NUS Architectural Conservation

As a part of “Practical Building Conservation Skills” course (AC5012) by Dr Nikhil Joshi, MAArC students had an engaging session with Victor Lim, learning about the history, materials, and craftsmanship of decorative tiles. The session was followed by a hands-on workshop at the NUS Architectural Conservation Laboratory (ArCLab), where students practiced practical techniques for cleaning and conserving historic tiles—an insightful exercise connecting material knowledge with conservation practice.

Sincere thanks to Victor for generously sharing his expertise, and to the Chinatown Heritage Centre for supporting the knowledge-sharing session.

MAArC students visited Tadao Ando's studio and his projects in Osaka on the last day of their Japan study trip. They explored the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest, a children's library designed to foster learning and imagination through open and accessible architecture. The students also visited NEXT21 Experimental Housing, completed in 1993, an innovative project focused on adaptability, sustainability, and collective living, and a 1968 Brutalist building notable for integrating architecture and nature.

Sincere thanks to Prof Hikaru Kinosh*ta of Kansai University for organising these inspiring visits for the MAArC students.









NUS Department of Architecture
シンガポール日本商工会議所 Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore-JCCI

The morning began with a visit to Osaka Gas Co Ltd, where the students were warmly hosted by the General Manager of the Osaka Dining Hall along with two Board members. The visit offered an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese modern architecture firsthand, followed by a delightful lunch at the Gas Building Dining Hall.

Our next stop was the Mengyo Club building—an architectural gem. The students enjoyed a special guided tour by the staff and had the privilege of meeting with Board members, gaining valuable insights into the institution’s history and design philosophy.

The day concluded at the iconic Osaka Castle, where the plum gardens were beautifully in bloom—an unforgettable setting to end a rich day of learning, culture, and architecture.

A perfect blend of industry exposure, design excellence, and cultural heritage.

Sincere thanks to Prof Hikaru Kinosh*ta of Kansai University for organising these inspiring visits for the MAArC students.


NUS Department of Architecture
シンガポール日本商工会議所 Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore-JCCI

MAArC students explored architectural excellence in Kobe, visiting a museum designed by Tadao Ando and the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum. It was an inspiring encounter with contemporary architecture and traditional craftsmanship.

Special thanks to Mr. Hori (Takenaka) for generously showing us around the museum complex. And also to Ar. Kojio (Takenaka) for organising the visit.









シンガポール日本商工会議所 Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore-JCCI
NUS Department of Architecture

In a collaborative effort, MAArC students visited the Akamon Project site with Shimizu Corporation to engage in a detailed discussion of current repair and conservation methodologies. The students subsequently toured the newly restored General Library of the University of Tokyo, witnessing the practical application of conservation principles in a significant historical building. The visit continued with an exploration of the Shibusawa Residence, a modern Japanese house over a century old that was relocated and meticulously restored at Shimizu's NOVARE campus in 2023, and of NOVARE Lab & Archives, which provided valuable insights into the role of conservation science and applied research in the preservation of architectural heritage.

A big thanks to Dr Takashi & Dr Fukami (Historic Buildings Group, Institute of Technology, Shimizu Corporation) for organising these visits for MAArC students and sharing their valuable knowledge & experience with them.



シンガポール日本商工会議所 Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore-JCCI
NUS Department of Architecture

It’s recess week at NUS, and MAArC students kicked off their study trip to Japan with a visit to Takenaka Corporation, gaining insights into the firm’s conservation and adaptive reuse projects.

Later, together with Ar. Kojio, Ar. Tanaka, and Ar. Kabe, the group explored key works of architectural and urban significance across Tokyo, including Meiji Seimei Kan, Uniqlo, KITTE, Tokyo Station, and Mitsubishi Ichigokan—a full day of learning from the city’s layered architectural heritage.

A big thank you to JCCI Singapore for partially sponsoring this study trip.



シンガポール日本商工会議所 Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore-JCCI
NUS Department of Architecture

This year, NUS–ArCLab will further expand its international footprint through a strategic collaboration with The Commonwealth Heritage Forum, UK, to host the 'Introduction to Heritage Skills and Technology for Conservation: Commonwealth Field School' (24 Jun–7 Jul 2026). https://www.commonwealthheritage.org/applications-open-for-commonwealth-field-school/

The two-week intensive programme will bring together emerging conservation practitioners from across the Commonwealth for immersive, field-based training in heritage craft skills, digital documentation methodologies, condition assessment protocols, and sustainable retrofit strategies. Participants will work directly with traditional materials while applying contemporary conservation technologies—integrating craft knowledge with evidence-based practice in real-world contexts.

By combining hands-on technical training with applied research and HeriTech tools, the Commonwealth Field School will strengthen cross-cultural exchange and foster professional networks across regions. The initiative also reinforces Singapore’s growing position as a hub for conservation education and capacity building within the Global South.

We look forward to welcoming our partners, instructors, and participants to this milestone initiative advancing sustainable heritage conservation.













NUS Department of Architecture
NUS College of Design and Engineering
National University of Singapore