URA spotlights 23 young and emerging architects shaping Singapore’s built environment

- ‘20 under 45’: Fourth Edition exhibition and publication showcase a new generation of architectural talent

- Fourth Edition architects will design recreational amenities for a new waterfront park along Kallang River

1   Twenty-three Singapore-based registered architects have been recognised in the fourth edition of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) ‘20 under 45’ programme. Second Minister for National Development, Ms Indranee Rajah, today launched the programme’s exhibition and publication at the URA Centre, which showcases the personal journeys, aspirations and works of the 23 architects. Together, they highlight the important role that architects play in shaping Singapore’s built environment and reflect what it means to practice architecture today. Minister Indranee also announced an upcoming competition open exclusively to the 23 architects, to design recreational amenities at a new waterfront park along Kallang River. 

2   First launched in 2004, ‘20 under 45’ recognises young emerging Singapore-registered architects for their design excellence, ideas and leadership and the positive impact of their works on the built environment and communities.  Across its three previous editions in 2004, 2010 and 2017, the programme has spotlighted 60 architects, many of whom have gone on to deliver impactful works locally and internationally, strengthening Singapore’s architectural standing. 

Celebrating architectural excellence and resilience 

3   In view of the unprecedented challenges faced by architects during the COVID-19 pandemic, including significant project delays, the fourth edition recognises 23 architects instead of the usual 20, with the age criterion raised to 47. This adjustment ensures that eligible young architects are not disadvantaged by the two-year disruption brought about by the pandemic. The architects were evaluated by a selection panel comprising architecture professionals and academics from the public and private sectors. Refer to Annex A [PDF, 116 KB] [PDF, 116kb] for the list of selection panel members. 
 
4   The 23 architects exemplify architectural excellence through works that reconnect people with nature, sensitively restore heritage buildings, and create diverse and memorable living spaces. Beyond their professional practice, they also contribute to the industry and community as mentors and advocates, nurturing the next generation of architects and designers. Refer to Annex B [PDF, 483 KB] [PDF, 483kb] for the list and profiles of the 23 architects.

Designing memorable public spaces together

5   URA will be launching design competitions for public realm enhancement projects later this year. The first two competitions will focus on recreational facilities, including multi-purpose spaces at a new waterfront park along the Kallang River¹ and a pedestrian mall in the Katong-Joo Chiat area². The competitions will build on URA’s Identity Corridors engagements over the past two years, where the community expressed a desire for more shared spaces in both neighbourhoods and elsewhere along the corridors.

6   For instance, stakeholders along Kallang River, shared aspirations for more community spaces and amenities that make better use of the river’s unique green and blue setting. The design competition for the waterfront park along Kallang River will be open exclusively to architects from the ‘20 under 45’: Fourth Edition, providing an opportunity for them to create a meaningful space for the local community. The winning architect will be appointed to implement the design. 

7   The pedestrian mall at Katong-Joo Chiat area has potential to be a focal point and gathering space for the community, and be designed with amenities like benches, landscaping and infrastructure for events. A design competition will be organised, to solicit the best design ideas that respond sensitively to the local culture and heritage of the area. Details of both competitions will be shared when ready. 

8   The ‘20 under 45’: Fourth Edition exhibition will be held at the URA Centre from 23 January to 31 March 2026, with the accompanying publication available at all major bookstores. A series of public talks will also be held in February and March 2026, providing platforms for the architects to share their work and design philosophies with industry professionals and the wider community. More details of the talks will be released later at https://go.gov.sg/20under45-fourthedition. 

¹ Announced at the launch of the Draft Master Plan 2025 Exhibition on 25 June 2025, URA is developing plans together with the relevant agencies for a new waterfront park along Kallang River, between Serangoon Road and Bendemeer Road near to the former National Aerated Water Factory at Moonstone-Bendemeer. 

² URA is developing the plans for a new pedestrian mall along East Coast Road, from the intersection of Joo Chiat Road, between i12 Katong and Katong V.