This thesis explores how Singapore’s survivalist ideology, implemented during the nation’s early independence, influenced its development of tangible architectural identity. By examining various initiatives across the changing socio-economic landscape of the country till present day, this article outlines how architecture became a tool for nation building. Primary sources including government press and speeches, legislations as well as public discourse on architecture provides the narrative to evaluate successfulness of using architecture to foster national identity. This thesis argues that the prioritisation of pragmatism stemming from the ideology of survival has significantly influenced how Singaporeans perceive national identity and the built environment.