The founder of homegrown architecture and design studio, FARM, reveals more about his studio, the architectural landscape of Singapore and his favourite spots in town
For the past 10 years, FARM has been transforming Singapore’s landscape through its architecture, design and even art projects, including Lloyd’s inn hotel and residential development – our Punggol. We speak to its uber-talented founder, Selwyn Low, about his studio’s best works, Singapore’s architectural landscape, and his favourite hangouts in the city.
FARM is…
a practice that creates new brand experiences both visually and spatially. We’re currently busy with a few new hotels in Singapore and property developments around the region.
Our latest works include…
the Art Connector, a structure that we created with local artist Grace Tan. It links from City Hall MRT station to the National Gallery Singapore. We also initiated Project Bench – we salvaged timbers from the old National Stadium to be made into public benches. That was especially meaningful to me.
The Farm Store…
really happened by chance. When we hosted Rojak talks (a sharing session for local creatives) in the late 2000s, we met many homegrown designers. Together, we pondered on creating more locally designed objects. Later, we were tasked by the National Museum and Singapore Art Museum to create their inaugural product range, which included now-evergreen local souvenirs such as the tutu kueh (steamed rice flour cakes filled with sugared ground peanuts, or a combination of palm sugar and shredded coconut) erasers, and the Made for Sam line of trinkets. That initiative spurred more shops and designers to create locally design products, and we started The Farm Store to help distribute these creative products.
Singapore’s architectural landscape is…
always evolving with newer, shinier buildings existing side-by-side with old ones. I also love how our streets are lined with trees – the greenery makes me happy!
I admire…
The Interlace, a residential development, and the very old Pearl Bank Apartments. To me, both are innovative attempts at communal housing as they redefine urban living. I’m also drawn to buildings that work harmoniously with the tropical landscape: PARKROYAL at Pickering is a great example.
The best places for local food are…
too many to list! But for a supercharged local food experience, my top spots are Maxwell Food Centre, Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, and Tiong Bahru Market. Nothing beats the multi-sensory experience of eating in a clean hawker centre, and that’s uniquely Singapore.
Besides The Farm Shop…
the Singapore Visitor’s Centre at Orchard Gateway is a great place to grab a good, meaningful memento from Singapore. It has a great selection of items by local designers. Our museums also boast amazing retail spaces too, such as Gallery & Co. at National Gallery Singapore, Supermama at Singapore Art Museum and Museum Label at National Museum of Singapore.
If friends from out of town are here for a visit…
I will plan a shiny-to-gritty tour of Singapore to show how eclectic we are as a city! We’ll hit up Gardens by the Bay to visit the spectacular Flower Dome and marvel at the grandeur of man-made nature, and then contrast the experience with the naturally-aged beauty of Singapore Botanic Gardens (it’s also our first UNESCO World Heritage site). The afternoon will be spent at the museums and cultural sites, including the Singapore Art Museum and ArtScience Museum. The latter is notable for bringing architecture, conservation and art under one big roof. In the evening, we’ll make our way to Geylang for amazing local food and bustling atmosphere. And after dinner, we’ll do a quick zip around Mustafa Shopping Centre, then have supper in the Little India vicinity – people really don’t sleep here!
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