SINGAPORE -

Dr Liu Thai Ker

, the would-be artist who turned his mind to architecture and shaped the face of modern Singapore, was a highly driven person with a deep interest in building liveable cities, said those who knew him.

They said his legacy will be will be remembered in the form of the neighbourhoods and public housing that many Singaporeans call home.

In the wake of

his death at age 87

on Jan 18, tributes poured in from public figures and those in the architecture community.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in a social media post on Jan 18 that Dr Liu - who spent 24 years in the public service - went beyond delivering new flats. Instead, he helped design and build complete new towns, with neighbourhood centres, green spaces and community facilities thoughtfully integrated from the outset, he said.

“He often said that to build a city, one must have the heart of a humanist, the mind of a scientist, and the eye of an artist. These ideals ran through his life’s work. The buildings, homes and public spaces that Singaporeans use every day stand as a quiet testament to his dedication and vision.

“Singapore is better because of Thai Ker’s service,” PM Wong added.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam noted in a separate post that Dr Liu was also a pioneer in conserving unique, old districts beside the downtown business and financial centre.

Mr Tharman said he admired how Dr Liu remained active in his 70s and 80s, contributing to urban planning in more than 50 cities abroad, in countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.