SINGAPORE — Dr Liu Thai Ker, the would-be artist who turned his mind to architecture and shaped the face of modern Singapore, was a highly driven person with a deep interest in building liveable cities, said those who knew him.They said his legacy will be remembered through the neighbourhoods and public housing that many Singaporeans call home.In the wake of his death at age 87 on Jan 18, tributes poured in from public figures and those in the architecture community.Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in a social media post on Jan 18 that Dr Liu — who spent 24 years in the public service — went beyond delivering new flats. He helped design and build complete new towns, with neighbourhood centres, green spaces and community facilities thoughtfully integrated from the outset.«He often said that to build a city, one must have the heart of a humanist, the mind of a scientist, and the eye of an artist. These ideals ran through his life's work. The buildings, homes and public spaces that Singaporeans use every day stand as a quiet testament to his dedication and vision.»Singapore is better because of Thai Ker's service," PM Wong added. Read more