Singapore’s Urban Planning Pioneer Liu Thai Ker Passes Away at 87

Singapore mourns the loss of its former chief planner, Liu Thai Ker, who passed away on January 18, 2024, at the age of 87. His firm, MORROW Architects & Planners, announced his death, marking the end of an era for urban planning in Singapore. Liu was widely regarded as the “Father of Urban Planning” in Singapore, having a profound impact on the nation’s architectural landscape during his extensive career.

Transformative Contributions to Urban Development

Dr. Liu dedicated 24 years to public service in Singapore. He served as the chief architect and chief executive of the Housing Development Board (HDB) from 1969 to 1989. During this period, he oversaw the development of 20 new towns and more than 500,000 housing units. His vision helped shape the living environment for millions of Singaporeans.

Under his leadership, the HDB planned and designed 23 satellite towns, accommodating a population exceeding 200,000. Following his tenure at HDB, Dr. Liu held the positions of CEO and Chief Planner at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), where he led a significant update of Singapore’s Urban Concept Plan from 1989 to 1992.

In addition to his roles in government, Dr. Liu was the Founding Chairman of the advisory board of the Centre for Liveable Cities, established in 2008. He was also a board member of the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, which focuses on developing government-to-government projects.

A Legacy of Recognition and Vision

Dr. Liu founded his own architectural firm, MORROW Architects & Planners, in December 2017. His contributions to architecture were recognized with numerous awards. In 2018, he received the Graham Mitchel Award from the Australian Institute of Architects. Earlier, in 1993, he was honored with the 2nd ASEAN Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to architecture.

Dr. Liu’s accolades also include The Singapore National Day Award – The Distinguished Service Order, the Singapore Design Council – Golden Jubilee Award, and the Singapore Institute of Planners Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award. His insights on population growth and urban planning sparked significant discussions within Singapore.

In 2013, he challenged the government’s population targets, stating that the world “doesn’t end in 2030” and suggesting that Singapore should plan for a future population of 10 million. He reiterated this perspective in subsequent years, arguing that such population size is essential for the nation’s sustainability and economic growth. At a conference organized by the Institute of Policy Studies in 2022, he emphasized that planning for a larger population is not “really a ridiculous number” for Singapore.

Dr. Liu’s vision and commitment to improving Singapore’s urban environment have left an indelible mark on the city-state. His passing is a significant loss for the field of urban planning and for all those who knew him.