Collaborating for Our Common Good: Shaping Tomorrow’s Built Environment

Event Description

How can students, professionals, and communities work together to shape the future of our cities? In this talk, Filippo Pesce from SAA Architects shares how collaborations between Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and architectural firms unlock bold ideas, real-world learning, and impactful design.

Discover how architecture goes beyond buildings through SAA’s Our Common Good initiatives — from playful placemaking projects like Kueh Kueh at Katong to other urban interventions that foster care and connection.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how SAA brings ideas to life — from internal workflows to the use of technology — and how these collaborations are building not just better architects, but a better society.

The session includes a short talk, an intro to 3D printing, a showcase of 3D-printed Kueh Kueh, and a take-home memento for participants.

Speaker Bio

Filippo Pesce, Director, SAA Architects

Filippo is the first Italian architect registered with the Singapore Board of Architects, with over 20 years of international experience spanning Singapore, Italy and Spain. Since relocating to Singapore in 2010, he has played a key role in delivering award-winning projects across diverse sectors, including civic and education centres, high-end residential, mixed-use developments, and industrial facilities. His notable achievements include leading the design and delivery of major institutional and industrial projects such as the Singtel Waterfront Theatre, NUS E7, and JTC Kranji Green. He has played a key role in the design of Marina View Residences project — an upcoming landmark mixed-use development in Singapore’s new downtown. Currently, he is overseeing the construction of MOE’s Goh Keng Swee Centre for Education.

As a Director at SAA and one of the practice leaders, Filippo drives large-scale projects from concept through to implementation. A strong advocate for corporate social responsibility, he is particularly committed to nurturing emerging architectural talent. He actively collaborates with Singapore’s tertiary institutions through guest lectures, design critiques, and mentorship — building meaningful bridges between academia and professional practice. Passionate about design education and culture, Filippo regularly shares industry insights to inspire the next generation. His ongoing academic involvement reflects a deep commitment to collaborative learning and the advancement of a progressive architectural community.