#Milan #Singapore #Milan Design Week #Singapore Design #Future Impact

Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION in Milan

As Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence, it proudly presents "Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION" at Milan Design Week 2025. This monumental exhibition, held at the historic Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache, spotlights the evolution of Singapore's design ethos and its impact on global concepts of innovation.

Curated by a team led by Tony Chambers, Maria Cristina Didero, and Hunn Wai, this showcase comprises 14 talented designers and studios that embody Singapore's rich design heritage. Ranging from established industry names to promising newcomers, they are all committed to addressing contemporary societal needs through innovative designs.

The exhibition is designed in three parts, with the first segment, "Little Island of Brave Ideas," delving into how strategic foresight and meticulous execution in design have helped forge Singapore into a global influencer. Key milestones highlighted include the country’s unique public housing solutions and innovative public transport systems, signaling a comprehensive vision for a cohesive city-state.

In the second segment, attendees witness works from both admired and emerging designers. Highlights include:

• - Sacha Leong (Nice Projects): A woven screen that addresses urban congestion.
• - Claudia Poh (Werable): A versatile bag designed for adaptability to users’ daily needs.
• - FARM and Vouse: A digital twin model of Changi General Hospital's Emergency Department, employing advanced technology for improved patient care.

Additionally, Supermama showcases their reinvented take on Kintsugi, blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design techniques by using 3D-printed resin and algorithmic patterns to create new forms of beauty from imperfections.

The exhibition challenges conventional design wisdom, urging viewers to reconsider everyday tools and concepts. For instance, Ng Sze Kiat’s Fungarium, developed from stainless steel, and Wei Xiang's Knots Stool, fashioned from upcycled textiles, represent a commitment to sustainability and circular design practices.

The final segment, titled "Virtuoso Visionaries," looks toward the horizon, featuring six emerging designers. Their works tread the intersection of cultural identity and technology, tackling pressing themes like sustainable living spaces and post-consumer waste. By exploring Singapore's unique cultural nuances through a design lens, these innovators aim to provide sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges.

The showcase will host a variety of public events, including daily workshops that delve into the nuances of Singaporean culture and interactive sessions on sustainable practices. Scheduled activities also include a live broadcast from the venue, where designers and curators engage in conversations about their inspirations and challenges.

As Hunn Wai commented, "This exhibition is not just a display of design; it reflects Singapore's pioneering spirit, characterized by creativity and resourcefulness. Our new generation of designers is well-equipped to carry this legacy forward."

The exhibit runs from April 8 to April 13, 2025, providing a unique lens into Singapore's vibrant design scene and its significant role in shaping a progressive and sustainable future. With this year's theme "A Nation by Design," Future Impact 3 positions Singapore as a central player in global design discussions, celebrating how design influences both daily life and the broader societal narrative.

In conclusion, attendees at Milan Design Week will experience an inspiring testament to Singapore's design evolution, one that merges history with future aspirations. This landmark exhibition is a vibrant reminder that good design is integral to shaping our world today. Through high-caliber presentations, Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION opens a dialogue about the importance of design in addressing contemporary challenges, thus paving the way for future legacy of creativity and innovation.