We respond to today’s complex urban challenges by treating each project as a chance to intervene in the contingencies of urban life shaped by evolving socio-political conditions.

Interweaving inquiry, advocacy and creation, we approach the built environment through the agency of research, while practically structuring our design process with diplomacy and engagement.

Based in Singapore, we operate in the most socially and politically challenging parts of Asia. 

As we uncover the embedded needs of urban environments and postulate their futures, we design systems, spaces and objects that sensitively mediate across cultures and scales.

From standalone infrastructures to expansive masterplans, we shape unique experiences and unexpected moments. We balance multiple scales in tandem as we scope comprehensive strategies for the urban environment, while simultaneously developing solutions for resilient everyday spaces.

Across our diverse interventions, we maintain attentiveness to detail, geometry and perception to craft simple forms that subtly impact patterns of experience and use.

Amidst uncertain futures, we answer society’s big questions by balancing the urban goals of liveability, productivity and resilience alongside the nuances of rhythm, playfulness and serendipity.

Awards

2022 Lisbon Triennale Debut Award
10 Global Finalist

Asia 21 Next Gen Fellow
Class of 2022

Taipei International Design Awards
Special Judges Prize

Royal Academy Dorfman Award
Longlist 2020

Emerging Architect in Southeast Asia
TA, d+A

Selected News

Biography

Founded in 2016, Spatial Anatomy is led by Calvin Chua, a UK registered architect, working at the intersection of design, planning and advocacy. Recognised for his critical approach towards practice, Calvin was a global finalist in the Lisbon Triennale Debut Award (2022) and an Asia 21 Next Generation Fellow (2022). 

In parallel to running the practice, Calvin serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design since 2015 and was most recently a Vsiting Professor at the Korea National University of Arts (2022). Calvin is also recognised as one of the leading voices on inter-Korea issues. Calvin’s expert opinions are covered widely in various news media, including CNN, New York Times, Monocle, Reuters, etc.

Prior to founding Spatial Anatomy, Calvin worked with Cecil Balmond in London and Fundacion Metropoli in Madrid. Under Fundacion Metropoli, Calvin advised policy makers and local governments on innovation and the development of cities in Central Asia, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Calvin has also consulted for the Asian Development Bank.

A registered architect in the United Kingdom, Calvin graduated from the Architectural Association School of Architecture.

Current Team 

Calvin Chua
Aurelia Chan
Yunqing Chew
Fadhilah Nordin
Hanif Adi Ramadhan

Current and Past Team 

Jeff Neo, Ariel Lim, Gabi Quek, Chiew Jiahui, Darren Ho, Chloe Liang, Janani Sundaram, Shao Xuan Tan, Lisa Koswara, Pavithra Muthu, Porndee Chua, Junwei Mok, Sam Tang, Denise Lee, Inez Ow, Wei Lin Tan, Jiehao Lau, Zhi Ning Lou

Selected Clients

Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore Institute of Architects, Singapore Airlines, Design Singapore Council, Public Utilities Board, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yangon City Development Committee, Choson Exchange, Ascendas-Singbridge, Certis Cisco, Modalku, British Council

Selected Media Coverage

Reuters, CNN, Monocle, AFP, Dezeen, Cubes Magazine, Straits Times, Tatler, Deutsche Welle

Exhibitions

2023
Singapore Archifest

2023
'Reconceiving the Future of Malls' in Good Design Research, Singapore

2022
'Myeon-bang' in Centre Heritage Arts and Textile, Hong Kong SAR

2022
Singapore Design Week

2021
'Future School' in Korean Pavilion, Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy

2019
'Social Strata' in Seoul Biennale for Architecture and Urbanism, Seoul, Korea

2017
‘Pyongyang Sallim’ in Seoul Biennale for Architecture and Urbanism, Seoul, Korea

2015
‘State of Exception’ in Flaneur Gallery, Singapore

2013
‘Courtyard(s)’ in Old Doha Prize Exhibition, Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar

Lectures

2023
United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) World Congress, Korea

2023
Wenzhou-Kean University, China

2023
Seoul Biennale, Korea

2023
Jakarta International Architectural Forum, Indonesia

2023
Asia Society, Asia 21, Japan

2022
Singapore Design Week

2021
Social Enterprise Summit, Hong Kong

2021
Centre of Heritage, Arts and Textile, Hong Kong

2020
Pyeongchang Peace Forum, Korea

2020
Jeju Peace Forum, Korea

2020
Future City Summit, Hong Kong

2020
Open Daegu, Korea

2019
'Productive Peripheries' in Seoul Biennale Global Studios, DDP, Seoul, Korea

2019
'Engaging North Korea' in RIBA Talks, Singapore

2017
‘Everyday Monuments’ in Discipline the City, Substation, Singapore

2017
‘Who Owns the City’ in Cities for People Public Summit, NTU CCA, Singapore

2016
‘Greater Male Development’ in ADB Workshop, Male, Maldives

Advisory

Architecture Asia
Advisory Board

Docomomo Singapore
Founding Member

Singapore Architect Journal
Practice Editor

Good City Foundation
Advisory Board