Quite rightly so. Designing competently within the current limits of proven knowledge and contextual understanding is unquestionably important. It is a function which must never be compromised. If nothing else, the preservation of our heritage depends on it. But do not confuse this with creative designing.
Creativity redraws the boundary of the cutting edge.
It does this by converting visions in uncharted areas into realities. But first there must be the vision, and secondly, the skills to turn it into a form which is coherent with present reality. But take note that creativity is meaningless without reference to a stable reality. To address the issues of the contemporary Asian City more completely, the NUS Department of Architecture recently extended from Architecture, upscale, to Urban Design, and, downscale, to Industrial Design. These extensions now make it possible for the Department to design seamlessly in Millimeters right through to Meters, and Kilometers.