Breaking Boundaries, Rethinking Values

Architect Gwen Tan believes her role is about challenging the status quo. It is the first step in conceiving relevant, integrated solutions for today’s complex world across myriad disciplines

Architects are inherently problem solvers. But problems cannot be solved in isolation, especially in today’s multi-faceted world, asserts Gwen Tan of Formwerkz Architects. It needs a more holistic approach that includes challenging briefs, as well as harnessing the buy-ins of various stakeholders and strengths of different disciplines. Tan’s training and exposed worldview let her put on these different lenses in envisaging myriad possibilities.

Twenty years ago, she joined Formwerkz Architects, which was established in 1998. It had remained boutique until five years ago when opportunities to create more impact through large-scale overseas projects arose. The firm swiftly grew to a 150-strong team. As a strategic move, Tan took the reins of the interior design department Studio iF, which focuses on high-end residential and hospitality projects.

FACING PAGE: GWEN TAN IN THE 1,600-SQUARE-FOOT SINGAPORE FLAGSHIP PROPERTY OF ARCC COWORKING OFFICE IN ONE MARINA BOULEVARD. THIS PAGE: A CLEAN AESTHETIC, FLUID ARCHITECTURAL FORMS, WELLINTEGRATED LIGHTING AND BIOPHILIC ELEMENTS EVOKING A SENSE OF WELLNESS IS A RECURRING THEME IN MANY SALES GALLERIES DESIGNED FOR REAL ESTATE GROUP SEEDLAND, INCLUDING THIS ONE IN WUXI.

AT GYMTONIC, VIBRANT AND CHEERFUL GRAPHICS CREATE AN UPLIFTING AND ENERGISING ENVIRONMENT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, WHILE WALLS CURVED AROUND INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE STATIONS PROVIDES SOME PRIVACY.

LEFT: IN THIS APARTMENT IN BOULEVARD VUE, SCULPTURAL PIECES — A B&B ITALIA ALMORA ARMCHAIR AND FAT SOFA POUF, GIORGETTI ROUND COFFEE TABLE AND BOCCI 16 TREE FLOOR LAMP — FROM SPACE FURNITURE CREATES A SOFT AND NUANCED ATMOSPHERE IN THE LIVING ROOM.

RIGHT: A LOUNGE ABOARD THE PRINCESS YACHT DESIGNED TO EXUDE A YOUTHFUL YET LUXURIOUS AESTHETIC WITH B&B ITALIA HUSK CHAIRS FROM SPACE FURNITURE.