DP Architects paves new frontiers with people-centred schemes

Founded in 1967, a mere two years after Singapore entered a brave new world of independence, DP Architects was in the thick of the country's nation-building and urban development, becoming an important contributor to its public projects. 

For close to 50 years, DP Architects has been vital in the evolution of Singapore's cityscape through the design of major landmarks, starting with the People's Park Complex. The building is Southeast Asia's first mixed-use development recognised as one of the world's most important urban experiments, influenced by the 1960s Metabolist movement. 

At its founding, the humble 18-man firm was driven by a vision to uplift the human experience and spirit. Until today, each project is an ongoing exploration in sustainably and positively shaping the public domain, looking beyond stylistic conventions. Pioneering firsts include Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, the first major arts and civic centre built in 2002 embodying Singapore's rapid transformation into an international cultural metropolis. 

Another site serving as a social anchor and first for Asia is the recently completed multiple-award-winning Singapore Sports Hub. With DP Architects leading the master planning together with Arup and AECOM, the development addresses Singapore's tight urban environment and its aspirations to be a sporting nation. The facility is the world's largest hub ecosystem of its kind - bridging sports, leisure, entertainment and the community, with venues catering to world-class events and everyday participation. 

Evolving alongside Singapore's growth as a global city, DP Architects has helped shape the country's architectural landscape and places for city dwellers to work and play. 

The firm has designed and delivered a remarkable variety of projects diverse in scale and typology. These undertakings include Marina Centre, comprising Marina Square mall, Suntec City and Millenia Walk, which sits on the single largest reclaimed site in downtown Singapore. DP Architects is also behind some 30 retail and hospitality projects along Orchard Road, Singapore's definitive shopping belt, and the groundbreaking integrated resort development Resorts World Sentosa.

"Asian developers are no longer just looking to grow domestically, they are also going global. With our extensive range of planning and design services, DP Architects is the ideal partner for clients looking to expand overseas, which we have started to do with COSL in Singapore," says Chan Sui Him, chairman.