Guest lecture by the distinguished Singaporean architect Frven Lim on October 24. Frven presented some of his recent work in Singapore, and reviewed current student projects. In a sort of crash-course on Singaporean urbanism. Frven introduced us to the architectural implications of the equatorial climate, as well as crucial planning and juridical constraints on urban space.
Frven Lim is a Singapore registered Architect who is currently the Director in charge of DPA’s UK office. DPA is a 50 year old Singapore architectural practice ranked 12th largest globally in 2016. It has 15 offices worldwide.
Prior to his current appointment, Frven practised in the office of Adjaye Associates, and was managing a number of its London office’s projects,including 70-73 Piccadilly (a £600M project opposite the Ritz Hotel in central London), St James Heritage Quarter masterplan (Liverpool) and Pediatric Cancer Hospital (Rwanda).
Before relocating to London in 2015, Frven worked for 17 years in Singapore at HDB until 2003 and subsequently at Surbana (now renamed as SurbanaJurong). In his final five years there, he led and managed both the design and practice realms. He advocates the concept of “Design Enterprise” throughout his career, and believes strongly in the practice of architecture as a design-driven business.
Frven’s achievements include the AUDE “20 under 45” in 2010 as well as several design publications including the widely circulated “Housing People”. In 2014, the fourth book titled “Project 2050” was launched and presented at the World Architecture Festival. He is also the author of an essay published alongside the Singapore Design Council’s exhibition titled “1000+ Singapores” held at Paris’ city hall during the summer of 2015.
He was accorded distinction for his Masters degree in Landscape Urbanism, and a graduate Diploma from the Architectural Association School of Architecture, and was awarded a first-class Honors degree from the University of Manchester.