Interview: Dsg scholar Mohammed Syafiq

DesignSingapore scholar Mr Mohammed Syafiq Bin Hassan Jubri, 25, is pursuing a MArch Architecture at University College London, Bartlett School of Architecture. Here, he speaks about a passionate project; his touchstones for Singaporean design; and his hopes for design future.

What was the project you were proudest to share with the selection panel of the DesignSingapore Scholarship?

My final-year university project “Manufacturing of/for Urban Idiosyncrasies” (see below). It is a speculation of a 3-D printing facility for cyclists in Sheffield, United Kingdom. The proposal recognises our inherent behaviours and identities in the city, and that the idiosyncratic characteristics of person and place can be empowered in a global, digital world.

When your contemporaries at the Bartlett School of Architecture ask you, what would you say are representatives of Singaporean design?

The Housing Board flats – successful design in mass housing; the Singapore Management University campus master plan – elegant integration with the surrounding institutional buildings, in the heart of the city; the New Majestic Hotel – representative of the renaissance of Singaporean design.

How do you intend to contribute to Singaporean design?

I hope to run my own design practice. It will employ a critical attitude towards technology, architectural/spatial design and society. Its mission would be to create synthesised physical and digital spatial experiences for users. In all, design for the betterment of society.

Last week: We spoke with DesignSingapore scholar Lim Si Ping to find out how she intends to contribute to design in Singapore.