The Life Interview With Koh Seow Chuan

The Life Interview with Koh Seow Chuan: Architect with heart

DP Architects' co-founder Koh Seow Chuan believes architecture is not about building showy structures, but creating ones that people can live in and use

DP Architects co-founder Koh Seow Chuan helped to design People's Park Complex and the Esplanade. He is also a well-known art and stamp collector.
Veteran architect Koh Seow Chuan was behind Singapore landmarks such as People’s Park Complex and The Esplanade. ST PHOTO: SONG TAO
Mr Koh Seow Chuan (right) in 1951, at 12 years old, playing the violin with his brothers. A stamp collector, Mr Koh had part of his collection (above) sent to different space stations. Mr Koh in 1956 with his swimming trophies (left), before departin
My Life So Far: Mr Koh Seow Chuan (right) in 1951, at 12 years old, playing the violin with his brothers. PHOTO: COURTESY OF KOH SEOW CHUAN, SONG TAO
Mr Koh Seow Chuan (right) in 1951, at 12 years old, playing the violin with his brothers. A stamp collector, Mr Koh had part of his collection (above) sent to different space stations. Mr Koh in 1956 with his swimming trophies (left), before departin
My Life So Far: A stamp collector, Mr Koh had part of his collection (above) sent to different space stations. PHOTO: COURTESY OF KOH SEOW CHUAN, SONG TAO
Toh Wen Li
Updated
Jul 16, 2018, 06:30 AM
Published
Jul 16, 2018, 05:00 AM
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The iconic People's Park Complex in Eu Tong Sen Street - a high-rise residential block above a retail space with atria and wide corridors simulating the streets of Chinatown - is Singapore's first mixed-use complex.

Built 45 years ago, it is still teeming with life today.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 16, 2018, with the headline The Life Interview with Koh Seow Chuan: Architect with heart. Subscribe

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