After a two-year hiatus, the Singapore Design Week (SDW) will be opening its door from 16th to 25th September 2022 in the city itself. The week boasts more than 50 events and 200 designers over the course of its run of 10 days. It is also one of Asia’s biggest Design Festival, it will feature innovative vision along with unique designs which are divided into three aspects: Design Futures, Design Marketplace and Design Impact.
Singapore is deemed as the UNESCO City of Design and rightly so since the SDW is a grand celebration of the individual as well as collaborative efforts by designers as they try to spread more creativity and innovation through their art.
Organised by the DesignSingapore Council, its tagline presents its philosophy as “best of design from Singapore and beyond” as it showcases Singapore as a hub for all things design.
Design Future as the name suggests will provide a kaleidoscopic look of the designs that will make Singapore’s strength and reputation propel to bigger heights.
Design Marketplace is all about the fast-growing trends in the lifestyle sector in Southeast Asia. It also focuses on Southeast Asia as a whole which is on a fast track to growth and development and how along with Singapore it holds a substantial role in developing new trends.
Design Impact will look at designs that will be fruitful to society as they will make life easier and the world a better place with more sustainable options.
The exhibition will be held at the world-famous Marina Bay Sands which is an uber-luxurious hotel and also accommodates the world’s largest rooftop Infinity Pool. The rooftop which resembles a ship has an exceptional sky garden, jogging track and a view of the surreal landscape that the city offers. The 57 stored three buildings have ample rooms that you can book in advance for the exhibit.
To reach the location from the airport you can opt for one of the 5 options which include a shuttle, taxi, private car, bus or the subway. The nearest subway is located at Bayfront MRT station (CE1/DT1) and you can easily access the hotel from there. The total time it takes from the Changi International Airport is just 15 – 20 mins which become quite convenient.
Event Highlights
Design Futures Symposium
Developed by Curatorial Director Paola Antonelli, the Design Futures Symposium 2022 will focus on the design of the future and the future of design, assembling a host of distinguished designers and thinkers from Singapore and around the world. Together, they will probe some of the critical ways in which design is fundamental to strategies for the future, and an enzyme for progress.
Nothing is Possible By Potato Head, OMA & Friends
In many inspiring and innovative ways, the showcase will tell the story of how, with the help of internationally acclaimed talent, Ronald Akili’s Potato Head Beach Club became a creative, sustainable place shape-shifting waste into beautiful objects and art.
FIND – Design Fair Asia
FIND – Design Fair Asia is an opportunity for exchange and inspiration in West meets East, putting Asia firmly on the global design circuit.
#FASHTAG By Daniel Boey
Virtual fashion festival The Front Row returns for the third year with #FashTag at Raffles City Shopping Centre during Singapore Design Week 2022.
Re-Route By Plus Collaboratives
Helmed by creative brains, Mervin Tan and Cheryl Sim from Plus Collaboratives, Re-Route is a creative placemaking festival that immerses visitors in an alternate storytelling of the Little India district through a collective of creative voices, to demonstrate how design can be used as a tool to spotlight our heritage.
Things To Do
If you plan on spending a few days in this glorious city, then you are in store for lots of adventure. Gardens by the Bay which resembles tall tree canopies in the middle of the forest are awe-inspiring. This ecological wonderland is a must-visit and also lights up at night. The Merlion is so popular that it can be considered the city’s emblem since this half lion-half mermaid statue holds much cultural value. Don’t forget to view the light and sound show in the park in the evening.
The most popular Sentosa island has a host of fun activities to do including the famous Universal Studios and the S.E.A. Aquarium. To go to this island you can take the cable car that surfs above the Bay area for the most spectacular view. At night you can visit the Night Safari which was the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals. You can hop on the train and go inside the reserve and witness the animals in their natural habitat which includes 2,500 animals, some being endangered.
Food
Singapore has surely become a gastronomical hub boasting cuisines from all over the world. Having three restaurants being awarded three Michelin stars and seven having two stars, the city is surely a culinary delight. From fine dining restaurants to delicious street hawker Asian food, there is something for everyone to enjoy and relish. Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa and Nasi Lemak have gained worldwide attention which are Singaporean traditional dishes. You can visit Clarke Quay which has become a centre for food, entertainment and drinks since it has many restaurants, pubs and cafes. Old Airport Road Food Centre which has 150 stalls, is an option if you want to enjoy the most lip-smacking Hawker-style food under one roof.
Shopping
If you are looking for a shopping spree, then Singapore is just the city for that since it caters to all ranges and you will find fashionable and good quality products everywhere. Marina Bay itself is a luxury shopping paradise and has all the international brands that display their latest collection to the consumers. Even Clarke Quay has many great shopping options for all budgets. If you looking for a flea market experience then Bugis Street is the best place for you.
Now that you have gained all the insights, we hope you have a great time at the Singapore Design Week!
Vivek is an interior designing wizard who has aided his clients with their sourcing requirements for over 1000+ projects. With a 15-year of industry experience, he launched his brainchild, Arcedior. A traveller at heart, he loves to visit new countries and attend the most happening design exhibition around the world.
