Defining Singapore Design
d+a|Issue 119
We get insights from a group of Singaporeans, creatives and business leaders.
- Low Shi Ping
Defining Singapore Design

Porcelain plates decorated with our well-loved dragon playground; a children’s storytelling session at the National Museum of Singapore; an award-winning breast pump for Pigeon.

These are just some of the many innovations by Singaporean designers that contribute to making the scene here colourful, multi-cultural and even customised.

Attempt to define Singapore design though, and things get slightly complicated.

Mirroring the cosmopolitan, melting pot nature of the country, it is hardly discernible – yet that in itself makes it distinctive.

“Singapore design is a joyful celebration of its residents’ diverse backgrounds and ways of life,” affirms Rachel Poonsiriwong, a DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) scholar who is currently studying at the California College of the Arts.

She is not alone in this opinion. We took to quizzing a group of creatives involved in varied fields of design to seek more insights.

SINGAPORE DESIGN IS MULTI-FACETED

“Singapore design is a dichotomy of many things – past and present, inward and outward,” shares Mashizan Masjum, President and Creative Director of footwear brand MASHIZAN.

“It’s a mélange of all things unexpected, curious, strange and yet still magnificent.”

That it is able to achieve all this while being a small country with a short history is an achievement in itself.

“We take history, culture and technology to develop a design identity that is uniquely Singapore,” says Morgan Yeo, First Son and Director of carpentry studio Roger & Sons.

この蚘事は d+a の Issue 119 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は d+a の Issue 119 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

D+Aのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
timeless appeal
d+a

timeless appeal

Cosentino’s new collections continue to offer sustainable, durable and innovative surfaces that seamlessly blend into and enhance any contemporary space.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 134
FIND - design fair asia 2024 returns for third edition
d+a

FIND - design fair asia 2024 returns for third edition

Exciting design innovations and the latest trends from Southeast Asia under one roof.

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 134
Global design hotspot
d+a

Global design hotspot

Highlights of Ambiente 2025: An extensive and diverse global marketplace for consumer goods

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 134
the natural balance
d+a

the natural balance

Inspired by the serene beauty of dewdrops, the Antao Collection by Villeroy & Boch transforms bathrooms into wellness sanctuaries, combining sustainability with timeless elegance.

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 134
balancing act: nature and humanity
d+a

balancing act: nature and humanity

In this inspiration-led series, we asked Jay Liu and Alex Liu, co-founders of Right Angle Studio, to dream up a unique interior concept using mainly items from Space Furniture.

time-read
2 分  |
Issue 134
rethinking, remaking, reframing
d+a

rethinking, remaking, reframing

Aoki Akio, the founder of DESIGNART TOKYO discusses the importance and legacy of Tokyo’s eminent art and design event, particularly for young creatives.

time-read
5 分  |
Issue 134
rebuilding communities
d+a

rebuilding communities

Shift2024, the much-anticipated conference returns with a stellar line-up of prolific architects making their mark in Asian urban design.

time-read
5 分  |
Issue 134
unparalleled italian craftsmanship
d+a

unparalleled italian craftsmanship

Filippo Arnaboldi, Chief Executive Officer of Frette, tells us how this ry lifestyle Italian brand is moving forward with times yet not forgetting about its existing legacy.

time-read
4 分  |
Issue 134
where the mountain meets the sea
d+a

where the mountain meets the sea

This bespoke hillside residence features modern design elements, natural touches, and panoramic ocean views.

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 134
building a green home
d+a

building a green home

This semi-detached house by Zivy Architects explores passive tropical design the delight in architecture and the issues of multi-generational living.

time-read
3 分  |
Issue 134