods and strong social cohesion and Safe and resilient Muscat: Designing for climate resilience and public safety. This international recognition positions Oman at the forefront of smart urban development in the region. It signals a transformative shift in urban planning - anchored in local identity, but responsive to global change. As Oman prepares to present its vision at WAF in Miami, the Greater Muscat Structure Plan is set to inspire a global audience with its people-centred, sustainable and forward-thinking approach - proving that smart cities are not just about digital innovation, but about building inclusive, resilient and culturally rooted futures.
Observer
13-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Muscat Structure Plan competes for global urbanism award
MUSCAT, JULY 13 The Muscat Structure Plan – a blueprint for enhanced governance, future growth, and resilient development of sustainable neighbourhoods across the capital region of the Sultanate of Oman – has been shortlisted among landmark international developments vying for honours at the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF), set to take place in Miami, USA, later this year. The annual World Architecture Festival is the world's largest awards programme and conference dedicated to celebrating excellence in global architecture and urbanism. The 2025 edition, scheduled from November 12–14, marks the first time the event will be hosted in the United States. In an announcement, Broadway Malyan – the UK-based global architecture, urbanism and design practice – revealed that the Muscat Structure Plan is a frontrunner for one of the top accolades. 'We're excited to share that the Muscat Structure Plan is a finalist in the World Architecture Festival's Future Projects – Masterplanning category for the 2025 awards,' the firm noted. The Greater Muscat Structure Plan focuses on compact, connected development by increasing population densities in better-linked areas, aiming to curb urban sprawl. It promotes the creation of well-defined, serviced urban districts with a clear purpose, identity, and strong connection to their surroundings. To underpin economic resilience, the plan proposes the creation of 19 employment clusters, supporting Muscat's projected growth to 890,000 jobs by 2040, while driving a shift to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy. Recognising Muscat's pivotal role in delivering Oman Vision 2040, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning commissioned a technical team led by Broadway Malyan to develop the Greater Muscat Structure Plan — a strategic framework for sustainable growth and urban governance, aligned with the Sultanate's 2050 net-zero emissions target. A key feature of the Plan is the introduction of over 54 km of mass transit lines, enabling higher-density, mixed-use development on underutilised government land. The transit network is designed to bring one-third of Muscat's population within a 20-minute walk of a station or feeder stop, supporting a shift toward low-carbon, accessible urban living. Additionally, the Plan seeks to leverage Muscat's natural and heritage assets — including its dramatic coastline and historic identity — to position the capital as a compelling destination for tourism, investment, and regional talent. The city's 12 wadi systems, which connect the mountains to the coast, form the backbone of a proposed open-space network, reinforcing Muscat's transformation into a lush, green urban oasis amidst its arid surroundings.
