SDE 3

Design Concept

Extending the design concept and vision of SDE 1, the School of Design and Environment building 3 (SDE 3) is envisioned as a flexible, future-focused laboratory for architectural education on the equator, designed to maximize cross-ventilation and deep daylight penetration. At its core, the building features design studios, workshops, maker spaces, and digital facilities, all arranged around a spacious central student commons. A prominent vertical circulation promenade ascends through this social commons, providing access to a series of review spaces that encourage public discourse on architecture. Beginning with an exhibition area, the promenade emphasizes design-making and its public communication as essential components of architectural education, seamlessly connecting the three levels of studios and workshops in one continuous space.

Innovative lecture theaters, a new circular “Barrel Room,” and an expansive indoor-outdoor verandah extend the tropical climate into generous teaching and learning areas, fostering a deeper connection to the surrounding environment.

This innovative renovation highlights the building’s original structural frame from the early 1970s, now enhanced by a newly calibrated “deep veil” envelope suited to the equatorial urban climate. The addition of advanced, high-comfort, low-energy hybrid cooling systems aligns with the project’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Developed through seven years of research and iteration, the design embodies the ethos and intellectual rigor of the Department, its faculty, and students, setting a bold precedent for the future of architectural education at NUS.

Design Awards

American Institute of Architects New York City Chapter, Design Merit Award — Architecture, NY, NY (2025).

Society of Façade Engineering Awards, Project of the Year- Sustainability International (2024) by The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), London, UK.

Society of Façade Engineering Awards, Project of the Year- Refurbishment International Shortlist, UK (2024)

Society of Façade Engineering Awards, Project of the Year- Sustainability International Shortlist, UK (2024)

World Architecture Festival, Shortlist, Inside Education, International (2024)

Singapore Institute of Architects Design Merit Award, Singapore (2023)

“Best of the Best” Design Award, INDE Design Awards, Australia (2021)

1st prize for “The Learning Space” Design Award, INDE Design Awards, Australia (2021)

IWIBI WELLTM Health-Safety Rating, 1st series of buildings in Singapore and 1st in the Educational Sector worldwide, USA (2021)

International Architecture Award by Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies (School and Universities), USA (2021)

Design Merit Award by The American Institute of Architects, New York State (AIANYS) for the Unbuilt category, USA (2020)

Platinum (SLE) Green Mark Award for Buildings for existing Non-Residential Building, Singapore (2019)

Design Team

Erik G. L’Heureux (Ar.) FAIA, Design Lead: Concept, Design and Detail (2015-2023),

and as Vice Dean (Special Projects) (2018-2021)

Bertrand Lasternas, Associate Director, Energy & Technology Services

Giovanni Cossu, Associate Director

with support by:

Amanda Mo, Anirudh Chandar, Astrid Mayadinta, Azizul Izwan B Roslan, Epiphanie Barli Lie, Harsh Vardhan, Iven Peh, Joel Tay, Krista Yeong, Lakshmi Menon, Lee Lip Jiang, Ng Sze Wee, Ong Chan Hao, Reuben Lim, Stephanie Kui, Stephanie Kui Hui Guat, Zeno Lee, Zuliandi Azli

CPG Consultants Pte Ltd, Executive Architects

E2000 Pte Ltd, Civil and Structural Engineers

WSP Consultancy Pte Ltd, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers

Transsolar Energietechnik GmbH, Climate Consultant [Concept Design]

IEN Consultants, Energy Consultant [Schematic Design, Design Development]

CCW Associate Pte Ltd, Acoustics Consultant

Yun Hye Hwang, SDE Special Projects with DP Green, Landscape Designers

SDE Special Projects, Interiors

Lian Soon Construction Pte Ltd, Contractors

Quants Associates, Quantity Surveyors

Administrative Team:

Lam Khee Poh, SDE Dean (2017-2021)

Ho Puay Peng, Head, Department of Architecture (2017-2023)

David Cheong, Former Vice Dean (Special Projects) (2017-2018)

Heng Chye Kiang, Former SDE Dean (2007-2017)

Nirmal Kishnani, Former Vice Dean (Special Projects) (2013-2017)

National University of Singapore, Developer

Office of Estate Development, University Campus Infrastructure, Project Manager

Special Thanks:

Florence Ling (SDE Vice Dean, Finance)

Wong Yunn Chii (HOD, DOA, 2008-2017)

1973 SDE 3 Building

Prototyping and Digital Design Methods

Digital Tools and Models