| Date | 2025-05-30 |
| Event start | 15:00 PM |
| Duration | 2 hrs ( from 3:00pm to 5:00pm ) |
| Venue | Online Zoom |
| CPD | 3 points |
| Contact | 2 |
Synopsis
The topic delves into the various design approaches, strategies and overriding ideas, to make conserved building relevant for today’s society, as well as for the medium term future. We will learn the social and cultural considerations that inform the spatial formulation for both community and commercial activities.
Heritage conservation is more than just preserving buildings—it is about safeguarding the social fabric that gives communities their identity, continuity, and resilience. In Singapore, where rapid urban development often intersects with historical preservation, the role of conservation in sustaining cultural memory and social cohesion becomes a vital CSR initiative. This talk explores how architectural conservation can serve as a vehicle for social responsibility, bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss how built heritage contributes to community well-being, cultural identity, and sustainable urban development. Through case studies and discussions, this series aims to redefine conservation as not just an architectural endeavor but a social commitment that fosters inclusivity, belonging, and a sense of place in Singapore’s evolving urban landscape.
Speakers
Calvin Chua
Calvin is the founder of Spatial Anatomy, a research-oriented practice that responses to the complex processes of urban adaptation and transformation. Through an ethnographic lens, the firm has developed built works, masterplans, strategic consultancy, publications, exhibitions and activations in Singapore and the region. In parallel, Calvin is an educator at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, leading urbanism studios and was previously a visiting professor at the Korea National University of Arts. Calvin has exhibited internationally, featured on various news media and recognised for his unique approach towards design practice and social causes.
Chen Yi Chun
An experienced engineer with over two decades of dedicated experience in Singapore's built environment, Chen Yi Chun, has carved a niche expertise in the vital field of conservation projects. Her career is underpinned by a strong academic foundation, holding a Bachelor's degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and a Master of Science in Project Management from the National University of Singapore (NUS). Furthermore, Ms. Chen is a Level 1 Certified Infrared Thermographer, adding a valuable diagnostic capability to her skillset.
Immediately upon graduation, Ms. Chen embarked on her impactful journey in the built environment, uniquely specializing in the intricate and demanding realm of conservation projects. Her inaugural foray into this significant area was her involvement in the Singapore History Museum project. This foundational experience ignited a passion and developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and rewards of preserving and revitalizing Singapore's rich architectural heritage.
Following her pivotal work on the Singapore History Museum, Ms. Chen has since contributed her expertise to numerous other conservation projects across Singapore. Her dedication to these endeavors highlights her commitment to safeguarding the nation's historical and cultural identity through meticulous engineering and project management.
Her training and certification as a Level 1 Infrared Thermographer demonstrate her proactive approach to incorporating advanced diagnostic techniques into her conservation work. This skill enables Ms. Chen to conduct thorough building condition assessments, providing valuable insights for effective conservation and restoration strategies.
Her recent achievement includes her instrumental role in the Saint Joseph’s Church project, which was honored with the URA Heritage Award 2024. This prestigious recognition underscores Ms. Chen's exceptional skills, her ability to navigate the complexities of conservation while adhering to modern engineering standards and project management best practices, and now, her capacity to utilize advanced diagnostic tools like infrared thermography. Her passion for preserving heritage, combined with her professional acumen and technical expertise, continues to contribute significantly to the preservation of Singapore's unique architectural legacy.
Kelvin Ang
Mr Kelvin Ang has over two decades of experience in architecture and conservation at the URA. URA is Singapore’s national planning, land use and building conservation authority. He has led a multidisciplinary team to deliver several conservation projects including the gazette of over 700 buildings since 2003. His portfolio includes public education and partnership programmes, overseeing Place Management efforts and enforcement work.
Schedule
| 2:45pm | Admit Participants |
| 3:00pm | Welcome Remarks by Ar. Joe Fu, SIA-CSR |
| 3:15pm | Presentation by Calvin Chua |
| 3:45pm | Presentation by Chen Yi Chua |
| 4:15pm | Presentation by Kelvin Ang |
| 4:45pm | Q&A |
| 5:00pm | End of Seminar |
Terms & Conditions
- Fees paid are non-refundable under all circumstances.
- Ticket is non-transferable under all circumstances.
- Group registration will be subjected to group admin fee of $1 per ticket per transaction.
- Replacement/Cancellation of participant will not be allowed under group registration.