Desmond Tan presents scholarship in architectural history
It
has been over 20 years since Desmond Tan put the finishing touches
on his student designs, but last month the Singaporean Bachelor of
Architecture graduate rediscovered the work that inspired his
thriving career and sponsorship of a scholarship to boot.
The inaugural Desmond Tan Scholarship in Architectural History, valued at $1000, is awarded to a Masters level student for research into a topic of architectural history and focuses on the collections of the Louis Laybourne Smith School Architecture Museum, where Tan’s student drawings are stored.
When Tan saw one of his designs featured in a 2006 edition of UniSA News celebrating the School of Architecture centenary, he says he was so touched he felt compelled to make a contribution, and personally attended from Singapore to present the award.
“It was a total surprise. I appreciated the honour immensely, but also felt greatly indebted to the School and wanted a vehicle with which to express my gratitude in return.”
As one of only two students from Singapore on exchange at the time, Tan says his study in Adelaide formed his international, contemporary style as an architect and provided a solid foundation for building his career.
“Australia revealed to me novel vistas in architecture,” Tan said.
“Naturally, when you are exposed to a different country you see unique aspects in the buildings, the people and the culture, and there are also incredibly talented architects here.”
“Adelaide is also a city brimming with new architecture and one that cares about the preservation of existing buildings, which makes you more cognisant as an architect to designs that are suitable for the surroundings and environment.”
Tan has taken this sensitivity to success in his work in urban Singapore, winning innovative design recognition for his high rises projects, residential developments and houses, and a creation (likened to a surf board) recently named as one of the iconic buildings of Singapore.
Among a raft of other high profile works across Asia and the Middle East, Tan liaises with world renowned architects like Japanese Professor Kenzo Tange and New York’s famous I.M. Pei, whom he describes as “the Tom Cruise of architecture”.
Tan’s own company Mirage International, now 12 years old, is going from strength to strength with a recent contract to Singapore Airlines, high-rises in China and a new office opening in Dubai to complement the existing sites in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai.
“We have just completed an SIA Airlines First Class lounge in London’s Heathrow and Tokyo Narita airports and will soon be commencing on a corresponding project for Singapore Airlines’ new Airbus 380,” Tan revealed.
“We are also involved in concurrent work in Dubai; it’s our principal market, so we’re opening a new office and presently engaged in the design and construction of a five-star hotel there.”
Tan admits that as a student he never dreamed he would one day be working on projects of such scale.
“As an architect, when you transform an expanse of barren land into a building with lifts, car parks, restaurants, and consumers bustling to and fro, it’s emotionally rewarding.
“I hope that by supporting the architecture program and students at UniSA, I can encourage undergraduates to give of their utmost and succeed,” he said.
The scholarship will continue in 2009.