Singapore Design Week (SDW) 2024 is set to return from September 26 to October 6, transforming the city-state into a vibrant hub of design, innovation, and creativity. Organized by the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), this year’s festival is themed “People of Design,” celebrating the everyday visionaries who shape our world through design.
Design Futures: Imagining Tomorrow
At the heart of SDW 2024 is the Design Futures Forum, a two-day event exploring the future of design through the lens of emerging technology, sustainability, and care. Keynote speaker Cathy Hackl, dubbed the “godmother of the metaverse,” will join other thought leaders like venture capitalist Debra Langley and Aric Chen from Het Nieuwe Instituut to discuss design’s pivotal role in shaping our future.
Design Marketplace: A Fusion of Trends
FIND – Design Fair Asia, hosted at Marina Bay Sands from September 26-28, will feature over 50 designers from across Southeast Asia. Curated by Suzy Annetta of Design Anthology, EMERGE @ FIND will showcase innovative works that blend material exploration and execution. Expect to see creations like Adhi Nugraha’s eco-friendly furniture and Stanley Ruiz’s bio/agri-waste lamps.
Design Impact: Transforming Lives
The Future Impact 2: Homecoming Showcase, which debuted at Milan Design Week, will run for eight weeks at the Asian Civilisations Museum. This exhibition will feature works from designers such as Christian+Jade and Gabriel Tan, focusing on real-life solutions to societal challenges like sustainability and mental health.
Expanded Design Districts
SDW 2024 will feature expanded design districts, each offering unique experiences:
• Bras Basah.Bugis Design District: Led by designer Hans Tan, this district will feature installations like “EAT: Transformative Seeds” by Atelier Fang and “SLEEP: LESS” by Forest & Whale, providing fresh perspectives on everyday activities.
• Marina Design District: Curated by Nathan Yong, this area will highlight sustainable and innovative designs, including kinetic energy-powered installations like Mooncycle and Kinetics Energy Play at Millenia Walk.
• Orchard Design District: Curated by PLUS Collaboratives, this district will host “Re-Route: Orchard,” a series of design interventions and installations exploring the evolution of Singapore’s iconic shopping belt.
Immersive Experiences and Community Engagement
SDW 2024 will also feature two Friday Late events on September 27 and October 4, offering after-hours programming with curator tours, VR experiences, and experimental food explorations. The festival will include over 70 ground-up events such as exhibitions, talks, workshops, and studio visits, showcasing the creativity and innovation of Singapore’s design community.
Singapore Design Week 2024 promises an inspiring and engaging experience for all design enthusiasts. For more information and the full programme, visit Singapore Design Week.