The Collection of Objects features an assemblage of handmade wooden objects and the original forms they were originally derived from.
It is an assertion that humans inherently classify things in a way they understand them, and this influences what we do.
However, would a tree think of parts of its felled self as waste?
Or does a tree consent to being transformed into these ‘things’ we consider commodities?
Would the concepts of ‘things’ even exist in a world without us?
Kinderwork aims to help parents who work from home and take care of their children better. Inspired by the Circuit Breaker period where childcare was unavailable, the child-sized furnishing encourages independence in children, while still forming healthy attachment to their parents by being close to their parents.
The set of three tables caters to the child from 0-5 years old. The bassinet transforms into a stool for the child, and they are able to use the age and height appropriate pieces as they grow. Even past the age of 5, parents are able to transform the set into a set of drawers with an add-on. The use of plywood means children can scribble on any surface to make it their own, and parents are able to lightly sand off the markings, before passing the piece onto the next family for their brand new baby.
How do our sensory abilities adapt as we shift our priority towards productivity as opposed to survival in the modern world? What new senses do we need in a productivity-obsessed society?
Sensorial Futures approaches this scenario through a speculative sensory augmentation pop-up store, featuring devices that demonstrates the concept of Sensory Substitution. The project explores two modern-day obsessions: money, and productivity in the form of time and multi-tasking.
Sensorial Futures attempts to mirror and criticise our obsession with productivity and technosolutionism with a kitschy retro-futuristic exhibit to signify the unreality and absurdity of this speculation. The project brings attention to the idea of using our body as interfaces for information, the kinds of stimuli we can create for the body, and what kind of senses we may need in the future.
Over the past decade, a rise of small businesses has emerged to promote Singapore’s culture with lifestyle goods, souvenirs, and gifts with good design, breaking the stereotype of selling souvenirs at tourist attractions. However, the represented content on these products, often in the forms of illustrations, graphics, and photographs on most mass-produced items are taken out from their actual environment. Eventually, these beautifully designed products are at risk of losing context and might lead to travelers not being able to relate it as a representation of Singapore. Besides, locals might not purchase these souvenirs as they know where to obtain more authentic, affordable, and functional options to these curated souvenirs. Apart from the icons of Singapore, more essence of local life can be introduced into souvenir design.
Therefore, Souls Keeps, an artisan lifestyle brand will redefine the meaning of Singapore souvenirs and creates Singapore-inspired textile goods by interpreting aspects of the intangible way of life into handmade products. Each crafted item aims to express gratitude towards unspoken love, unappreciated hard work, and little pleasures in our personal lives. By interpreting aspects of the intangible way of life into handmade textile products, the brand will increase the emotional product experience for locals and explore opportunities for travelers to own a piece of Singaporean life.
In recent years, the world has been getting increasingly more aware of mental health issues. Besides therapy and consultations, there are more products created to support people with mental health issues, such as mindfulness journals, exercise guides, and even music playlists. However, the products are usually generalized. A self-care kit made specifically for me, i can’t even aims to retell the story of how my personal experience with mental health.
This project is intended to encourage the audience to learn about mental health and realize that people with mental health issues may have different mindsets and reactions to their situations. Through that, the audience is also encouraged to reflect on their own mental health and the way they cope with difficult days.
