JCC E-Magazine July 2026

CEO of SHIBAURA HOUSE Mr Ito Masaru giving his presentation. SHIBAURA HOUSE is both a community space and an office building designed by world-renowned architect Sejima Kazuyo.

Mr Nakagawa Daiki, Representative of the Japan-Singapore Architectural and Cultural Association (JSinACA) giving a project overview

JCC hosted the “SJ60 Archi-Connect 2026 – Beyond Buildings: Sharping the Way We Live” on 23 June, supported by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). The event featured both Japanese and Singaporean architects reimagining architecture’s role in strengthening society, with each speaker sharing their various projects that tackled dynamic challenges faced by both Japan and Singapore while safeguarding the quality of human life.

JCC Director Ms Kawabe Akiko opened the event, noting how Singapore and Japan have had many interactions in the field of architecture over the past six decades, such as Kengo Kuma & Associates being currently involved in the design of the Singapore Founders’ Memorial. Mr Nakagawa Daiki, Representative of the Japan-Singapore Architectural and Cultural Association (JSinACA), proceeded to give an overview of the programme and introduce each of the speakers: Co-Founders of HÜNE Architects Ms Julia Ka Yee Li, Principal Architect of Hyphen Architects Mr Chaw Chih Wen, Principal Architect of OMG Atelier Ms Lee Hui Lian, and CEO of SHIBAURA HOUSE Mr Ito Masaru.

After each of the speakers shared the philosophy and inspirations behind their urban projects, they came together for a panel talk to further discuss the challenges of designing human-centric architecture amidst an evolving environment. Co-Founders of HÜNE Architects Mr Tamaki Kota also joined the panel talk. The speakers plan to continue their dialogue in Japan on a future occasion, and we hope that the Japan-Singapore exchanges born from this event will spark meaningful collaborations.

Co-Founders of HÜNE Architects Ms Julia Ka Yee Li giving her presentation. HÜNE Architects’ designs derive from the idea of a “Human Nest” – a space where one can truly inhabit and be themselves freely.		Principal Architect of Hyphen Architects Mr Chaw Chih Wen giving his presentation about his project entitled “The Sensible House”, in which one of the considering factors was Singapore’s tropical climate.
Principal Architect of OMG Atelier Ms Lee Hui Lian giving her presentation. Her designs aim to create a warm, multi-generation living environment, and she frequently utilises local materials in her architecture.		The panel talk by Co-Founders of HÜNE Architects Mr Tamaki Kota and Ms Julia Ka Yee Li, Principal Architect of Hyphen Architects Mr Chaw Chih Wen, CEO of SHIBAURA HOUSE Mr Ito Masaru, and Principal Architect of OMG Atelier Ms Lee Hui Lian.
JCC Director Ms Kawabe Akiko delivering her opening remarks

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