Inside URA’s 20 Under 45: the architects shaping Singapore’s built future

When the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) unveiled ‘20 under 45’: Fourth Edition on 23 January 2026, it marked both a continuation and an evolution of one of Singapore’s most significant architectural programmes.

First launched in 2004, 20 under 45 was conceived to recognise young, Singapore-registered architects whose design excellence, ideas and leadership promise a lasting impact on the built environment. Across three previous editions in 2004, 2010 and 2017, the programme has spotlighted 60 architects who have since gone on to shape Singapore’s architectural identity locally and abroad.

The fourth edition arrives with a clear acknowledgement of the extraordinary circumstances that have defined recent years. In light of the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic — particularly prolonged project delays that disrupted professional timelines — the programme has expanded its scope.