Labour of love for the ages

Back in the hands of its original designers, the rejuvenation of this cultural icon spells hope for Singapore's modern architecture

- Chantal Sajan

What began as a labour of love in designing Golden Mile Complex in the early 1970s comes full circle as an architectural love story about how Modernist buildings have a place in the Singaporean heart.

The romance started with how both the public and private sectors worked in concert to save Golden Mile Complex from demolition, giving hope for the conservation of other post-independence landmarks such as People's Park Complex (completed in 1973) and Science Centre Singapore (1977).

In 2021, Golden Mile Complex became the first modern large-scale, strata-titled development to be gazetted for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

And then, a twist in the tale. DP Architects (DPA) which started out in 1967 as Design Partnership and was the original practice behind Woh Hup Complex, later renamed Golden Mile Complex was called upon to breathe new life into the ageing structure, constructed in 1973.

The rejuvenation effort is a complex undertaking because the building is seen as a modern masterpiece.

But DPA will work closely with local architectural conservation specialist Studio Lapis to preserve the building's heritage elements while modernising it for future generations to enjoy.

Mr Koh Seow Chuan, the now-retired co-founder of Design Partnership and DPA, says it was an emotional moment when he received news of the project's homecoming.

"I was overjoyed when I heard the same firm that imagined the building more than 50 years ago had been engaged to reimagine it to continue to uplift the spirits of its occupants and provide inspiration in their lives," he tells The Straits Times.

Design Partnership was founded by three pioneer architects: Mr Koh, Mr Tay Kheng Soon and the late Mr William Lim.

Mr Tay left to start his own design practice, and the firm was renamed DP Architects in 1975, with new partners Gan Eng Oon and Chan Sui Him on board.