The architect behind Singapore’s distinctive public housing system, which accommodates the majority of the country’s 5.9 million residents, has passed away at the age of 87. Liu Thai Ker, a visionary urban planner, played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of modern Singapore, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of Singaporeans.
Liu, who died on Sunday from complications following a fall, was widely revered for his contributions to the nation. Many have paid tribute to him, acknowledging his profound impact on the way Singaporeans live, move, and belong. One user aptly described Singapore as having “lost a giant” – an architect who did not merely build cities, but shaped the very essence of Singaporean identity.
Singapore’s public housing flats, known as “HDBs” (named after the Housing and Development Board that oversees them), have been a cornerstone of the country’s economic and social policies. Unlike public housing in many other places, these flats are heavily subsidised and purchased by citizens. Once acquired, they become an asset of the owner for the next 99 years and can be resold at market rates after a specified period.
This unique system has drawn both praise and criticism. While it has been lauded for ensuring that every Singaporean owns a stake in their country, some argue that the market-driven approach prices out many citizens. Nonetheless, it remains a key policy that Singapore’s leaders see as a way to foster a sense of ownership and belonging among the population.
Born in 1938 in Malaysia, Liu came to Singapore at the age of six. He later studied architecture in Australia and obtained a master’s degree in city planning at Yale University, before working in the New York office of the renowned architect I.M. Pei. In 1969, he returned to Singapore and joined the public service, eventually becoming the chief architect of the HDB, responsible for the country’s public housing development.
During his tenure, Liu oversaw the creation of 20 new towns and the construction of around half a million housing units, transforming Singapore’s landscape from one of overcrowded slums to a modern, well-planned city. He later served as the chief executive and planner of the Urban Redevelopment Authority, dedicating 24 years to public service before establishing his own private firm.
Singapore’s leaders have paid tribute to Liu’s legacy, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledging that the “buildings, homes and public spaces that Singaporeans use every day stand as a quiet testament to his dedication and vision.” President Tharman Shanmugaratnam also praised Liu for helping “make Singapore a liveable city in the tropics.”
As the nation mourns the loss of this visionary architect, his impact on the lives of Singaporeans will continue to be felt for generations to come. Liu’s legacy serves as a testament to the power of urban planning and the ability to shape a nation’s identity through the built environment.
