Meet Eugene Tan, the DesignSingapore Scholar 2021. He will be pursuing the Master of Architecture at the National University of Singapore, having graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Architecture from the University College London two years ago. And he is not one to shy away from challenges as he has also dabbled in UI/UX as an intern at the Government Technology Agency. Find out what drives him to design for a better world.
1. How would you describe yourself in 50 words?
I am a passionate designer, who believes that good design can change the world. I enjoy learning, and constantly challenge myself to do things differently.
2. Why did you decide to pursue a career in architecture?
Architecture is an interesting field as it draws from various influences, including art, culture, society and technology. While the final design generally adopts the form of a space or building, there are choices made by the designer that were responses towards these factors. These choices then go on to influence the inhabitants living within them.
I find that it is a really meaningful expression of our society.
3. Why did you apply for the DesignSingapore Scholarship?
I found the purpose of the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) to be compelling and in line with my philosophy about design. I find that design should be as collaborative as possible; different people and their experiences often bring new and fresh perspectives that can improve how we do things.
Dsg supports and encourages such interactions between designers of different disciplines; the potential for innovation is endless and I am excited to learn from past and future designers as part of the Dsg Associates Network.
4. What would you say most motivates you to do what you do? Who inspires you?
I am motivated by a desire to tackle the major issues confronting our generation. Issues such as climate change and inequality are pressing and immediate concerns. I am motivated to explore how society and its buildings will respond to these factors.
I find the work of the postmodern architects particularly inspiring. I particularly enjoy the works by Robert Venturi and his wife, Denise Scott Brown, as well as books written by Bernard Tschumi. The post-modern era explores some interesting ideas for what architecture can be.
5. Please share with us an interesting and lesser-known fact about yourself.
I enjoy painting; it was one of my first art mediums that I explored with, and it really taught me the importance of patience and perseverance.
6. What are your goals/plans after you graduate? How might you want to give back to the design sector/community?
After I graduate, I hope to work at a transdisciplinary design practice that constantly pushes the boundaries of design.
As a student who has previously studied in London, I feel that there are many good ideas in education that can be shared here in Singapore. Hopefully I can have opportunities to share my experiences and create new initiatives through lessons I have learnt overseas for the design community in Singapore.
Eugene Tan Wei Jie
DesignSingapore Scholar
Eugene is an architect-in-training, and has graduated from the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, with a Bsc (Hons) in Architecture. He desires to apply what he has learnt overseas to his future projects and initiatives. Also an avid painter who has received several awards and accolades, Eugene will pursue the Master of Architecture at the National University of Singapore next.
