From left: Festival Director of Singapore Design Week 2023, Madeleine Ho, Managing Director of Economic Development Board, Jacqueline Poh, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Low Yen Ling, Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council, Dawn Lim, and lead curator of Bras Basah. Bugis Design District, Jackson Tan, launched the festival officially at the National Design Centre. Photo by Pretty Much Films.
Singapore Design Week 2023 (SDW 2023) is here to ignite your imagination and celebrate the beauty of creativity. Get ready to embark on a journey through design, as this extraordinary event unfolds until 1 October.
The festivities kicked off with a grand opening ceremony at the National Design Centre, graced by Minister of State, Ms. Low Yen Ling. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), and SDW 2023 is pulling out all the stops to make it an unforgettable celebration under the theme, ‘Better by Design.’
One of the highlights of SDW 2023 is the creation of Design Districts, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of design. Bras Basah.Bugis, the heart of Singapore’s civic center, takes center stage with three of the nation’s most innovative designers leading the way: Jackson Tan of BLACK, Ar. Ong Ker Shing and Dr. Joshua Comaroff of Lekker Architects, and Pann Lim of Kinetic Singapore. These talented curators present three immersive showcases—Playground of Possibilities, FI&LD, and School of Tomorrow—spanning across the district.
Get ready to unleash your inner creativity at the Playground of Possibilities. This showcase features 12 design “stories of possibilities” from Singapore, offering innovative solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. Explore interactive installations that highlight four design principles: Explore, Empathize, Imagine, and Adapt. See how tomorrow’s buildings can stay naturally cool, discover a dementia-friendly mini public housing town, interact with AI-equipped robots, and explore a kitchen with “smart” ceramic tableware. The possibilities are endless, and design is the key to unlocking them.
FI&LD offers a fresh perspective on inclusive design based on play and improvisation. This interactive exhibition showcases examples of inclusive design, from physical environments to immersive experiences and graphics. Discover new concepts, initiatives, and prototypes that emphasize the connections between inclusion, emotion, and technology through design. Lekker Architects collaborated with students from various institutions to bring this experience to life.
Enroll in the School of Tomorrow and embark on a sustainability journey with a twist. Curated by Pann Lim of Kinetic Singapore, this immersive exhibit offers sustainability lessons in a fun and engaging format. Learn about critical environmental issues through classes that cover subjects like geography, chemistry, and social studies. Expertise from sustainability professionals will guide you through practical solutions for a better future.
Experience the creative energy of the Bras Basah.Bugis District like never before with SDW’s first-ever Friday Late event on 22 September.
The district will come alive with design installations, live demonstrations, a pop-up retail market, and delicious food stalls that will stay open late until 11 pm. Explore five creative hubs, including National Design Centre, LASALLE College of the Arts, Selegie Arts Centre, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), and Stamford Arts Centre. Shuttle buses will run hourly from Marina Bay Sands to National Design Centre, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the excitement.
Join the Design Futures Forum 2023, a special edition event celebrating the 20th anniversary of DesignSingapore Council.
This forum will feature distinguished speakers from Singapore and around the world, exploring how design, business, and the social and public sectors can work together to create better futures in sustainability, emerging technology, and care. Renowned architect Shigeru Ban and other experts will share their insights during this event.
FIND – Design Fair Asia returns for its second edition with over 300 brands showcasing furniture, lighting, flooring, furnishings, workspace systems, and design collectibles. Yoko Choy, China editor of Wallpaper, will lead the FIND Global Summit, featuring speakers like Teo Yang and Jaelle Ang.
Presented by DesignSingapore Council, EMERGE @ FIND showcases the best of Southeast Asian design talent. Curated by Suzy Annetta of Design Anthology, this year’s theme is “CRAFT + INDUSTRY: MAN + MACHINE.” Over 50 talented designers from six countries will present their work, spanning various materials and methods.
Six of Singapore’s forward-thinking designers will unveil their visions for a brighter tomorrow at the Future Impact – Homecoming Showcase. Explore innovative furniture, textiles, and graphic posters that combine cutting-edge technology with storytelling to create a sustainable future.
SDW 2023 introduces Design Districts as a festival highlight. Three key precincts—Bras Basah.Bugis, Marina Bay, and Orchard Road—each offer immersive design experiences within walking distance. From exhibitions and talks to workshops and retail pop-ups, these districts are a treasure trove of creativity.
The local design community has organized over 70 ground-up events, including exhibitions, talks, workshops, tours, and retail pop-ups. Explore the island and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of design.
Singapore Design Week 2023 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of creativity, innovation, and the power of design to shape a better future.
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