was posted at 09:17 with 0 comments
Went on the first day of Maison & Objet, it was pretty crowded in the afternoon. Unfortunately I wasn't able to speak to any of the designers because I went during the working hours with a few of my colleagues, and was kind of rush. So I could only snapped some of the designs that caught my attention.
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| Here we go!
The first booth that caught my attention. Thai Showcase.
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| In Clay Studio Pottery
The hand-thrown ceramics made from clay soils and glazes native to Chiang Mai. The bottle caps were made out of leather, which made the collection look more interesting.
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| Pana Objects |
Visit Thai Showcase to find out more of their products.
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| Design for young people |
A downsized series of furniture made for children.
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| Concrete Lamp |
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| Rising Asian Talent
- Pickers
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Labels: Design, fair, Furniture, Interior, maison & objet, mbs, Product Design, Products, Singapore, trade
was posted at 22:12 with 0 comments
Bestowed with an Ipad, but we were unsure of its purpose. We were told to look out for barcode and have them scanned for something really special. So we thought it was like searching for Wally but it on a different level.
On the same day, which we went to 8Q to gather information on the plates, which we had posted awhile back, we went to NAFA first to visit an exhibition held by both the Design and Media Department and the 3D Department. It was an exhibition whereby I would describe it as “Art meet Science”. The artistic flair and finesse touch of graphic design cross with the logical and practicality of furniture making. So maybe that was why it was named Alchemy-ism, it required precise measurement, creativity and innovation to cook up a mysterious concoction like those works that were displayed.
When we were given a tour by one of the alchemist, we were awed by that the main part of the exhibition was actually behind the screen.
Ok, ok maybe I was too excited to describe that part but the screen was playing the introduction of what the whole exhibition was about. And it just ended abruptly with a girl running beyond the yonder and we were like what? But it was meant for us to continue with the rest of the girl’s journey.
(Caught us slightly off guard there!)
As we carried on with the journey, we started off with the "Science" part of the exhibition, works made by former apprentices who were still learning the craft of furniture making then. Though they were made years ago, the furnitures were still looking sturdy and fully functional and not to mention that they still look modern despite going through the passage of time.
The petal looking stool was the one that really caught my eye. It reminded me of the Butterfly Stool, by Sori Yanagi (1954-2011). Simple pieces of plywood manipulated to form something beautiful.
The end of "Science" part of the exhibition brought forth the "Art". We were given a treat of the endless ideas inside the mind of the digital alchemists. And also, we had unraveled the true purpose of the Ipad, the moment we scanned the barcode. A video suddenly appeared before us. It was pretty cool. Real high tech stuff there.
Further back in, was short clips and their story boards. Those clips was very interesting, especially the one with the golden gummy bear. And two others that were very deep and intense. They have won several acclaims from the prestigious crow bar award(if I have remembered correctly.)
Overall the entire exhibition was very good, interesting and well curated. Throughout there isn't any drop in climax, we were totally impressed till the very end. Very well worth of our time, and beside this isn't the first NAFA managed to do up something this interesting. Looking forward to their next exhibition in October. Good job NAFA!
- By Pickers
Labels: Alchemy-ism the Wonder Kid, Craft, Design, Exhibition, Furniture, graphic, Interior, NAFA, Product Design, Products, Singapore, Studentworks, Wood
was posted at 21:29 with 0 comments
Last Sunday, the 4th of August. We went to D.O.C or department of Caffeine for our brunch, cause we have heard that they have used inexpensive materials for the interiors. Which in turn makes the entire place felt closer to home. Personally I like the stools, they are simple looking but yet functional, without the need of superflous design. They exist in the cafe without disrupting the warmly feel of the place. Even the cabinets over at the counters were made from plywoods and light sanding, exposing the grains of the wood.
The cafe was relatively small and straightforward. An "I" shape cafe with the counter over at the back. Despite it, the ambience of the place felt closely knitted, in the sense that the bond between the customers and the staffs are close. Everyone felt so familiar with one another. That was what I have felt the moment I entered the cafe.
Overall, the cafe had a very nice ambience as well as a good place for friends to hangout and chill. but we do not recommend it for bigger groups as its quite a small place. Do go early during the weekends as it can be quite a wait. Food wise its pretty good. various breakfast meals and some main dishes.
-Pickers
Labels: Concept Store, Design, Furniture, idea, Interior
was posted at 16:31 with 0 comments
On the 27th July, Saturday we went to Jewel Cafe for dinner and it was a pretty nice place to hang out. The name of the cafe, Jewel according to the boss means Jesus, it was a direct translation of Jesus in Mandarin. There is this very welcoming air about the place, it felt like we were attracted to here like magnets. As for the furniture it was a blend of the olden and modern days. The interior was minimally done up, spacious and well organized. Well lit and yet not disturbing to anyone, even with our curious presence.
HAHHAHHAAH! Casper hard at work, just to get a good shot of the Aeroplanes!
The second level has a more lounge like feel compare to the first level. The first floor has this magical feel that will make conversation comes out gradually, where else the second floor. Makes people just want to kick back and enjoy the remaining days. Time felt slower and relax. The interior at the top is slightly different, I would said compared to the bottom. It felt harder, with it raw unfinished textured ceiling and long squarish sofa. But it did it job just fine to make one feel relaxed.
And of course, going to a cafe we had to try out their food! and they did not disappoint! our tummies were filled to the brim and it was totally worth the money. If you guys are planning to make a trip down to Jewel Cafe, do try out their onion soup and OMG burger!!
Do let us know if you have any interesting designed cafes that is worth the hype, and we will check it out! :)
-Pickers
Labels: Cafe, Concept Store, Design, idea, Interior, Jewel cafe + Bar, Singapore
was posted at 13:41 with 0 comments
Its that time of the year yet again, where NAFA 3DD students showcase their hard work and craftsmanship in their graduation show. Just last year, it was our graduation show, the time passes by all to quickly. This year's theme of the graduation show is 'The Awoken Flock'.
Separated into 2 different galleries, Lim Hak Tai Gallery and Gallery 1 making the flow of space easily accessible and also was able to hold the crowd. In Lim Hak Tai Gallery, the exhibited works were from the Object Design Major, Jewellery Design Major, BA(Hons) 3D Design: New Practice and BA(Hons) Spatial Design, And in gallery 1, the exhibited works were from the Furniture design major, Interior design major, Exhibition design major and Environmental design major.
We decided to walk the less crowded gallery at that time first which was the Lim Hak Tai gallery, where we saw quite alot of interesting designs from the 2nd Batch of Object design student's works!
The space of the exhibition seems a bit tight, and we couldn't really see the overall exhibition when we first stepped in.
The first booth that we had find it quite unique was Wabi Sabi done by Lee Jin Quan. Making used of the materials Brass and Copper, he had created a set of boxes that were finished by nature itself or by man , the metals became tarnished and wrecked, giving the vessels a different look rather than having that perfect and shiny metal box that we all are so familiar with. The entire series allowed us to appreciate and respect the tenacity of the materials, breaking away from the usual perception that metal has to be clean and shiny.
Next work was done by Livia Kurniati. Her project, Stele was based on exploring on water hyacinth as a main material used for the end products. A series of kitchenware that consist of 3 different kinds of coasters and a bowl. These products are made to adsorb heat and designed using traditional pattens such as weaving.
Stich with Lovers, a reciprocal wedding favor was designed by Anthony Lee.
This idea was something we thought was one of the most commercially thought ideas. As simple as just using acrylic and laser cutting tools, people are able to bring home wedding favors in a simple carrier and yet able to send their wishes back. Maybe people with think oh there is the reception book where people can sign on, but Anthony designed an object that can make it more fun for the guest as well as more touching for the happy couple.
The top part of the handle is able to be placed on a stem where when all the guest at the table has done so, it creates a flower like pattern.
Moving on, we went over to the 3D New Practice exhibit. there were only about 5 students taking the degree program, but we only 2 of the works caught our eye.
Your Bathroom Essentials by Wong Shun-Hui Elaine recreated the traditional blue and white rice grain pattern bowls into contemporary bathroom accessories. She chose to use the bowl as part of her idea was for its beauty of its translucency. We thought that this was unique as well as making use of traditional bowls that Singaporeans are very familiar with to create something unique and delicate. With the different bumps and dents in a bowl can be useful for a soap dish or a toothbrush holder.
Choco Indulge by Wong Tingren Flynn, a self indulgent, dining experience that allows the diner to be able to get the value of chocolate by using means of interpreting its psychological, materiality and sociological aspects. Using the Marble as the main material, he creates a personal space where a person can enjoy and in a way be in their own world while eating chocolate.
What we liked about his works was how simple his products were. They could be placed at any high class restaurant, as it has a certain kind of elegance to his design.
Moving on to the other gallery, we took a look at something that we are more familiar with. Furniture Design! The students were given 3 topics to choose from, 1: Materials, 2: Small spaces and 3: Budget furniture.
Odette, a modular desk and shelving system designed by Felizia. She choose to design for small spaces.
Making use of materials such as wood, metal and corian, these elements are mounted onto the wall with horizontal support, producing a
clean and uncluttered feeling of simplicity and lightness in material
because of the reduction of the structure to the essential elements. Her design idea came from the ballet bars.
Which
also fits nicely into today Singapore's home context of small living
space and maximizing possible spaces. Odette allowed multiple combination
and configuration that can be use in private, professional and
commercial spaces.
Another design for space saving was Montura done by Camille. Her idea came from the relationship between a parent and child. she designed a kind of rocking stool that can be used to store the children's toys under the stool, and has another layer that can be detached for the child, allowing the parent and child both able to play together and It enhances the parent and child's relationship as well. the only thing that we would change from this design is definitely the colors of the furniture. Having it to be something that parents and children would be drawn to, the colors do not stand out enough.
One of the works that we found to be really interesting and using an uncommon material was POLy Bench and Lounge Chair by Muhammad Danial Bin Jasmin. Using Styrofoam and Thermoplastic to create furniture not everyone would be able to think about it. But for this designer, he put what was learned from his internship into good use! even though the furniture looks chunky and odd shaped, but it is really light and stable. "it is able to be jumped on, and it wont give way" was what Danial said to us. it is really an idea that can be redeveloped and use to make furniture.
That is about all for now, till next year's graduation show! Good job to all the Nafa Graduates, may you guys find that school life is so much more fun than in the real world.
-Pickers
Labels: Design, Division of Industrial Design, Exhibition, Furniture, Graduation, Interior, Products, Singapore
was posted at 22:51 with 0 comments
Temp of the day? at least 36-37 degrees~
On a scorching Sunday afternoon, we have decided to drop by Chye Seng Huat Hardware. With a name like that, this is actually a coffee shop, and who would have thought of that? This place is packed with people of all ages, and oh! The crowds come in waves after waves. You literally have to be real lucky, to be sitting inside and away from that sun, yes that sun! shinning bright in all its glory~
External outlook of the cafe
Just driving past and not knowing that such a place exist, you would have just thought it was a hardware store. The design of this place is packed with equally as much surprises as its name. From the outside, they still retained the doors and grills of the olden days. And in the side, they have their own machines to roast coffee beans, a small retail shop in the corner that sells coffee wares. The contemporary feel of this place is very well balanced. With not the new or old fighting for attention.
Looks like we are entering some kind of junkyard dont you think?
exterior of the cafe, where they have a Roastry and outdoor seating.
Even their bathroom looks pretty awesome! They made use of supplies you can probably find in a hardware store to build their toilets, tables, chairs and counters.
The shop interior has a mix of traditional old and modern new. keeping the window frames and the doors.
the place was PACKED! like it was so hard for us to find a table, you have to either come on a weekday or at a lucky timing.
Bolts and old lamps used to decorate the place.
Small bites like cakes and pastries.
even though there wasnt a very big range of food, their foods was superb. everything was cooked just right.
using structure rods as shelving for their store items was a pretty neat idea, it helps tie in the whole theme of the cafe.
Be sure to check out their cafe, you wont be disappointed if you do!
150 Tyrwhitt Road,
Singapore
Singapore 207563
By Pickers...
Labels: Cafe, Chye Seng Huat Hardware, Design, Interior, Singapore