Zachariah Quek
His PhD thesis’s title——captures two key themes of his work. Sensory substitution involves using the sense of touch to convey information normally perceived by other senses (like vision or proprioception). Augmentation refers to the creation of entirely new tactile sensations that can provide additional information to a user, thereby extending human perception.
Ethereal Currents runs until December 15 at Nexus Gallery. Tickets sell out—don’t miss the current, or you might miss yourself.
During his internship at K2LD, Quek was involved in residential and commercial projects, honing his skills in design development and technical detailing.
Quek’s work is deeply preoccupied with liminality—the in-between states of existence. In Fugitive Time , a kinetic sculpture of suspended copper filaments, he channels the impermanence of moments. Each fiber shivers at the viewer’s touch, casting fractal patterns on the wall, a reminder that our presence alters everything we observe. Elsewhere, Echo Chamber —a ring of audio-responsive panels—translates visitors’ whispers into shimmering waveforms, a communal act of vulnerability turned into art. zachariah quek
Over the years, Quek has founded and invested in numerous businesses across various sectors, including real estate, technology, and healthcare. His keen eye for opportunity and ability to adapt to changing market trends have enabled him to build a business empire that spans multiple continents.
Quek's architectural portfolio reflects the dense, tropical, and highly regulated environment of contemporary Singapore. His projects emphasize three core areas: 1. High-Density Sustainability
Before his professional architectural work, Quek gained practical experience, including a four-month internship at JTC Corporation in 2013 and a position as an intern at K2LD Architects in 2019. 2. Professional Journey in Architecture
If you are interested in the intersection of AI, Edge Computing, and Wireless Systems, keep his name on your radar. He isn't just predicting the future; he’s laying the groundwork for it.
Some of Quek's most notable ventures include his involvement in several high-profile property developments, including integrated townships, commercial complexes, and luxury residential projects. His company has also made significant inroads into the hospitality sector, with investments in several hotels and resorts across Malaysia. His PhD thesis’s title——captures two key themes of
He then advanced to 's School of Engineering for his graduate studies, a hub for cutting-edge robotics and haptics research. He completed a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in June 2012, specializing in mechatronics, robotics, and controls. He then continued at Stanford as a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering , a position he held as of September 2015. His doctoral research is a testament to his innovative focus, with a thesis titled: “Sensory Substitution and Augmentation of Forces and Torques Using Fingerpad Tactile Skin Deformation Feedback,” advised by the renowned Dr. Allison M. Okamura.
Zachariah Quek’s foundation in architecture is rooted in a rigorous academic and hands-on professional journey. Based in Singapore, he pursued his passion for spatial design at the National University of Singapore (NUS), graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (B.Arch).
