Timothy Seow, pioneer S'porean architect who made NTU ADM building possible, dies at age 81

Many of his designs are still standing.

Zhangxin Zheng | September 07, 2019, 05:53 PM

Pioneer Singaporean architect Timothy Seow has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 81.

He passed away on Sep. 4, 2019.

Seow leaves behind his wife, five children, and nine grandchildren.

One of S'pore architectural luminaries

For those who are not familiar with Seow, you will most likely have seen some of his masterpieces in Singapore, although some buildings have since been demolished.

Here are some of Seow's works:

1. The Futura

Photo from State of Building.

The Futura was Singapore's second condominium with the concept of "bungalows in the air" that Timothy Seow & Partners was known for.

The model of incorporating gardens and swimming pools on a high-rise building have since been replicated widely.

The Futura was completed in 1976 and was sold enbloc in 2006.

It was demolished in 2012.

2. Landmark Tower at Chin Swee Road

Photo from Eddy Anjasmara‎ via Facebook.
Landmark tower was completed in 1985 and was sold en bloc in 2018.

3. Telephone House Complex, Hill Street

Photo from Google Maps.

Photo from Google Maps.

4. Horizon Towers

5. Claymore

Photo from IDS Studio.

6. Draycott Tower

The iconic circular apartment near Orchard Road was said to bring the "bungalow in the air" concept to a new level.

Photo from IDS Studio.

5. NTU's School of Art, Design & Media building

Seow was also involved in the execution of the iconic Nanyang Technological University's ADM Building, which was designed by one Lee Cheng Wee.

Completed in July 2006, the four-storey building is known for its lush foliage at the rooftop, which serves as a communal space while keeping the building cool during the day.

The building also has a reflective pond in the central courtyard.

Photo from ADM's Facebook.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDevPHBQKAK/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1_cGevFA3h/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1slNXFgd0y/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1q872OA3Xg/

Editor’s note on Sep. 12, 2019, 2:09am: This article has been updated for accuracy.

Top photo from NTU ADM's Facebook and Timothy Seow's IDS studio