VICTOR CHEW : AN ARCHITECT

Abstract

This elective is an attempt to study the life and works of Victor Chew, a prominent local architect. It endeavours to portray him as the man, the architect and the entrepreneur . His design principles, philosophies and thoughts are revealed and show how they are translated into his works. In order to better appreciate the study, it is necessary to relate him to the background of events at his time. This is done by introducing the reader to a brief history of architecture and its practice in Singapore which briefly traces the conditions and state of affairs in the earlier years. A few of his works are recorded to discover the distinct character in his buildings, its influence on others and the qualities that make him a class above the rest. Finally, it hopes to give an insight into the innovative creations of the man who has, for the past twenty-five years, contributed significantly to architecture here.