At a prestigious Awards Ceremony on 27 November 2007 at the Esplanade Concert Hall, President S R Nathan recognised the achievements of 14 outstanding individuals and projects in Singapore’s design fraternity with the President’s Design Award, Singapore’s highest accolade for excellence in design.

Recognition across all disciplines

Administered by the DesignSingapore Council, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the Award has two categories, namely, Designer of the Year which is awarded to individuals based on body of works and contribution; and Design of the Year, awarded to specific design projects.

This year, awards were presented to professionals and designs across seven disciplines, namely Architecture & Urban Design; Exhibition Design; Fashion Design; Interior Design; Landscape Design; Product & Industrial Design and Visual Communications.

An ovation for the outstanding

Out of the 14 awards given out, three were in the discipline of Architecture & Urban Design. Mr Mok Wei Wei of W Architects Pte Ltd bagged the Designer of the Year award, while WOHA Architects Pte Ltd’s residential development at 1 Moulmein Rise and the Bishan Community Library by LOOK Architects received the jury’s vote for Designs of the Year.

Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, URA’s CEO and chair of the Architecture & Urban Design jury panel said, “This year, we are very pleased to see an increase in the number of submissions in the discipline of Architecture and Urban Design. Apart from the architecture embedded within each project, the jury was also very impressed with the manner in which each work was executed and how each project has contributed to either the urban context or the community in some way.”

Benchmark for design excellence

The Award, which is into its second year, acknowledges the ability of Singapore designers to develop unique products that make a positive impact on the art, design, cultural and urban landscape of Singapore and in the international scene.

By recognising the significant contributions and achievements of design talents in our nation, it also provides a mark of excellence for Singapore designers and students to aspire towards.

While engendering national pride among Singaporeans for outstanding designs and leading designers in Singapore, it in turn nurtures among Singaporeans a greater awareness and interest in quality designs in all areas.

Design of the Year

1 Moulmein Rise
WOHA Architects Pte Ltd

The Jury appreciates how the sophisticated design of 1 Moulmein Rise is resolved holistically, and in relation to its context. For example, it made use of the existing sloping terrain to create swimming pools in tiers. Thoughtful touches to ventilate the interiors using monsoon windows and a well-planned interior layout optimises space usage.

Design of the Year

Bishan Community Library
LOOK Architects

The Bishan Community Library received the jury’s vote for impacting positively on local life and the streetscape. With a modest budget and programme, the library appears to be a simple building, but its delightful details demonstrate a commitment to good design.

The project’s interesting features include its projecting glass boxes on its main façade, the promenade from the entrance to the bookshelves and the provision of semi-public/private spaces for reading.

Designer of the Year

Mr Mok Wei Wei W Architects Pte Ltd

Mr Mok Wei Wei’s body of work is characterised by sensitivity, thoughtfulness, introspection and precise articulation. There is a directness and certainty in the execution of his projects. While his designs may be considered radical, yet they do take into account the context within which his buildings are built.

Through the course of 25 years, Mr Mok has managed to inject his highly regarded practice with a fresh and inspiring identity which will guide the next generation of young architects.

Special Mentions	Apart from the winners, the Architecture & Urban Design jury also recognised four other outstanding projects that have displayed a very high quality of design.
	Gilstead Brooks WOHA Architects Pte Ltd This represents an innovative approach for residential developments in dealing with small sites. It has managed to create intimate villagescale spaces and provide both a sense of privacy and community.		The National Library T.R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn Bhd Arkitek with DP Architects Pte Ltd This building, as a piece of design, is a heroic response to a programme which has increased in complexity during its implementation.
	One George Street DCA Architects Pte Ltd with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP The project is an exemplar of commercial architecture that is well detailed and well executed. It is a highly sophisticated building that makes a major contribution to the public realm.
		Singapore High Commission in New Delhi SCDA Architects Pte Ltd The designs of this project is elegantly conceived and a striking addition to its site, representing the qualities that distinguish Singapore and our architecture and urban design.