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Architect behind Singapore's public housing dies at 87
Liu Thai Ker, the urban planner who shaped Singapore's distinctive public housing landscape, has died following complications from a fall. He was 87.
Life and legacy
Liu passed away on Sunday, according to local reports citing his son. Tributes have flooded in, with many hailing him as a visionary who transformed how Singaporeans live. One social media user called his death a loss of "a giant," noting that Liu "did not merely build cities, but shaped the very way Singaporeans live, move and belong."
The HDB system: A unique model
Singapore's public housing flats, known as HDBs after the Housing and Development Board, house most of the country's 5.9 million residents. Unlike public housing elsewhere, these flats are heavily subsidized but purchased by citizens, becoming a 99-year asset that can later be resold at market rates.
While critics argue the system prices out some Singaporeans, it remains a cornerstone of national policy, ensuring widespread homeownership. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called the buildings and public spaces Liu designed "a quiet testament to his dedication and vision."
From slums to skyscrapers
Born in Malaysia in 1938, Liu moved to Singapore at age six. He studied architecture in Australia and earned a master's in city planning from Yale University before working in the New York office of renowned architect I.M. Pei.
Returning to Singapore in 1969, he joined the HDB as chief architect during a critical period. At the time, many Singaporeans lived in overcrowded slums, and the government was pushing a rapid shift to public housing. Under his leadership, the HDB developed 20 new towns and roughly half a million housing units.
A career of public service
Liu later became chief executive and planner of Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority, serving 24 years in public service before founding his own firm. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam credited him with helping "make Singapore a liveable city in the tropics."
"He didn't just build buildings, he built a nation."
Social media tribute
Tributes from across Singapore
Local media and institutions, including Liu's alma mater Chung Cheng High School (Yishun), honored his contributions. Many referred to him as the "father of urban planning" and the architect of modern Singapore.
