Renowned as Asia's financial capital, lion city and media hub, Singapore recently set out to add another feather to its cap - of being a force to reckon with in design and architecture. Singapore may not be a large city, but there's no lack of design and architectural marvels on the island. Exceptional concepts with practical design providing inspiration for design excellence are scattered across its landscape. What comes across is that architecture and design are important to Singapore and that the professional world understands and admires Singapore as a consequence.
This came to the fore at the recent "100% Design Singapore", the first and only curated contemporary design-led interiors exhibition in Southeast Asia featuring the theme "55:75:95". Conceptualized by award-winning design consultancy VW+BS, the theme was an exploration of Asian lifestyles and how they are similar and different from those in the West. The aim of the convention was to shine a spotlight on the Southeast Asian lifestyle and see how it influences interior design and how it differs from design in the rest of the world.
"Singapore has a come a long way," said 100% Design Singapore curator Voon Wong, who's also a partner at British design consultancy VW+BS. "The Singapore design and interior scene has been very vibrant in recent years. Veterans and also young professionals have contributed to a variety of projects both big and small," said Wong.
Better appreciation of design and maturity of the consumer were also the key reasons the organizers of the inaugural 100% Design Singapore brought the debut event to Singapore. Annually the event has been held in London for the last 18 years.
Organized by Reed Exhibitions, world's leading event organizer, the 3-day contemporary design exhibition shaped out to be the perfect platform for exhibitors to showcase the latest creations to Asian buyers. The show provided a venue for visitors to exchange, explore and discuss current cultural and design thinking. Key words—creativity, originality and innovation—inspired and spread the message of good design.
The exhibition presented the latest in furniture, lighting, floor/wall coverings for interior designers, architects, property developers and retailers. Showcasing lifestyles and cultural differences in design, whilst highlighting the Southeast Asia identity, the concept of live, work and play environments through installation were the highpoint of the show. Ian Macready, Director VW+BS said that an intelligent approach to design ensures that what we do today will still be thriving for our future generations. "Spaces in which we work, live, learn and play should be healthy and engaging to all its users," Macready said.
Elaborating on metamorphosis of design, designers focused on design solutions. Talking about India and its association with interior design, they said that though still in its infancy, the design scenario was gradually growing. "In Southeast Asia including countries like Thailand, Indonesia, India, products and versatile designs are redirecting old school thoughts with fresh aesthetics and utility values," said Rosan Bosch, CEO and founder of Rosan Bosch studio. "Design is a perfect tool for change. The idea is to script the needs of individuals and create spaces which can be used differently," said Bosch.
Whether it is India or Singapore, designers and architects said that the 100 % Design show elaborated on the need to employ an integrated and innovative approach to design and project delivery. Every country including India needs to innovate on its design, which could in turn propel economic growth and enhance quality of life of its citizens. "Interior design is an integral aspect of most architecture projects. This creative arena needs to be approached with the same attention to creativity and detail whether in Singapore or India. The need of the hour is to work on projects with an attempt to translate the clients' aspirations into reality," said Shriya Sinha, Interior Designer, Adedas Interiors Pte Ltd, Singapore.
"The idea is to shine a spotlight on the Southeast Asian lifestyle and see how it influences interior design and how it differs from design in the rest of the world," Wong said.
"We are living in times of change and constant evolution. Individuals are constantly evaluating and looking for varied options and new choices for business as well as society. The need of the hour for designers is to be innovative as well as original, because many accepted approaches are outmoded and no longer effective. To do this we must conceive of new techniques that improve the quality of ideas and increase the range of people able to participate in creativity and what better way than through trade shows and conventions," he added.
Source :timesofindia.indiatimes.com
