PROVOLK ARCHITECTS
CONTEXTUALISING DESIGN
Context is vital in shaping architectural and interior design concepts, serving as a catalyst for both form and function. The surrounding environment—cultural, historical, or geographical—provides valuable insights that help designers create spaces that resonate deeply with their settings.
User behaviors and preferences also play a significant role; for instance, a building might feature local materials or unique design elements that reflect individual needs, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Moreover, context influences how spaces are experienced and utilized. Urban environments may necessitate the adaptive reuse of existing structures, while rural settings often emphasize sustainability and harmony with nature. We also recognize that existing buildings in urban areas hold cultural significance tied to their context, and we advocate for adaptive reuse whenever possible.
At Provolk Architects, we prioritize integrating contextual elements to ensure spaces not only fulfill functional needs but also enhance user experiences and emotional connections. This approach transforms architecture and interiors from mere shelters into meaningful environments that embody their surroundings, improving the quality of life for occupants and the broader community.
ABOUT THE ARCHITECT
JONATHAN POH
principal architect
M(Arch) NUS | BOA | MSIA
Jonathan is a registered architect and a member of the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA). He earned his Master of Architecture degree from the National University of Singapore and is a certified Green Mark Manager through the Building Construction Authority.
In 2013, Jonathan co-founded a design-and-build company specializing in turnkey projects. A year after, he established his eponymous practice, Studio JP, which rebranded as Provolk Architects two years after. Under his leadership, Provolk Architects has garnered numerous accolades, including the Design Excellence Award-Gold for The Canopi at Treasure Bay Bintan, the SG Mark Award for Secret Salon, and the Design Excellence Award-Bronze for The Elephant Room. The firm has also triumphed in significant competitions, such as winning the C40 Reinventing Cities Competition for the revitalization of the old Bukit Timah Fire Station and the top prize in the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) IDEAS master planning competition for Pasir Panjang Power District, both located in Singapore.
Jonathan’s commitment to architecture extends beyond his professional practice. In 2014, he spearheaded a campaign to preserve the Dakota Crescent estate, a post-war modernist housing complex slated for demolition. Collaborating with architects and a diverse social research team, he produced a comprehensive conservation report presented to Singapore’s Parliament, which ultimately led to the estate’s conservation—the first of its kind in scale and typology to be conserved. This milestone has inspired similar conservation efforts across the country.
Currently, Jonathan serves as the founding member and secretary of the Singapore chapter of DOCOMOMO (Documentation And Conservation of the Modern Movement) and is a member of the Heritage Advisory Panel for the National Heritage Board. He previously held the position of honorary secretary for the Singapore Heritage Society from 2020 to 2023. In 2022, Jonathan was co-opted to the 62nd Council of the SIA and co-curated Archifest 2021, focusing on Heritage and Conservation. His interest in macro-scale planning is reflected in his role as a committee member for the SIA-SIP Paya Lebar Airbase Masterplan, where he facilitated collaboration among professionals in the project’s development.
Passionate about education, Jonathan imparts his knowledge as an adjunct lecturer in Interior Architecture at Temasek Polytechnic, nurturing and inspiring the next generation of architects and designers.
CONTACT
WEBSITE:
TELEPHONE
+65 9118 2557 (HP)
ADDRESS:
22 Lorong 21A Geylang #10-02 Prosper Industrial Building Singapore 388431