THE DEATH OF AN ARCHITECT

Abstract

Most architectural discourses and criticisms address the question of architecture form, aesthetic, functionality and its contributions to the urban environment. As such, this criticism often perceives the architect as a neutral agent, and assumes that the profession has changed little or remains unchanged since its inception. In fact, many discourses of the architecture profession found in literature remains relatively vague and controlled, as the topic of architectural profession often falls on the works of a select few architects. Today, the architectural profession has become increasingly complex with its association to global market and trend. With a more knowledgeable and empowered consumers, there is a higher demand and expectation from the architecture profession. Yet, the profession is highly vulnerable to political, economic and social transformations, and these poses challenges and constraints, which inevitably alter the professional climate on how architects and practices operate. Through the process of globalization and capitalism in recent decades, there is a shift of key players and policies in the globalized market. This phenomenon increases the level of competitiveness and pressure on the profession. Unarguably, it seems that the profession has reached its potential capacity of reality, and its relevance as a profession is significantly diminishing. This paper aims to highlight a paradigm shift in the architectural profession relating the contemporary contexts and potent forces that alters the professional climate bringing about the notion of ‘Death’ to the profession. In relation to this, the paper will place its focus in the Singaporean context. By highlighting the development of the architectural profession through the milestones of economic and urban transformations, it will reveal the major concerns and landmarks that eventually drive the profession towards the course of ‘Death’.