SIA-ICI Colour Dulux Award, first established in 1983, celebrated the creative use of colours in local architecture.

Temasek Polytechnic got the award in "Educational Buildings" category in 1998. The entries submitted included projects done between 1994 and 1997.

The judges were Prof Philip Cox AO, Robert Siegal (USA), Kozo Yamamoto (Japan), Dato Kington Loo (Malaysia), Assoc Prof Foo Ah Fong (Singapore), Edward D'Silva (Singapore).

What the judges say
The judges were most impressed with the way the polytechnic was structured. The semi-circular enclave was deemed to be a strong entry point, which also harmonized well with the surrounding landscape of reservoir and plantation.

Another comment was that the shrewd use of spaces encouraged student interaction, and therefore created a scholarly atmosphere without sacrificing the human touch.

In fact, although the building was complex, the judges were impressed with the development of external landscape space for recreation and leisure.

The panel also praised the bold use of colours that gave great character to the structure.