Exploring sustainable solutions for a cooler and more livable Singapore through the Playground of Possibilities.
SINGAPORE: Is there a way to escape Singapore’s relentless heat? Sweating through the city’s humidity is almost a rite of passage, and for those managing without constant air-conditioning, finding relief feels like an uphill battle. Enter Playground of Possibilities, a creative exhibition at Singapore Design Week 2023 that aims to reimagine how Singaporeans live, work, and, yes, stay cool.
Conceptualized by Jackson Tan, co-founder and creative director of design agency BLACK, the exhibition offers bold ideas to address Singapore’s challenges, from climate discomfort to housing. Showcasing the intersection of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, it’s a tangible demonstration of Singapore Design Week’s theme: Better by Design.
Reimagining Everyday Living
The exhibition, hosted at the Bras Basah Bugis design district until December 31, explores how Singapore can tackle broader societal issues, including the relentless heat. Organized into four pillars—Explore, Empathize, Imagine, and Adapt—the exhibition features imaginative solutions like biomimicry-inspired cooling tiles modeled after elephant skin and desert beetles.
“These tiles create air pockets for evaporation, cooling buildings naturally,” explained Jackson, pointing to a prototype made from mycelium, a root structure of fungi. While not a complete substitute for air-conditioning, the innovation offers hope for more sustainable climate control.
Beyond the Heat
Other exhibits tackle social and environmental challenges, such as reimagining layouts in migrant worker dormitories to provide more space and privacy or designing stylish medical prosthetics for seamless functionality.
“Whether it’s the climate crisis, ageing populations, or labour shortages, design is a tool to turn problems into possibilities,” Jackson emphasized.
Sustainability and Responsibility
While sustainability is a major focus, Jackson acknowledges that design alone isn’t the solution—it’s a starting point. He believes in a collective effort to foster a more sustainable mindset in Singapore, lamenting recurring issues like littering at public events.
“Short-term solutions often lead to long-term problems,” he said, stressing the importance of shifting mindsets.
Inspiration for the Future
With Singapore Design Week celebrating its 20th anniversary, Playground of Possibilities highlights how creativity and design can make the city more livable. Jackson’s optimism shines through, encouraging the public to imagine a future where design doesn’t just solve problems but also inspires.
As Singaporeans navigate rising temperatures and evolving urban challenges, the exhibition offers a refreshing perspective: with the right mindset and innovations, we can design a better tomorrow.
