Plasticism

Colours

Outdoor Fashion

Ordinary Extraordinary

Ordinary Extraordinary is a project where I take several daily / mundane objects and perceive them differently. The theme of my project revolves around Singaporeean childhood snacks.

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.

YYENO

YYENO is a card game designed for people pleasers to practice saying no. Saying no is a difficult task for people pleasers as they see it as a trigger to all their fears becoming a reality. However, although intimidating, it is a necessary step to take back their lives. This game aims to ease them into this new normal by providing them with a safe space to practice saying no, while having fun.

YYENO

Unfiltered

In a world where people prefer to hide their struggles, Unfiltered explores the thoughts many wrestle with. Created using various works from my first 100 days of studying in GSA, it seeks to communicate the rawness of human emotions and thoughts.

Unfiltered

Unfiltered

Portrait of a Feather

Feathers are typically viewed as a collective– be it as a covering for birds, in accessories, or even in household items. These objects are taken for granted and not given much attention or appreciation. This exploratory project seeks to bring attention to an everyday, overlooked object by isolating it– making each feather the focus instead of the supporting character. Drawing attention to the individual feather brings intimacy, and highlights its usually unnoticed beauty.

Portrait of a Feather

Portrait of a Feather

The Perfect Life?

The Perfect Life seeks to educate and highlight the plight and the atrocities committed against the Rohingya– a persecuted Muslim minority from Myanmar. The satirical approach adopted in the book stems from the apathy of the majority, whose ignorance is equivalent to saying that everything is perfectly fine. By adopting this approach, the book shows how twisted this mindset is and seeks to wake people up to the reality in front of them.

The Perfect Life?

Love Letter to Chinese Cinema

Love Letter To Chinese Cinema is a project that explores the overlap between today’s Chinese youth, and their relationship with Chinese Cinema. How to Judge a Chinese Film by it’s Chinese-ness is an ironic and satirical kit, where warped and often Eurocentric perception of Asian cinema manifests itself into a tangible product. This kit uses hypocrisy as a visual language to question contradiction and double standards in the way that movies are now perceived.

Banana is local street description for Asians who have chosen to abandon or neglect their cultural identity in favour of a western one – yellow on the outside & white on the inside. Pinkerton syndrome.

Western vs Asian comparison – the notion of “worth” is often brought up when discussing Asian films, whether it is “worth” the watch, time and money. An endless handout of excuses.

Civi Type: The Man, The Skies, The Earth

A writing system born out of a dystopian future in 2064 that eerily mirrors the (future) present; war, environmental decline and viruses. Where mother tongues are forgotten, this system is used to indoctrinate and communicate — its purpose entirely functional and devoid of emotion. A writing system produced from analog and digital mediums, its form is derived from the functionality of Chinese logography and carries the characteristics of blackletter.

The system's handbook, bound in tradition Chinese bookbinding to echo its influence.

The four core functions of the writing system, conveyed purely through visuals. It lacks phonics & no symbol represents feelings nor inquiry. The cold, robotic nature reflects in its stiff and angular form.

A Story In Statues

Having documented heavily the extent of the street art scene in Europe. I began to create a series of posters showing a collage of street art and using statues I found in Europe as the focal point in each piece, I chose to create very raw images while juxtaposing them against the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles as a representation of Singapore and it’s street art scene.

A Story In Statues

Sterile Singapore

A Story In Statues

The statues

A Story In Statues

"Swee" in Hokkien is an adjective to describe something or a situation is "beautiful".

Skins Magazine

Created a magazine labelled 'Skins" highlighting the hobby of taxidermy and the importance of preserving our animals especially if they happen to go extinct

Skins Magazine

Skins Magazine

Featuring certain advertisements, here are some highlights of advertisements which i designed to compliment the magazine. showcasing the plight of endangered species in a striking yet accessible way.

Satire Supermarket

Introducing the Satire Supermarket, "World End". A satirical take on how Supermarkets & consumers are handling the plastic problem.

Satire Supermarket

Going green literally & why stop at double bagging, when you can quadruple it

Satire Supermarket

House of Gentlemen

Tasked with melding the legacy of an author of highbrow status with a regular street shop, the House of Gentlemen sees renowned Scottish novelist, Sir Walter Scott’s legacy reintepreted in a socially conscious nail bar for men. A sartorial take on traditional and contemporary standards of chivalry (an occurring theme in many of Scott’s works), House of Gentlemen lets men get their nails primed to help the ladies with the door whilst contributing to society.

Nawwwledge

Take a logical no-nonsense subject and give it some mind-boggling, non- linear thought. Nawwwledge does so by relating intelligent yet often dull topics to situations and deliberations of millennial life. For this issue, the rules of cricket is used as a metaphor for life experienced by millennials. It is a sublimely educational and highly relatable read.

Your fate in my hands

Motivated by my long-standing struggle with procrastination, I went on a quest to uncover the source of this conundrum and the cure to end it all. This poem book is the result of an introspective research process, expressing what goes on through the mind of a procrastinator and how I cope with it. It is meant to evoke a sense of familiarity and solidarity in its readers and to show them that they aren’t alone in this fight.

Your fate in my hands

The poem book can be read as a two-page spread and/or unfurled into an accordion piece.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

Adaptation Magazine Issue 1: Post-apocalyptic Literature

An adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptation Magazine strives to create an archival and organic approach to information, mixing unique storytelling and user interaction to convey complex themes. This issue serves to introduce the masses to Post-apocalyptic Literature and its various cultural and social influences. The cover utilizes a perforation to tear as like post-apocalyptic literature authors, the reader would need to destroy in order to create and thus, opening the book.

A Tale of Memories

An explorative journey through the creation of memories. An immersive interpretation of the bittersweet pursuit of remembrance and capturing longing feelings.

A Tale of Memories

An explorative journey through the creation of memories. An immersive interpretation of the bittersweet pursuit of remembrance and capturing longing feelings.

A Tale of Memories

An explorative journey through the creation of memories. An immersive interpretation of the bittersweet pursuit of remembrance and capturing longing feelings.

A Tale of Memories

An explorative journey through the creation of memories. An immersive interpretation of the bittersweet pursuit of remembrance and capturing longing feelings.

Where's Your Bag

A campaign targeted to reduce plastic wastage by first improving cashier's operation and recreating an awareness brand

Hear Me Out!

Set of theraphy cards targeted to improve the mental health of an individual with social anxiety. Use as an aid to recount an experience without the need to verbally express it.

Mind of a Sadist

The book illustrates a suprising message of how anyone you know can be guilty of having the mind of a sadist. Depicting some of our uncensored everyday thoughts to the worst kinds of sadism reflected in our society today.

Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

Every Good Boy Deserves a Favour is a stage play written by Tom Stoppard that made its first appearance in 1977. The style of illustration influenced the screenplay by depecting the orchestrated performance as a way to ridicule the Soviets practice of treating political dissidence as a form of mental illness.

Like is a distortion of Altruism

The project focuses on the rising narcissist behaviour online, specifically on social media platforms. The 4 clayed faces potrayed the types of narcissist that are familiar to us. The faces allows you to see your own reflection by looking through the eyes. Meant to represent a person's excessive self-admiration. I then left them on the streets to see how people would interact with it.

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.

The Plastic Problem

Plastic bags are portrayed sexually to create the image that sea creatures are getting choked without consent, consequently losing their lives. This project is catered to young adults, encouraging them to switch to a plastic alternative, Solubag, which is packaged like a condom.

The Plastic Problem

The Plastic Problem

72 Virgins: Terrorist’s Digest

This is satirical digest showcasing the dos and don’ts of terrorism. It is curated specially for someone who is a terrorist, or wants to be one. In this digest, there is a showcase of how race can be a deterrent from you achieving the title of being the most successful terrorist. I also chose to poke fun at how they brainstorm certain ways to make terrorism become “socially acceptable”.

72 Virgins: Terrorist’s Digest

72 Virgins: Terrorist’s Digest

72 Virgins: Terrorist’s Digest

Valaida Snow

Valaida Snow was an African American Trumpet player who sang and played Jazz music in the 1920s – 1930s era. This is an alphabetical record-styled diary, illustrating Valaida Snow’s struggles with racism, as well as her experience getting captured by Nazis for two years.

Valaida Snow

Valaida Snow

UOB Plaza installation

We commonly perceive boundary as a form of physical segregation, rather than as a state of mind. Using the construct of efficiency as a focus on this study, the physical intervention is designed disrupt the psychological boundary. The idea of boundary as a state of mind stems from the observation of people's behaviors during the course of their commute. In a journey, different events may occur, efficiency results in people being fixated on their next destination, often forgoing interacting with their surroundings, like an intangible imaginary boundary around an individual.

UOB Plaza installation

Much of these observations lay testament to Pierre Bourdieu's theory of Habitus, which mentions ingrained habits, skills and dispositions, the way that individuals perceive the social world around them and react to it. An intervention in the end brings about a platform of interaction to an open fast paced region. However this opens up a new question, must boundaries be blurred? or can they be balanced.

243 Joo Chiat Road

This project explores the notion of balance, using a shophouse unit at Joo Chiat Road to carry out this investigation. Joo Chiat has an interesting mix of contrasting functions under one roof, typically segregated by levels. Using existing functions of a bar, habitation and KTV, this project tries to build a reciprocal relationship by blurring the physically boundaries through an interconnection of the functions.

243 Joo Chiat Road

This project uses the idea that lights give preeminence to the active functions at a given time and vice versa. Forms used create different levels of privacy for various functions, whilst light and materials determine the degree of privacy. The denotation of shadows, light exposure over times of the day and form allow for allocating of functions, functions categorized according to their levels of privacy

243 Joo Chiat Road

In the space, activities of each function are exposed to one another. The KTV here can be seen in contrast to the bar, artificial lights from the KTV indicate its dominance in activity at night, while daylight of day reveals the bar open as an eatery and the active function of the moment.

243 Joo Chiat Road

Apart from lights to denote boundaries, forms and materials are important. Consistent materials that pertain to particular functions subtly indicate the domain of public and private. Difference in forms denote the difference in domains. The denser and more rigid forms indicate the habitation area, while more open areas denote the public areas. All of which are connected to each other in different ways. The question of balance in boundaries among functions may not solve immediate problems, but rather opens up avenues on boundaries and their intangibility, and how they can experiment with in the vast domain of interior design.

Re-Imagined Spaces: The play of light and shadow in our everyday life

This project started with questions of how the duality of light and shadow, that is so significant in our lives, impact us on a daily basis. I believe that light and shadow has the ability to evoke one’s emotions in a space even in very mundane spaces. 'Re-imagined Spaces' aims to investigate the notion of light and shadow and how it can affect in representing a space. Through a selection of ordinary and common spaces, the projects questions the possibilities of how these spaces can be re-imagined when light and shadow is used as the driving force of the space.

Part One: Exploration of light and shadow

The documentation covers 8 various sites in Singapore to explore the existence of light and shadow in our daily life. Ideas from the collection of photographs from the site visits are translated into simple study models. Through it, making discoveries on how light and shadow can affect our spatial experience.

Part Two: The Rhythm of Shadows

Looking into the play of light and shadow in everyday spaces, a transitional space was chosen as the typology of this project. A hospital can be a very anxiety charged place for some visitors. Thus, this project aims to target users from the hospital and explore how light and shadow can momentarily evoke a sense of calmness through the transition. The idea of rhythm and intensity of light and shadow was explored. Darkness evokes a form of mysteriousness and portrays silence. The forms of shadow becomes more rigid and darker when reaching the middle of the transition walkway. The idea of darkness, minimal light and stillness evoke silence in the space and aims to create a contemplative atmosphere.

At the darkest and most still point of the walkway, a slit allows a ray of light to enter the space. The only benches are placed here to encourage one to momentarily remain at this place.

Part Three: Sanctuary Café

This part looks into the typology of an ordinary food court. The project aims to create a relaxing space for people to dine in, contrasting to the surrounding fast paced and crowded environment. It will explore how the interplay of light and shadow create a comfortable experience in such a setting. The project explores calmness through the use of water. In particular, the experience is catered for solo diners.

Moving forward, the glass floor is removed and replaced with glass steps, revealing the texture of the water. The light strips aims to entice people to continue walking forward, while the black tiles gives a sense of depth.

Nearest to the kitchen is the short-term dining area. The curved seating is intended to break the linear geometry and also make it harder for users to communicate, giving more privacy to solo diners. Sounds from the cascading water fountain behind the panels can be heard to create the calming sound.

For the private pods, shoji screens are used as the materials for the partitions to keep it less rigid yet maintain the level of privacy. The screens will also reveal the shadows of people. As it is a really long corridor, the alcove will give depth to the shadows and users will be drawn towards that as they walk through.

The visual and audio aspects of water is strategically integrated into the design of each space to help create the calming experience.

Collage of Model Exploration

The first project aims to challenge the idea of slowness in a fast-paced transitional space. Here is a collage of form exploration to explore how the repetition of forms slow down the users of a space.

Collage of Materiality Exploration

A collage of exploration using different types of translucent and transparent materials to incorporate in the space.

Line Drawing of Intervention

Atelier Bow-Wow inspired line drawing of the installation design of the ceiling incorporated in the transit area.

Slowness in a Transitional Space

The final image depicts how the ceiling installation would look like. It may seem like fabric or a dreamscape to some; it allows users of the space to imagine and ponder what the design could be and to appreciate the materiality at the same time.

Passage of Time

A conceptual representation of how the lighting condition will be throughout the whole day. The lighting mimics the movement of the sun during the day, creating a different experience within the same space.

Exploration of Textures and Patterns

The second project is to create a homestay within the context of a Housing Development Board flat in Singapore as a temporal pause from the busyness of everyday life. Plaster casting that explores different textures and patterns The intention is to create textures that attempt to speak of the passage of time throughout the day.

Re-arrangement of Spaces

The walls of the space are reorganised to have the living spaces in the middle. This creates a longer walkway for users to slow down their pace. Panels with different degrees of translucency are added to offer privacy and invoke curiosity as one walks through the corridor space.

Conceptual Model of framing and materiality.

A model exploration using framing as well as different degrees of transparency to slow users within the space. By using framing and translucent materials, it allows users to be cautious, but allowing exploration within the space. This creates different experiences as well as different views one can experience within the same space.

Sectional Elevation of the Home-Stay

Sectional elevation view that shows different degrees of transparency and wooden panels that offers privacy as well as invokes a sense of curiosity for users in the space.

Corridor Space

The corridor view when one interacts with the translucent washi paper. It offers privacy as well as invokes a sense of curiosity for users in the space.

To Rest and Ponder

Small pods for users to sit ponder and rest as well.

Different Degrees of Translucency

The bedroom where fluted glass panels are placed to offer privacy as well as to continue creating different degrees of translucency throughout the space.

Layering of Spaces

A small garden is placed in the middle, separating both living spaces.

Environmental issues have been so much more important to me in recent years, and that has influenced the ways I approach the type of projects I want to do and how I want to execute them. For my Final Year Project, I wanted to explore the possibilities of how we can live with the least carbon footprint as possible. This will be done by tackling how HDBs can be reconfigured in order to be more self-reliant and self-sustainable. As we live through a strange time, through the COVID-19 pandemic, the notion of being more self-reliant and self-sustainable is more relevant than ever.

This collage was my way of expressing a ‘futuristic’ Singapore and how Archigram’s unbuilt projects could become a reality. My project was very inspired by Archigram and the theory of Rubanisation by Tay Kheng Soon. The idea of Plug-In City constantly evolving to meet the needs of people, and by having all the resources needed in one mega-machine – without harming the environment, was something that intrigued me. I wanted to combine those ideas, with the strategies of Rubanisation, to redefine how we live today so that we live with the least carbon footprint.

This is a series of materials made from waste. Gas, oil, consumerism, electricity, transportation and every other form of human activity, contributes to our carbon footprint. I asked myself, what if I could make my own spoon? Knowing that waste is a great carbon footprint contributor, I wanted to explore how household waste could be reused and made into something new, to kick-start the project. What if I made my own spoon using banana peels? That would mean I do not have to buy a new spoon - I do not contribute to consumerism and energy to produce a new spoon, and I get to reduce and reuse my waste, promoting a circular economy. 1. Milk + Vinegar 2. New-paper (made from waste paper) 3. New-clay (made from waste paper) 4. New-clay 5. Alternative Banana Peel Material 6. ABPM lamp shade 7. New-paper + ABPM 8. Slab of ABPM 9. New-paper 10. Weaving ABPM 11. New-paper + ABPM 12. Weaving ABPM with mesh

This neighbourhood is the site I chose as it already had a lot of existing amenities that I could work with to create a new masterplan. The analysis and masterplans done were based on the strategies of Rubanisation. My main objective was to ensure that no building was just purely residential, it had to be combined with another programming.

The diagrams of different configurations were a process of redistributing the existing amenities from the site, to one HDB building. Although this idea sounds like a Mixed Used Development, I was exploring an idea away from that typology, hence I decided on Diagram 6 as its configuration was most different from a MUD. I then translated this idea to a very draft collage to envision the type of spaces I wanted to have. To continue, I traced over the collages so that I could draw out how certain spaces could relate to one another. It was very important to sketch them so that they came together as one whole space. In order to redefine the way, we live, I chose to focus on a HDB building because it is the most common form of local housing.

What if HDB blocks had everything we needed? A pandemic-proof, zombie apocalypse-proof housing, because we would not need to leave our homes? My vision of a new HDB typology was to combine everything in a neighbourhood, into a singular block. Having urban farms are integral for residents to be able to grow their own food. This new typology is all about self-reliance, self-sustainability and a circular economy. This compilation shows the final iteration of the collage and how in reflects on a HDB from the site. The diagrams on the right show the circulation of the different spaces, programming and space planning.

To decrease carbon footprint, the principle of sharing is very important. For instance, not everyone cooks, hence, not everyone needs a kitchen. Layout explorations 1 and 2 were to explore the optimal potential of a HDB floor plate and how many bedrooms there could be by creating a central node of common areas. Traditional HDB units were eliminated for a floor to become one. With reference to my envisioned HDB typology, I decided to develop Level 9, which consisted of co-working spaces, farm, common areas and residential.

Inspired by Archigram’s Plug-In city and how it is able to adapt and change to the needs of its users, I wanted to incorporate this idea to the residential quarters by designing adaptable bedrooms. The bedrooms can be made bigger or smaller depending on the user. By having this flexibility, it lessens the likelihood of people having to move homes which in turn decreases the demand for new housing. Hence, this could possibly lessen buildings that need to be built and thus decreasing our carbon footprint.

This series of models is an ideation of furniture design. There is also potential to incorporate the earlier exploration of alternative materials, with the construction of the furniture.

This series of models is to explore the design of the common areas. I wanted to explore how people could come together, their co-existence in this new typology and their co-existence with nature. The idea was to create spaces without having to build solid walls, so that the spaces could be open and allow for natural ventilation to take place. By being more open, the common areas are also able to seamlessly connect with the other spaces.

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.

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.

The norm of working

This is so apt in this moment of a worldwide pandemic where we are all forced to stay home, work from home and work from our limited desk. Humans are the most adaptable creature in the world, we went from agriculture to a capitalist society in such immense speed. What lies in the future of work?

Adaptive Living

Most of us are comfortable in our homes because it is a place to unwind after a full day out. It is a place where our true character unveils itself. Walter Benjamin famous phrase “to dwell is to leave traces” applies to most spaces, but especially in our dwelling, our home.

Spatial Use

When we micro-analyse our space usage, the original intent of the space ended up suiting our needs instead. A room turns into a workspace or a store. A dining table turns into a study table. A coffee table turns into a dining table. How users define the use of these objects and spaces are different in every household.

Embracing the mess

A collaged utopian world of what embracing all our assumed flaws and mess could be. A messy table with a conveyor belt of endless items. A house filled with surveillance cameras. A living room with clothes piled up. The lounging seat with extension plug becomes one with the wall filled without enough socket to charge all the devices at home. A balcony filled with cigarette butts that must be cleared away every day.

Life vs. Play

In the functional bus interchange, what difference does it make when life gets injected into the space. Through play elements, biophilia elements, art installations or localized bustling coffeeshop? The robotic-like functionality of the space was disturbing. The fact that we are all part of the system of dropping off and picking up points made the idea of this standard bus interchange boring and monotonous.

Interventions

A myriad of intervention designed for a functional bus interchange. It aimed to diminish the efficiency of the space by injecting elements of life, fun and play. Where kids can play, where adults can sit.

Elemental Examination

If interventions are placed in a non-obstructive manner to ensure the efficiency of the space, is that how we can celebrate pluralism? If the intervention lies within a commuter’s walking area, how would the commuter adapt? Take a longer path? Possibly.

Life

The act of playfulness in a bus interchange does not align with the stringent requirements of what a bus interchange should be. But why should bus interchanges all look the same?