Singapore is mourning the loss of Dr. Liu Thai Ker, the master architect behind the nation’s transformative public housing system, who passed away at age 87 on Sunday due to complications from a fall. The visionary urban planner, widely celebrated as the principal designer of modern Singapore’s landscape, leaves behind a physical and social legacy that houses approximately 80% of the country’s 5.9 million residents.
Liu’s innovative approach to urban development through Singapore’s Housing and Development Board (HDB) fundamentally reshaped the nation’s identity. His distinctive housing blocks, now iconic features of Singapore’s skyline, replaced overcrowded slums with meticulously planned townships that blended functionality with community living. During his tenure as HDB’s chief architect, Liu spearheaded the creation of 20 new towns and approximately 500,000 housing units, effectively engineering one of the world’s most successful public housing models.
The Singaporean system distinguished itself globally through its unique ownership model. Unlike traditional public housing, HDB flats are heavily subsidized but purchased by citizens, becoming personal assets with 99-year leases that can be resold on the open market after a minimum occupancy period. This system has become a cornerstone of Singapore’s wealth creation and social stability, though it has faced criticism for its partial market-driven approach that some argue prices out lower-income citizens.
Born in Malaysia in 1938, Liu moved to Singapore at age six and later pursued architecture studies in Australia before earning a master’s degree in city planning from Yale University. He gained professional experience working alongside renowned architect I.M. Pei in New York before returning to Singapore in 1969, where he dedicated 24 years to public service, eventually leading the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
National leaders including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam offered heartfelt tributes, recognizing Liu’s profound impact on Singapore’s development. PM Wong noted that the ‘buildings, homes and public spaces that Singaporeans use every day stand as a quiet testament to his dedication and vision,’ while President Tharman credited Liu with helping ‘make Singapore a liveable city in the tropics.’
Citizens and institutions across Singapore, including Liu’s alma mater Chung Cheng High School, expressed profound gratitude for his contributions, with many noting that he ‘didn’t just build buildings, he built a nation’ through his visionary urban planning that created both physical infrastructure and social cohesion.