Encouraging healthier lifestyles through the power of architecture: Tai Lee Siang
Kaya speaks to individuals who are leading the charge in arts, heritage, community and youth sectors, and sports sectors. We speak with Professor Tai Lee Siang, a member of the SportSG Major Projects committee with more than thirty years of experience in the architecture industry.
- 13 Jun 2023
Across his thirty years as an architect, Lee Siang was involved with SportSG on notable projects such as the Canberra Integrated Hub and Kallang Alive Project. Photo credit: Lee Siang
Veteran architect and Former President of the Singapore Institute of Architects, Professor Tai Lee Siang is no stranger when it comes to giving back to society.
This belief led him to accept the invitation to be a part of the SportSG Major Projects Committee. “When I was invited to join, I was impressed by the diversity of projects and their direct impact on the health and well-being of our citizens”, he shared. The committee is involved in the planning and development of innovative sports facilities. This is where his experience in urban planning, design, construction and operations comes in handy.
As a member of the committee, his role involves reviewing and critiquing the design and the project’s “X-factor” — aspects that make it unique and inspiring. In particular, he ensures that the design transcends superficial, eye-catching aesthetics, by keeping the practical usage and human experience of the precinct in mind.
It’s a unique project, as Lee Siang notes that there are not many precincts that have been intentionally designed for both health and sports. “This will change the way sports is integrated into cities,” he commented.
This belief led him to accept the invitation to be a part of the SportSG Major Projects Committee. “When I was invited to join, I was impressed by the diversity of projects and their direct impact on the health and well-being of our citizens”, he shared. The committee is involved in the planning and development of innovative sports facilities. This is where his experience in urban planning, design, construction and operations comes in handy.
Architecture as a driving force
Of the many projects that Lee Siang is involved in, the upcoming Kallang Alive Project remains an exciting one.As a member of the committee, his role involves reviewing and critiquing the design and the project’s “X-factor” — aspects that make it unique and inspiring. In particular, he ensures that the design transcends superficial, eye-catching aesthetics, by keeping the practical usage and human experience of the precinct in mind.
It’s a unique project, as Lee Siang notes that there are not many precincts that have been intentionally designed for both health and sports. “This will change the way sports is integrated into cities,” he commented.
Illustration of the Kallang Alive Project, where Lee Siang is currently in charge of reviewing the design scope and ensuring that the site balances aesthetics and functionality.
Another project that makes Lee Siang’s eyes light up with excitement is the Canberra Integrated Hub.
Here, he was interested to contribute towards the integration of a sports complex into a nature and heritage park — marking the first time this has ever been done in Singapore.
Here, he was interested to contribute towards the integration of a sports complex into a nature and heritage park — marking the first time this has ever been done in Singapore.
Image of Bukit Canberra, the integrated sports complex that combines numerous sports facilities with the greenery of the great outdoors. Photo credit: SportSG
With the sports complex boasting a major, environmentally-friendly green roof, he notes in awe that the “level of integration is unprecedented.” “This project set a new trend in urban planning of a myriad of public services and facilities,” he enthused. Today, the Canberra Integrated Hub and its many sports facilities allow residents to get their daily dose of greenery while keeping fit.
Encouraging healthier lifestyles through architecture
Being involved with discussions around integrating sports facilities into HDB estates was also particularly meaningful for Lee Siang, as such projects directly impact the health and well-being of Singaporeans.With my involvement with SportSG, I’ve learnt to appreciate their mission and influence on the lives of ordinary citizens. Whenever I walk through HDB towns, I can see how sports play an important role in the health of a nation.
Sports and keeping active remain close to Lee Siang’s heart. Even as he approaches the big 60, he continues to jog everyday. He's also an avid fan of Singapore’s sports scene, and closely follows our football, badminton and table tennis teams.
Dedicated to keeping fit, Lee Siang jogs everyday. Photo credit: Lee Siang
“Singapore is blessed with good infrastructural development including sports facilities. Today, you can find sports infrastructure in every neighbourhood,” he adds, noting that this can inspire Singaporeans to adopt healthier and more active lifestyles. More stories of our heroes in the community and all-round awesome Singaporeans:
• On faith, racial harmony and X-men: Nazhath Faheema
•Access to art is a right, not a privilege: Chong Siak Ching
• On whether happiness is a science: Sherman Ho
• Finding the Singaporean identity through art: Banupriya Ponnarasu
• From established accountant to social services veteran: Dr Gerard Ee
• Dare to dream: Loh Kean Yew
• Sparking Singaporean conversations: Divian Nair
•Access to art is a right, not a privilege: Chong Siak Ching
• On whether happiness is a science: Sherman Ho
• Finding the Singaporean identity through art: Banupriya Ponnarasu
• From established accountant to social services veteran: Dr Gerard Ee
• Dare to dream: Loh Kean Yew
• Sparking Singaporean conversations: Divian Nair
