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11.12.25

Lessons from Singapore: Urban Design and Livability

Event Big Swings (2025)
November 12th, 2025
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Akerman LLP
1251 6th Ave 37th floor, New York, NY 10020, USA

Siew-Leng Fun is the Chief Urban Designer at Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), where she leads the urban design vision for one of the world's most densely populated yet liveable cities. Her work has seen many districts rejuvenated and transformed through innovative urban design strategies and policies. Her work also demonstrates how thoughtful planning of high-density environments can foster economic vitality, community life and architectural excellence. She serves on the Urban Land Institute's Global Governing Trustees and Singapore’s Board of Architects.

Join us for a conversation with Singapore’s Chief Urban Designer on how the city balances density with livability. 

Often hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Singapore is also one of the densest and most livable. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Singapore plays several roles as planner, sales agent of public land, and conservation authority. Singapore’s focus on economic vitality, design excellence, and resilience make it a global model.

Chief Urban Designer Siew Leng Fun will present on Singapore’s achievements and long term plans, followed by conversation with Urban Design Forum’s members.

How can cities be transformed through people-friendly planning?

WAITLIST
Guest & Accessibility Policies

This event is open to Urban Design Forum Fellows, Global Circle members and their invited guests.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully.

  • The venue will have an entrance and elevators that are ADA-accessible.
  • This event will have microphones and speakers.
  • If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Face masks are encouraged, particularly if you have been recently exposed to colds, flus, or other illness. If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, a high-quality, well-fitting face covering is required at all times.
  • Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances to accommodate guests with allergies or environmental sensitivities.
  • If you have additional needs, we will do our best to accommodate. Please contact rsvp@urbandesignforum.org.
About Big Swings

Our 2025 Global Exchange initiative, Big Swings seeks to build solidarity between leaders in New York and other cities taking “big swings” at their housing crises. By exploring the cultures and politics behind housing shifts around the world, we will equip decision-makers to better advocate for reform and support a new generation of leaders to house every New Yorker. 

Continuing Education

This event is been submitted for AIA CES LUs.

Support

Lead Sponsor

We thank founding Global Circle Sponsors Apple Bank, CAMBA Housing Ventures, Charney, Cozen O’Connor, Fogarty Finger, HKS, Jamie von Klemperer, KPF, One Architecture, Perkins Eastman, Skylight, Turner Construction, Upside Collab and Zillow.

Global Exchange is made possible with additional support from our Board of Directors, Director’s Circle, and company and individual members. Our programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

To learn more about supporting Global Exchange, please contact Miranda Bellizia, miranda@urbandesignform.org.

Image Credit: Choo Yut Shing

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