Frontiers Of Craft

Cubes Archifest

The Singapore Institute of Architects Conference 2019, held during Archifest, saw eight esteemed architects considering the significance of craft

(the theme of Archifest 2019) in their practice. Multiple interpretations of craft pervaded the day’s discussions. “Craft today is about assemblage,” said Chan Soo Kian (SCDA), adding: “It’s more about sourcing in a responsible way and working with like-minded people for research in materials.” David Nelson (Foster + Partners) suggested that craft, while seemingly an individualistic pursuit, is about the ability to make sense of complex components by being receptive. Rodney Eggleston (March Studio) spoke of the use of technology with a ‘crafting’ mindset. And Kevin Mark Low (Small Projects) steered the theme toward the crafting of the content of design, rather than the style.