Interview by WJ

Questionaire was provided by Tine's friend who is currently undertaking a serious research on architecture and the answers were from our dear mr WJ ....

1. Tell me the development of architecture.

Started when man first put a roof over their head. And it developed into trying to post rationalise a reason for putting in walls after that.

2. And how would u devise a plan to maintain the momentum of architecture to benefit the community. The feasibility, manageability, and the accessibility of information required.

Just tell them to stay in whatever I have designed. And no complains after that.


3. What is the trend of architecture that shapes Singapore? How has it developed? Progressed? (think the Sg airport or the esplanade, for e.g.)

There is no trend. Only a group of people trying to copy the rest of the world.

4. What are the principles, focus and characteristics of architecture? How do you go about to achieve these objectives under the constraints.

Through a lot of overtimes.

5. What are the biggest constraints in Sg, how do u deal w it.

Low salary. And so I complain

6. Does sg have any iconic buildings? Any Distinctive features?

Didn't the question above mentioned the durian already?

7. Any landmark that's worth preserving? What are they?

Anything that the authorities have not torn down yet.


8. History, trend of architecture?

Refer to question 1

9. How do you strike the balance of aesthetic, practicality, utility and usability?

To really strike balance, I would have to convince the client. If all else fails. Kill him.

10. Land as multi-dimensional. How do you interpret that?

Some parts are for Chinese, some parts are for malays, some parts are for Indians and the rest for...the rest of the people. Because Singapore is multiracial mah.

11. Is there space for beautifying (surrounding, e.g.)? How can that work along with the constraints?

That would be a conflict with question 7.

12. How to make the most efficiency in the usage of land as far as possible?

Just follow your client's brief 100%

13. What are the other aspects of architecture (that I failed to raise)?

Please please. No more questions.

14. How has the current trend evolved? Does tradition play a part as well?

Isn't this question 3?

15. Does feng shui have any relations to the study of architecture?

Yes of course. All architectural offices in Singapore swear by it.

16. Why architecture is worth pursuing? What is the spirit?
It's an intellectual profession. Because there are no rights and no wrongs.

17. Do you think Singaporeans should focus on our architecture? Why so?(reasons)

Yes please. So that I still have a job.