Dr Liu Thai Ker, widely regarded as the architect of modern Singapore’s urban landscape, died after complications from a fall, surrounded by his family. Born in Johor in 1938, he came to Singapore as a child and later pursued architecture and city planning in Australia and the United States, including a master’s degree from Yale University, before returning to Singapore in 1969.
During his 24 years in public service, Dr Liu played a pivotal role in planning about half of Singapore’s public housing and 20 of its 24 HDB towns. He championed self-sufficient, people-centred neighbourhoods designed to foster community, helping transform Singapore from overcrowded slums into a nation where home ownership became the norm.
After retiring from government in 1992, Dr Liu went on to plan cities across Asia and beyond, design major landmarks such as the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, and founded Morrow Architects and Planners at the age of 79. Principled, pragmatic and forward-looking, he believed cities must always be planned with discipline, foresight and, above all, the public good at heart.
