Next event:
ERINN SAVAGE – Performance
Tomorrow 15:00 GMT

Singapore

This year we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of GSA Singapore’s second to last cohort of BA graduands. Once again, both staff and students pulled out every stop to surpass our previous efforts. This year has been a turbulent one for us. The news surrounding GSA’s anticipated departure from Singapore in 2021 struck us with surprise. The responses from our industry friends and from our academic partners pay testimony to the profound impact which GSA Singapore has had, and will continue to have, on Singapore’s creative scene.

GSA’s graduating cohort this year will increase the number of GSA Singapore alumni to around 700. They will contribute to GSA’s growing legacy. Our alumni are known for their independent thinking, their readiness to take risks, their critical-reflective skills, and their adaptability. Trained to make a difference, our outgoing students this year are yet again destined to join the small but growing group of future vanguards in Singapore’s design industry and beyond. One of our furthest-travelling alumni, Abdul Rahman, has just returned from New York City, where he was stationed as Associate Strategist by Ogilvy.

Of course, the Covid-19 situation imposes challenges upon all of us. Good designers hone not only creative skills and passion, but also perseverance. Some of our students have already taken the initiative to design guidance information for locals to connect them to the most essential support services in Singapore. Adversity has a way of sifting out those who see opportunity in difficulty, and those who see difficulty in opportunity. There can be no doubt that our new cohort of graduating students will thrive throughout their careers.

Matthias Hillner, Director of Programmes GSA Singapore

Project Proxima

The world, stunned by our first contact, is set on the brink of nuclear war, when the message is misintepreted and manipulated to serve mankind’s vile nature. A linguist races against time to translate the message and steer humanity from destroying themselves. The Space Race died 3 decades ago and with it, the public imagination. Project Proxima attempts to reinvigorate the passion for space exploration. The search for ET has always piqued our interest. From the mass hysteria of The War of the Worlds to the claustrophobia of Alien, the prospects of alien lifeforms has no doubt, kept us on the edge of our seats. Themes of astrophysics, communication and humanity are explored using an imagined dialogue between us and extra-terrestrial beings from our neighboring star system, Proxima Centauri.

Project Proxima

Project Proxima

Project Proxima is the decryption, translation, and study of photometric messages from an extra-terrestrial civilisation in the Proxima Centauri System, the closest to our Sun. This facilitates communication between mankind and our neighrbor 4.47 lightyears away.

Project Proxima

Low on options, resources and time, the International Commission devises an ingenious and dead simple way of emitting a comparable energy output we had observed from Proxima Centauri. Well, here's the plan: We humans sure love to stockpile on nukes ey? Modify them to emit the light spectrum that we want. Send them into space, so that our atmosphere does not interfere with the light transmission. Put them at the right altitude and then BOOOM! No gigantic lasers, No costly electricity bill, get rid of our nukes at the same time! I'm not kidding.

Project Proxima

This is a set of vocabulary to guide the celestial dialogue, based on our common understanding of physics, metaphysics and mathematics, the universal constants. The language is based on the Arecibo message, designed by physicist Frank Drake, Carl Sagan and fellow scientists.The Binary message was transmitted in 1974, from the powerful Arecibo Dish Array in Puerto Rico. I adapted it into a more direct and visual form, using the same 73 X 23 grid, in which the nukes will be coordinated to denotate. Nuclear fusion = Emission of light = dots on the imaginary 73X23 Grid.

Project Proxima

This is a set of dialogues,for the purpose of human comprehension. The language relies on a form of universal sign language that can be best compared to frantic hand waving between two people who has not a single clue about each other's languages. But it works most of the times. For example, shouting in a conversation suggests an emphasis. Denoting a bigger nuke in space, emitting more energy, also suggests an emphasis.

KOPE Fest

One man’s trash, Another man’s treasure. KOPE Fest is an exhibition to showcase what can be done using little resources and skills. The interactive nature allows people of varied ages to have a haptic experience. Living in Singapore’s fast conveniences and exorbitant mercantile, we often take for granted what treasures lie beneath our HDB. By creating a series of engaging assemblages out of salvaged material, I aim to spur youth imagination and educate The public about prudency and resourcefulness. using these objects as posters, I also aim to explore unconventional mediums for advertising

This is a man

Have you ever watched a movie, completely and utterly immersed in the story, infatuated with the characters and their perfect lives? Then the movie ends and your phone turns dark, and you see your reflection in the smoky mirror of your screen. Wouldn’t you want to be the person you see on those screens as well? This project visualises this pursuit and mindset vicariously, specifically the pursuit of traditional masculinity.

From watching tons of these films, reading studies on them, my design journal was filled with toxic masculinity in classic or dated films, from that era, but also their context in current times. Together with my own interviews, it became clear why and what led to this desperate need to be ‘masculine’, or 'a man’. Eventually, it became a recognition of how absurd it was to have an idea of a 'perfect man'.

This made me curious what a pursuit of the idea of traditional masculinity was, what would it look like. Shaped by my findings and insights from my journal, led me to create an extreme narrative or a trope. Discussing not only what I found in the films but real contributing factors that leads to a fragile form of masculinity, the archaic need to be a ‘man’.

‘This is a man’ illustrates what it means to be ’truly masculine' in these western films. This is one of the illustrated pages of the book.

Found Art

Using the imagery of the streets from the UK and Europe to reflect the idea that memories will either fade or be replaced with new ones. A visual metaphor as well as a capture of the visual depiction of design and thought. Begun as a personal collection of found ‘art’ from the street walls of Glasgow, its underlying meaning continued to evolve because of the beauty and story each piece tells. The novelty of this is the idea that it was a joint unintentional effort of many strangers.

Offscreen

It’s rare to see people actually sit through the end credits of a film; it’s boring in comparison to the movie you just watched. The hard work that goes behind the screen frequently goes unappreciated. This magazine focuses on appreciating the ‘drier’ off-screen elements while creating a visually interesting tilt. This magazine aims to create a visual appeal that reflects the emotion of the film without showing stills, simultaneously sharing the different elements and techniques that make the film. For the first issue, the magazine discusses psychological thrillers.

The magazine begins with an introduction to the genre, mentioning common conventions of psychological thriller films, such as misdirection and breaking of the film’s equilibrium. It continues niche-themed articles.

Verda Motus

Verda Motus, an exclusive brand that is directed towards working adults which aims to reduce the use of plastic bags in supermarkets. The brand works around a reward system whereby users are rewarded with credit card rebates whenever they chose to use VM's reusable bags for their groceries instead of plastic bags. It targets existing members of chosen credit card types, especially those with a higher annual income and those who have higher purchasing power. Verda Motus Brand Guidelines. This page exhibits how the brand's logo should be used and the amount of clear space that is required when using the logo whether on a physical surface or digital platform.

The following pages in the Verda Motus Brand Guidelines shows all the do's and don'ts about the brand such as Logo Misuse, Primary & Secondary colours and Typography. These factors ensure consistency in how the brand is being showcased on products and various platforms.

Presenting Verda Motus’s member package. Includes beautiful, classy and versatile Verda Motus bag, lucky charm, and the exclusive membership credit card.

Verda Motus club website, exclusively for powerful people. The website provides insightful information on how to qualify and how to start being a member of the Verda Motus club.

The Lazzy Diner

This project brief requires me to forge community bonds over food hence I created The Lazzy Diner, a mobile food service that aims to connect working adults living in Punggol. Based on site surveys gathered, these residents only have a handful of eateries where they are able to socialise within Punggol. Unlike a delivery service, The Lazzy Diner will partner up with different restaurants islandwide each month and will park its truck at various neighbourhoods in Punggol. Residents will be able to book slots and have to sit down to dine together as a community.

The Lazzy Diner's mobile website is optimized and user-friendly for hungry owls in mind. The reservation process can be completed in a breeze. Diners will be able to read up on the partnered restaurant for the month. They will have to key in their personal particulars and book a dine in slot so that orders can be processed. Diners will be done ordering in a couple of minutes and they will know exactly what goes inside their stomachs as shown in the dietary information. All they have to do is to simply browse and select the cuisine and food that they will like to have, and complete the order list.

I illustrated food and ingredient elements to try and create a motif that represents The Lazzy Diner brand. I also experimented with various contrasting colours to see which one suits the brand persona.

Killiney's Brand Awareness

A conceptual project work with Killiney that requires a boost in their sales. According to the client, working adults are their main and current patrons however, I decided to target University students as it was an opportunity to gain more brand awareness since based on gathered research, University students hardly have breakfast or proper meals. The illustrated posters are designed to look hip and grungy as they will be placed around campuses to serve as a reminder for students to grab a bite from Killiney.

Killiney Rebranding

The new design features a more minimalistic and modern ziplock packaging, made of kraft material. The raw and unpolished line drawing against the kraft packaging creates a world where old meets new, when traditions meet modernity.

Killiney Rebranding

The back of the packaging features a summarised history of Killiney for easy reading, and the recipe for each respective dish. A QR code will be provided on every packaging that links to a video tutorial which will help guide customers who are new to cooking or unfamiliar with the recipe. Millennials who have settled down and are unfamiliar with cooking are the main audience for this QR code feature.

Killiney Rebranding

An app for Killiney would help build a closer relationship between the brand and every customer.It serves as a touchpoint for Killiney to personalise each experience for every customer. It can also create a more seamless and fuss-free experience when ordering food through the app.

Rewiring Brown Nosers Everywhere

Brown-nosing. A common sight in working culture. The term originated from early 20th century, from an association of subservience with having one’s nose in the anus of a more powerful person. Creating a virus to deter brown-nosers from the flattery phenomenonwould benefit the workplace, employees and eventually, the world. But what would actually deter brown-nosers from what they do best? A series of uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms would suffice to help brown-nosers kick the habit. Drawing inspiration from its roots, I decided to invent a virus based off a literal translation of the term’s origin . Xianophoic Suayalitis Virus, or Xia Suay, is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system - mainly nose, throat and lungs, causing fecal matter to form on the inner walls of the windpipe and mouth. For most, it resolves on its own, provided the patients, for a period of 5 working days, avoid any form of brown nosing however, it comes with an increased tendency to insult work superiors. The treatment for the virus is Brown’s Kit for Brown Nosers. A specially formulated office wellness kit used to treat the Xia Suay Virus, found in brown nosers. The kit consists of a set of antibiotics, medicated tissues, dental care set, aromatherapy and notepads specially designed to help brown nosers fight the nasty symptoms of the virus.

blur magazine

The supernatural world has always intrigued millions around the world. The unknown and the possibility of a co-existing dimension on Earth have been a part of humanity’s story since the beginning. The history of the supernatural can be linked back to ancient Greece. Earlier accounts of the supernatural appeared in Mesopotamian records. Life after death and supernatural beings has always been a controversial topic which left many todebate on the possibility of it. Some say it’s a myth, while others believe in its existence. But one thing is for sure, is that these tales of the paranormal and supernatural reveal a truth about humanity. Ghosts and spirits are no strangers to Asia. In Asia, the culture of the living dead is ingrained in our society. From the Chinese folklore to the spine-chilling entities of Japan, these tales resonate and roots the belief in our community. We grew up listening to stories about the afterlife on Earth, some even experiencing them firsthand. blur provides a different perspective on these paranormal beings and their tales that strike fear and terror in us.


Plastic Problem

Plastic is essentially everything, we are surrounded by it. It was initially advertised as the future, we no longer need to hoard glass packaging, food are kept fresher in plastic. It is old fashioned to not use plastic. We were told that it is the future, it keeps everything fresh. It is cheap and dispensable. Plastics are the future, save the trees and use plastics. Recycling old plastic advertising images and some taglines, into today's context. Recycling the idea into a new one, see what I did there? My TVC also reuses ads from 1997 by APC, people often gets defensive when called out. We should approach this delicately as people are Compassion Fatigued and Desensitized to Global Warming. Let the audience feel smart figuring out themselves. Recycling the 1997 plastic tvcs copywriting and footages of what plastic has done to our planet to create stark contrast in the video. Hoping to spread awareness through nostalgia and non-conventional way.

Price: £20

This item is for sale, please contact for more information.

Price: £20

This item is for sale, please contact for more information.

Price: £20

This item is for sale, please contact for more information.

Healthcare Packaging

Create a virus or illness including name, symptoms and cure. Chingus was take inspiration from a capitalism as a pandemic. Back in October 2019, NBA and Disney were under fire for censoring themselves to work with China, receiving backlash. When China refuse to work with corporations, they tend to lose millions in revenue. (Avengers are owned by Disney, there are special scenes added into the franchise to enter theatres in China.) (A NBA player tweeted freedom for HongKong in 2019, China was displeased and banned all NBA from showing in China, losing millions in revenue in just a week. The NBA manager made a public apology soon after. So much for American and their "freedom".) This project centered on mostly propaganda. The right tone needs to be set through mock ups. Flyers and posters are shot out of the plane into the streets, sirens will ring and the speaker will spread word of Chingus.

Price: £20

This item is for sale, please contact for more information.

Illustration Book

A self-initiated project, my first illustration project. All the content and illustrations are done by me. It was fulfilling to be able to write my stories. The book is eerily long, the bodycopy is long as well. Each character is the idea of a feeling. Using research of others experienced and their accounts of falling. Painting the mental image of emotions and ideas of certain elements and human instincts.

“Everything is fine.”

What you consume, consumes you. Plastic has become essential that one cannot live without. Awareness of plastic pollution has been ongoing for years highlighting the negative impacts and urgency for eco life and us. Disturbing visuals has been the approach to trigger and change consumer habits however, are we changing our ways? Overexposure to such visuals could perhaps cause people to be desensitized with this whole plastic situation. Thus, this campaign features a series of posters addressing the problem with a twist. A joyful vibe in contrast with hints of black humour to make people rethink their actions towards the consumption of plastic by using marine life. The aim of using marine life ties in with the consumption of seafood. Research has shown that Singapore consumes seafood above average and reliance on plastic should be reconsidered, encouraging them to change their lifestyle habits. *For this project, images are taken online in the creation of these posters.

“Everything is fine.”

Ideation and process.

Good Citizen: Simi Lang Are You?

When it comes to the concept of preservation, language is a factor in consideration. Bilingualism being the utmost importance for self and economy questions our act of preservation. Following the act as a result of convenience, it has been an act of exclusion rather than inclusion. The effects of past campaign efforts are seen with a decrease in dialect communication in current younger generation. Language barriers can be inevitable with an increasing aging population down the road. This publication aims to question people in rethinking how we learn languages. Understanding and connecting on a more interpersonal level the inclusivity language plays a part in and preserving it for our future generation.

Good Citizen: Simi Lang Are You?

Good Citizen: Simi Lang Are You?

Good Citizen: Simi Lang Are You?

Loss

Tonight I write the saddest lines, tonight I reflect upon my grasp of sighs. In Pablo Neruda's poem, he writes of great loss and desire, when his lover is no longer around him. With this prompt, we set out to produce paintings to translate his words to be seen. I chose to show the palm as when we truly lose someone, holding onto them is a form of affirmative action. The background eventually fades to black, when we realise reality isn't what we want.

Personality

As part of his personal description, he is one who engages very much in the virtual realm of things. All Dressed Up challenges us to frame the model, in accordance to how they say they are like. We are left to interpret their depiction, and to direct the photoshoot, taking control on how they are to look like. I let his mobile be the main source of lighting, while he uses it, supposedly to create the shadow in the background. This outline therefore creates an illusion of a higher being, looking over the model, seemingly taking control of his behaviour.

Illusions

With a simple mirror, we observe an alternative perspective. While looking down, we can still see the ceiling; Something brighter, something unexpected. Illusions are visuals where we perceive something to be there, but not really. Perhaps in our concrete ground, we can discover a hole in the sky.

Portrait

Playing around with shadows, I cast her portrait onto my wall. This project tasked us to reproduce a portrait in 50 different methods, be it replicating or even manipulating it. I accidentally discovered the use of negative space in this method, and placed the stencil against a light source. The presence of the streetwear brand plastic bag, Supreme, positions itself in her eyes, possibly symbolizing how capitalism is all that we see today.

Phil&Sophie

A self initiated project with the aim of simplifying philosophy for the interested laymen, as the complexity of existing materials are too intimidating for those interested to embark on their philosophical journey. Phil&Sophie aims to help the audience understand key concepts of various philosophical schools of thought, and prompt them to start questioning things around them on a deeper level. The zines are on a subscription based model, with multiple issues that explores an overarching theme each volume, with the art direction changing in each issue.

Phil&Sophie

The focus of the third issue is an examination of the Stoics’ views on the poisonous nature of complaining and the importance of rejoicing in what is. The art direction focuses on visual metaphors and a cut and paste scrapbook aesthetic that reeks of unprofessionalism. The printed copy will be filled with flaws and various printing errors, tempting consumers who expect perfect products to complain about it. However, the point will be for them to practice not complaining.

Magazine (re-used)

re-used magazine is a biannual publication that looks into the various issues and topics pertaining to the world of freeganism. Offering analysis and in depth discussions on the latest happenings relating to the freegan community, re-used magazine aims to spark conversations that will change your life. To prevent excessive consumption, there are only limited copies of the magazine, readers are encouraged to pass it on to another reader.

Magazine (re-used)

In the pilot issue, the topic is dumpster diving, arguably the best known practice of Freegans. Stories of various individuals that have something to do with the act of dumpster diving were included too. The magazine is mainly typeset in Ryman Eco, a sustainable free font which uses less ink than standard fonts. Printed on FSC-Certified recycled papers, re-used embodies the spirit of freeganism within its design and editorial decisions.

Magazine (re-used)

The art direction of the magazine is a mix between ‘recycled’ graphics and punk subculture. ‘Recycled graphics’ is an attempt to utilise old things and giving them new meanings or purpose in this new context. Example includes reusing textures or typography elements found in the surroundings. The Punk subculture is about non-conformity, anti-corporatism, with a do-it-yourself ethic, anti-consumerist, which shares much similarities with freeganism.

Consumer Dictionary

An investigation into the relationship between words, consumerism and advertisement as propaganda. In particular, how words are being manipulated to build up and sustain our consumerist society. Various visual exploration is done to the dictionary, such as blackout poetry, paired with iconic visuals to further iterate the point that words and graphics can be manipulated and serves as a reminder of the nature of our society.

‘I want to buy a new one of the most time consuming activity like ever’

‘I want to buy a new one of the most time consuming activity like ever’, is a collection of gibberish generated by the predictive text function on an individual’s mobile device. Paired with targeted ads tailored to that individual, it allows the reader to form an impression of this individual, however inaccurate it might be. Contributors were asked to start off their predictive sentence with ‘I want to buy’, and to continue the sentence until it starts to repeat itself. 2-3 targeted ads provided by the same contributor will be juxtaposed against their words.

Ordinary Extraordinary

An abstract brief that requires a break from the reserved perspective of everyday life. The art of photography has been a huge influence in the cornerstone to the ways of seeing. Society has followed suite and you can see evidence of this all-over social media. With that in mind, this project aims to push boundaries and experiment with a play on pareidolia. In order to achieve that shift in paradigm, ordinary everyday objects were used as focus to be seen differently through the lens of the camera.

Ordinary Extraordinary

An abstract brief that requires a break from the reserved perspective of everyday life. The art of photography has been a huge influence in the cornerstone to the ways of seeing. Society has followed suite and you can see evidence of this all-over social media. With that in mind, this project aims to push boundaries and experiment with a play on pareidolia. In order to achieve that shift in paradigm, ordinary everyday objects were used as focus to be seen differently through the lens of the camera.

Ordinary Extraordinary

An abstract brief that requires a break from the reserved perspective of everyday life. The art of photography has been a huge influence in the cornerstone to the ways of seeing. Society has followed suite and you can see evidence of this all-over social media. With that in mind, this project aims to push boundaries and experiment with a play on pareidolia. In order to achieve that shift in paradigm, ordinary everyday objects were used as focus to be seen differently through the lens of the camera.

Ordinary Extraordinary

An abstract brief that requires a break from the reserved perspective of everyday life. The art of photography has been a huge influence in the cornerstone to the ways of seeing. Society has followed suite and you can see evidence of this all-over social media. With that in mind, this project aims to push boundaries and experiment with a play on pareidolia. In order to achieve that shift in paradigm, ordinary everyday objects were used as focus to be seen differently through the lens of the camera.

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

My hopes of a beautiful bright sunny summer did not die even without the sun. A humourous approach towards gloomy summers, I created my own sunrays in hopes of filling the cold damp streets with warth and humour. I combined them with a collection of photos I took in wet weather during my stay in Glasgow.

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

A Wee Summer - Sunny Days in Glasgow

Covid Art

Covid Art

Covid Art

Covid Art

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Tasked to create a new magazine, I named it Crank.

Digital Painting

Digital Painting

Digital Painting

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

A work in progress collection of artwork and experimentations. Born from rainy weather activities, these projects added a little joy and happiness in gloomy weather.

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

Musings – a collection of work (WIP)

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Wish

The Lazy Daisy - Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

The Lazy Daisy ¬– Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

The Lazy Daisy - Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

The Lazy Daisy - Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

The Lazy Daisy - Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

The Lazy Daisy - Rethinking the way we see fashion. (WIP)

THE STRANGER 👁️

Inspired by an excerpt taken out from L'Étranger whereby Meursault always thinks about his lover Marie but yet struggles to feel and wonders if he indeed loved her.

THE STRANGER 👁️

Wandering to Dwell

The Dwelling - Located at 8b Canton St above the convenience store, Seven Eleven, the living room was designed accordingly to the preferences of eating instant foods that both inhabitants cultivated whilst they were wandering in Glasgow. For example, the living room boasts of an unconventional kitchen with a sit-down hotpot experience. This is so that the inhabitants would be able to get their instant food from Seven Eleven.

An elaborate floor plan recalling the activities that happened in Ada and Kelly’s accommodation in Glasgow. The map revealed certain habits cultivated from their wandering in Glasgow. For example, the kitchen was always in use as the food in Glasgow was expensive. This resulted in both the inhabitants going to TESCO supermarket frequently to purchase instant foods.

This section is a work in progress to translate these wandering experiences into a dwelling. According to Witold Rybczynski’s ‘The Most Beautiful House’ in the world, the entrance is a key component in setting the tone of the dwelling. Hence it was considered that the inhabitants can enter their dwelling through Seven Eleven to create a certain porosity to the living arrangement.

The wandering experience also extends beyond Glasgow. Based on the experience of a visit to St. Andrew’s Cathedral, the bathroom was designed in a way to facilitate reflection and pondering by including a prayer area as well as a shelf for scripture to encourage the meditation of the psalms. Meditation and prayer are acts that allow the inhabitant to truly dwell.

Based on wandering through the magazine Apartmento issue #24, it was realised that a house is a collection of all things and experiences. Hence, the bedroom was designed for the many items and clothes that were collected as a result of travelling. There is also a seat by the window to allow the inhabitant to look out onto the streets and wander vicariously.

Ada was inspired by Japan’s tiny homes where a young couple bathed under the sunlight. She also loved how the layout of the couple’s tiny home was open. There is also a ladder incorporated for Ada to climb up to the roof and wander visually through the scenery of the Singapore River. An opening on the wall beside her bed was designed to allow both Ada and Kelly to interact whilst still having the privacy of their own rooms.

So Close but So Far

SO CLOSE BUT SO FAR - This project is a speed dating laundromat and bar that is a continuation of the dwelling. It was found that wandering continues as we meet new people - we are the vessels in which our experiences are contained.  However, in light of the COVID 19 pandemic, this response looks at how people might still love without touching each other.

Inspired largely by Hippie Modernism, collages were made in an attempt to translate the visual aesthetic that closely simulated one on drugs, as well as the concept of not being able to touch each other.

The participant will first: 1) Order a drink from the enclosed bar at a safe distance from each other. 2) Proceed to engage in the different systems that would allow interaction without physical touch. 3) Couples can proceed to the enclosed kissing booths. 4) Designated areas for the speed dating hosts to have a view of the entire bar to facilitate the rotation of couples.

First impressions count. Inspired by the fish tank scene in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as well as ‘A Minute of Silence’ by Marina Abramovic, the aquarium seats offer speed dating participants to interact without touching. It does this through a visually heightened experience.

Itten X Aēsop

Initial collage showcasing the synergy between Swiss Colour theorist Johannes Itten and Melbourne’s health and beauty franchise Aēsop. The bold contrasting colours of Itten’s art works complements the colour scheme used by Aēsop.

Aēsop X Itten

Window design grounded by the principles and theories of Swiss Painter and Colour theorist Johannes Itten designed for Aēsop’s stores.

Axonometric Study

Site study diagram of Golden Mile Complex The intention for the structure was to create a lively environment and a vertical city in contrast to the homogenized cities. Golden Mile Complex comes from the concepts of the Linear Cities of architect Le Corbusier.

Impressions

Artistic impression of envisioned design concept of play space located in Golden Mile Complex.

Play Space Perspective (East Lobby)

A new play space located in the Golden Mile Complex, focusing on the effects of light and shadow where sun shades rotate anti-clock wise throughout the day.

Play Space Perspective (West Lobby)

The play space focuses on generating a space that caters for relaxation enabling users of the space to experience Live, Work and Play in the same building.

Reclaiming Spaces

Typical shop in Golden Mile Complex where shop spills out beyond boundaries while the tenant place make shift markers defining their own boundaries. A lawless spillage of shops creating a reclamation of space demonstrates The Right to the City concept developed by French sociologist Henri Lefebvre in 1968.

Accentuated Pipelines

Unique pipelines that forms character, identity and uniqueness to the Golden Mile Complex.

Unique Characteristics

The image shows shops spilling out of their de-marketed zones and unique floor tile patterns in relation to the accentuated pipelines across the atrium of the Golden Mile Complex.

Lawlessness

The image shows the plan in relation to the pipes added years after original construction running above unique floor tile patterns that cover the ground floor. Further demonstrating how shops spill out.

Introduction

IntrThe original definition of panopticon in relation to the prison environment, as discussed by Foucault has changed dramatically in the present day - to an all pervasive digital form of surveillance by governments and technology firms.oduction

HDB Corridor - Thief Deterrence

This project aims to explore states of ease and discomfort in public and private environments brought about by digital surveillance. Can interior design mitigate the fine line between surveillance for crime prevention and the crime of voyeurism?

HDB Corridor - Thief Deterrence

An initial idea of space appropriation by residential unit along a corridor.

Workplace - Controlled supervision

The use of views and perspectives are used in this office setup to maximise efficiency.

Workplace - Controlled supervision

Screens are used for privacy.

Workplace - Controlled supervision

Subtle differentiation of spaces within the same volume help to mitigate the ill of the open office plan.

Workplace - Controlled supervision

View from a workstation.

Function, aesthetics and construction

Throughout history, the triad of aspects corresponding to function, aesthetics and construction has been proposed as the fundamental components in design, from Vitruvius to various contemporary authors. This year-long research, titled 'Optimal design: function, aesthetics and construction', builds upon these theoretical underpinnings, and through a series of exercises, this idea is investigated and clarified within the context of interior design. The lobby-seating area of SIT@TP was chosen as the site.

Designing to the context

The optimality of the design to its context is explored. For example, in 'Project 1: Function', a 'double-decker' strategy (shown on the left) may be better when there is space constraints, while a flexible programme and capacity may require collapsible furniture (shown on the right).

Finding the context

Factors, such as the pedestrian flow or circulation of the site, largely influence its function. In this case, the circulation reaffirms that the site is heart of the building. Thus, it may serve as a kind of landmark as one of its main function.

Functional design explorations

The circular design is explored, which conveys the centrality of the space, and contrasts against the straight lines of the building. Refinements are made on the basis of the functional concerns – its primary uses (programmes, activities and users), comfort (such as privacy, access and noise) and safety.

Spatial arrangement

Atelier-Bow-Wow style perspective plan of the design.

Aesthetics

In 'Project 2: Aesthetics', the design is approached first as a kind of sculpture or art before dealing with functional concerns. Through collages like this, the atmosphere of the space and the visual composition can be quickly explored. For the site, the quiet and darker study and resting area is contrasted with the brighter and more busy lobby area.

Aesthetics design explorations

Through understanding the formal visual language of the existing building, the new design can be conceived as the continuation of a visual composition of the whole gestalt. Different aesthetics forms can be produced based on the formal language, although they are functionally similar.

Modular furniture

A modular approach may be interesting, where the furniture can be arranged to form many different seating configurations.

Different arrangements of furniture

Physical models exploring the modular furniture configurations.

Track details

Exploration of how the modular furniture can be moved along a track. In A, a metal floor strip provides only visual feedback on where it should be. In B, a custom-extruded strip provides a small slope along the edges, allowing the furniture to slide more easily into its track. In C, a wheel-and-grove design enables users themselves to easily reconfigure the furniture arrangements, although more maintenance may be required.

A collage that shows the overall aim of the project which is to understand the sensorial needs of hypersensitive individuals with autism and support them in spaces where they transit into an existing community.

Exploration of the spatial qualities of the communal garden by thinking through making.

In case of sensory overload within the community centre, hypersensitive individuals with autism could use the lounge, which is designed as a therapeutic healing space with interior elements that promote mental curiosity and stimulate the desire of experiencing the space.

The second part of the project is a redesigned hawker centre. The food stalls are placed within the high-stress areas while the seating area is placed nearer to the low-stress areas. The two areas are separated with the main circulation path. This redefines a spatial hierarchy which would help hypersensitive individuals with autism.

Seats that allows configuration are integrated with the redesigned hawker centre. The seats can be converted into booth seating if hypersensitive individuals with autism require a space of a sense of enclosure.

Pause spaces with seating are added into the hawker centre to provide opportunities for prospect while consuming meals. These pause spaces are clearly distinguished with a ring of landscape design which also helps with odour abatement.

The third part of the project is a community library. The library cantilevers above the communal garden, blurs the transition of exterior spaces into interior spaces and creates an inclusive environment for the local community.

From entertainment to salvation, the former Venus Theatre in Singapore

In 1983, the Venus theatre in Singapore’s west went through a metamorphosis by adaptive reuse after the cinema suffered economically. In 1985, the Church of Our Saviour became its new occupant. Today, the church continues to operate in the community, struggling to stay relevant. This project aims to create a greater connection to the community through a multi functional, therapeutic space bringing people together whilst being relevant to the current context.

Breathe

This collage shows how the project proposes to open up the enclosed space, bringing people together and breathing new life into an old building. The site happens to be strategically located along the Queenstown MRT and Queenstown Secondary School. Because of its favourable location, the church adapted the space to fit the needs of the youth who can use the site’s facilities for quick foosball games, water break, resting spot and meeting point. However, the main church auditorium remains untouched during the weekdays making this space underutilised.

Model Exploration

With a desire to open up the enclosed space, model explorations have been undertaken to break the buidling’s rigidity by adding alternate circulation, playing with volume height and width, yet celebrating the original structure, and taking both its interior and exterior activities into consideration. Some of Singapore’s buildings seem greatly influenced by Le Corbusier’s modernist, 1960s practice, especially his “Five points of architecture”. In the case of the Church of Our Saviour pilotis act as a primary support of the building.

Redefining the Church

While adaptive reuse gives a space new purpose, the church community was forced to dwell in a building that was not originally meant for its use. This photo montage hopes to represent how a church hall could look- drawing individuals into the holiness of God through considerations of form, materiality, zoning, light and shadow.

Forms, Light and Shadow

Martin Luther gave birth to the reformation and protestantism, changing Christianity through a rejection of ornamentation, the legacy of empire and majestic socio-spatial power. These model explorations look at the influence that materiality and light can have on atmospheres that may draw individual to sacredness. Taking influence from monolithic architecture where buildings were carved from a single piece of material, these models try to replicate a similar raw, intimate dwelling space.

The journey into the main sanctuary

To create a dynamic and versatile interior space that enhances the look and creates a timeless, classic feel, materials such as natural stone, in particular limestone, were used, as well as both elements of wood and glass. Lime stone is known to be strong and able to withstand abrasion. A tunnel was designed to play with depth, and a low ceiling creates a space that allows for individual contemplation.

Sanctuary

In reference to Peter Zumthor’s Bruder Klaus Field Chapel of which he says: “In order to design building with a sensuous connection to life, one must think in a way that goes beyond form and construction” this design was established from a foundation of two contrasting materials: rock and light. With minimal ornamentation, this design hopes to bring people atmospherically into an experience of holiness.

Interior Space

This image shows the exploration undertaken, to captures both materiality, form and texture in render.

Space for the community

This project looks into creating a dual functional design, i.e. two programmes that operate at the same time in the same space. The first floor caters to a public crowd, while the upper floor caters to the existing Church of Our Saviour community. This design hopes to revitalised and be relevant to current community activities in the face of urbanisation.

The living room

Project 3: The mall is my living room (co-existing). Since Funan co-living is located in the mall, using the layout to allow the resident of the co-living to venture out and use the entire mall as its living room, wardrobegamesdining to workliveplay.

open living

project 3: Co-living- using the idea of IKEA showroom, as a living space for my co-living where everyone is able to mingle and live together and experience a different experience of co-living.

The In-Between

A simple Question of Inhabitation: What would happen in that in-between space between modern corporate shops and traditional strata shops? How would the audience from each typology interact with one another? How would the intended program in the in-between space turn out? The in-between space isn't solely owned by either party. A no man's land.

Corporate

Elevation 1 of the intended proposed design of the In-Between space.

Strata

Elevation 2 of the intended proposed design of the In-Between space.

Changing Home

A simple Question of Inhabitation: Shouldn't space be determined by the play and inhabitation of the users rather than the play and inhabitation of the users to be determined by the space layout? Boundaries and Territories are always referred to as built-in and rigid structures. Boundaries and Territories should be easily moved around to cater to the ever-changing needs of the audience.

Changing Home- An Axo

An axonometric overview of the intended proposed design.

Kitchen

A movable kitchen wall/cabinet that can extend the use of the kitchen and dining space or to minimize it in order to use the extra space for other activities.

Gym & Art

Likewise a movable gym wall/cabinet acts as a door for two rooms, and when not in use can be extended to facilitate gym and art activities.