100% design, 100% innovation in Singapore

SINGAPORE — The second annual edition of contemporary design-led trade show “100% Design Singapore” showcased the latest trends in interiors from lighting, bathrooms, and kitchens to the best in floor and wall coverings as well as innovative furniture.

“What people make and how they make it, is part of their story, history and identity. The objects we craft respond directly to how we live and are shaped by the materials we have at hand,” said Voon Wong, exhibition curator. “‘100% Design Singapore’ will shift the focus back on crafts and the process of design aspects often forgotten now amid evolving technologies such as 3D printing,” Voon added.

London-based Singaporean architect Voon Wong, curator and creative director of the event focused on a “100% X- Making” theme, which revolved around craft and the process of creation. He himself has created a collection of tableware pieces from his studio VW+BS, titled Silt, using traditional material of unglazed Purple Clay, more commonly used for the tiny and elaborate teapots in China to serve black tea. From 1990, Voon has worked in the offices of Zaha Hadid and Rick Mather. He was also awarded the President’s Design Award for Designer of the Year in 2012.

The return to making was brought to life through inclusions of interactive elements such as live 3D printing demonstrations by Engineering Computer Services (ESC), presentations with prototypes and media formats by Haystakt, contemporary pottery demonstrations and workshops by Clay Journey, and a showcase of creations from four selected recipients of the President’s Design Award — Atelier Dreiseitl, Eubiq, H55 and Kwodrent.

The Maker’s Marketplace-Haystakt is a Singapore-based online platform connecting makers with consumers. Its product choices emphasizes on technique, quality and provenance. The show chose 11 objects that best illustrate the resonance of handmade in the digital age and the philosophy of rebuilding the lost connection between maker and consumer.

There was a good mix of product range from participants such as Air Division, Hinika by Jarrod Lim, Kaldewei, Ohashi Ryoki, Preciosa, Shaw Contract Group, and Zuzunaga aside from internationally recognized brands. Leading French glass and crystal manufacturer, Lalique, even marked the debut of the Aerosystem One Speaker system at the exhibit. Thirteen master glass-blowers blew, cut and polished this masterpiece.

“100% Materials,” a stand-alone exhibition brought to life over 100 of the latest materials for the designers: product, industrial and interior designers, architects, engineers and specifiers. Designed and curated by Chris Leferti, author, designer and materials/design specialist, the installation showed new materials in a format that was tactile, animated and visual.

“100% Design Singapore” encouraged and celebrated the youth in design.

“The number of art and design schools has flourished in recent years, supported by government arts education initiatives. There are a lot more chances now for students to take up design as a career,” said Voon.

“The Space Nurtures” competition, organized by Space Furniture, Vitra and the DesignSingapore Council, aims to develop the future generation of Singapore designers. 10 creations including the two winning entries of Adeline Yeo Xiuyun titled “Out of the Woods” and Chen Shufei’s “Camo” were on display during the trade show.

At Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, the 3D Department fosters creative thinking, integrative practice and technical competence with the aim to provide students with a multidisciplinary learning experience, global attitude and knowledge that is applicable to all aspects in 3D design from products to environmental domains. Students’ works were also showcased at the event.

“100% Design Singapore” was the ideal platform to share and discuss various elements of the design scene with the industry’s best creative minds. Opening the seminar was Minsuk Cho, founder of Mass Studies (South Korea) whose architectural practice is a critical investigation in the context of mass production, intensely over-populated urban conditions, and other emergent cultural niches that define contemporary society. Another noteworthy speaker was Douglas Young, co-founder, (G.O.D) Goods of Desire (Hong Kong) on “Design Entrepreneur – Design Create Possibilities and Opportunities.” Singaporean Interior Designer, Kathryn Kng who is an advocate of local materials and craftsmen spoke on “Not Just Interior Design!”

Most interesting were the success stories of young designers like Phunk Studio (Singapore) who shared their creative process and experience in the numerous creative collaboration projects they have worked on like the one with carpet manufacturing giant, Tai Ping.

“This year’s theme highlights the important role quality design plays in cultural identity and our cultural self-expression. Given Singapore’s emerging role as a design capital to the region, this is an ideal platform for these conversations to take place,” said Tai Lee Siang, Advisory Committee Chairman and the President of the Design Business Chamber, Singapore.

“I think Asia has so much to offer in terms of its crafts. If we don’t bring it forward or update it, then I think it will not stand a chance of surviving,” stressed Voon. Now all eyes are focused on Asia – it’s time to show the world what we are truly capable of.

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E-mail Joyce Oreña at jo@joyceorena.com or follow her on Twitter @joyceorena.