I always get excited around this time of year, because that’s when the annual Singapore Design Week takes place.
I always get excited around this time of year, because that’s when the annual Singapore Design Week takes place. This year, it runs from March 4-17, and includes events such as Design Trailblazers, a showcase of works that have won National Design awards by Cooper Hewitt, and President’s Design awards; and Singaplural, an exhibition featuring cross disciplinary design created in collaboration between local and foreign brands and designers.
I was a child in the early 80s, when there were no local events championing the design scene in Singapore. So, seeing visitors take in the work of local talents today brings joy to my heart – because not only does it show that Singaporeans can be capable of producing good design, but that they also have the capacity to learn about and love it.
However, while we are in the midst of enjoying the events at this year’s design week, I hope that we can also give recognition to the early generation of furniture producers, who have done much to pave the way for upcoming designers of today.
You can see some of their works at the “50 years of Design” exhibition, now on at National Design Centre – but there are many more unsung heroes from our past.
Do let me know if you have any ideas on how we can add to this design conversation, and how we can make Singapore an even more vibrant city for design.
