The great mind behind the architecture of Temasek Polytechnic is late James Stirling, one of the best architects that England has ever produced.

The Scot was born in 1926 to a ship's engineer and a schoolteacher. Twenty-four years later, he graduated in architecture from University of Liverpool. In 1956, James Stirling started his own practice with partner Gowan. Within a year, they undertook the first major project involving a group of flats at Ham Common, London. Somehow this set the trend of forthright design for general public housing in London.

What really made the duo famous must be the Engineering School (1959-63) of Leicester University. With the use of red brick or tile and large areas of saw-wood greenhouse, the pair combined the use of technological innovation with architectural form with much success. In 1964, after dissolving partnership with Gowan, Stirling produced the design of the History Faculty building (1964-7) at Cambridge. The emphasis on angles and spaces defined Stirling's style: a preference for practicality with the use of effective yet simple lines.

Later, Stirling took his career to new heights when he worked together with his associate Michael Wilford (see video ). Together, they worked on the new concept of introducing cultural and social aspects into their design. This could be seen in projects such as the extension for Arthur M Sackler Museum (1979-84) at Harvard University, and the Clore Gallery (1980-85) at the Tate Gallery, London.

Besides designing Temasek Polytechnic, Stirling and Wilford were also responsible for a series of projects such as The Architectural School at Rice University in Houston, and Performing Arts Centre at Cornell University at Ithaca, New York.

All these outstanding works did not go unnoticed by his peers. In 1980, Stirling was awarded the RIBA Gold Medal. In 1981, he was named the Pritzker Laureate, an honour dedicated to the best architect of the world. In 1992, at the age of 66, he was knighted by the Queen of England for his contribution to the world of architecture.

He died in 1992 and left behind a widow, a son and two daughters.