Thomas Heatherwick shares design thought leadership at NTU Singapore

What if the buildings around us could make us feel happier, healthier, and more connected? Mr Thomas Heatherwick, an award-winning architect and designer, believes they should. 

With the support of Mapletree’s gift to NTU Singapore, Mr Heatherwick delivered the inaugural Mapletree Annual Sustainability Lecture on NTU’s campus, where he shared his vision for sustainable architecture that fosters community well-being.

Mr Thomas Heatherwick spoke about “Humanising Cities” at the inaugural Mapletree Annual Sustainability Lecture 2024.

His talk titled "Humanising Cities" inspired the audience to envision cities where buildings are not just functional structures, but spaces that emotionally connect with people and foster a sense of belonging. 

From the imaginative redevelopment of Coal Drops Yard in London to the groundbreaking design of Google Bay View Campus’ solar panel roof canopy, his work exemplifies how thoughtful design can transcend mere functionality.

Mr Heatherwick’s design philosophy is based on three principles. The first is emotion as a function, where buildings are designed with the understanding of how people feel in a space. Stirring emotion is crucial to the building's purpose.

“By creating spaces that people love, we not only enhance our lives but also mitigate the waste and carbon emissions associated with demolition and reconstruction,” said the British designer. 

Mr Heatherwick also pays attention to the features of a building that people experience up close, creating spaces that feel engaging.

(From left) Prof Tan Ooi Kiang, NTU Deputy Provost (Education); Ms Ooi Chee Kar, Mapletree Independent Member and Committee Member; Prof Adam Switzer. NTU professor and Director of CIFAL Singapore; Prof Ling San, NTU Deputy President and Provost; Mr Thomas Heatherwick; Mr Edmund Cheung, Mapletree Investments Chairman; Prof Emma Hill, NTU ASE Chair; Mr Craig Miller, Partner & Head of China, Heatherwick Studio; and Mr Wan Kwong Weng, Mapletree Group Chief Corporate Officer.

The talk was followed by a panel discussion titled “Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Building Design in Tropical Asia” led by panellists Mr Heatherwick; Mr Craig Miller, Partner & Head of China, Heatherwick Studio; Dr Pang Chin Hong, Head, Group Sustainability, Mapletree; and Assistant Professor Perrine Hamel from NTU’s Asian School of the Environment (ASE), where they discussed how regulations in urban development should not be seen as deterrent but as an opportunity to be creative with the design process.

The event moderator was NTU Professor and Director of CIFAL Singapore, Professor Adam Switzer.

The lecture series, organised by NTU Asian School of the Environment in partnership with CIFAL Singapore, is part of the Mapletree Sustainability Programme established in 2023 following a S$675,000 gift from Mapletree to NTU. The gift will also award Mapletree Sustainability Scholarship to NTU undergraduates in sustainability-related courses.

NTU students were excited to meet Mr Heatherwick on campus.