Seeds – Sowing Promises
Singapore Polytechnic – School of Design
9th September 2014
It’s been nearly five years since I graduated from this institution, a place that holds countless unforgettable memories and laid the foundation for my journey in the design industry. Attending the re-launch of the Singapore Polytechnic School of Design (SP SD) brought back feelings of gratitude for all the support I received during my time there. The guidance and encouragement from the lecturers remain invaluable, even as I continue to carve out my career.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the new School of Design building, a historic moment for SP SD as it finally has a dedicated space to call its own. The building was officially launched by Dr. Faris Akbar Hajamaideen, the SD Director, along with the entire SD community, alumni, and friends. It was a fitting occasion, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival, which symbolized a new beginning for the design school.
This new building, strategically located at the main entrance of the campus, is more than just an architectural feat. The design concept, as described by the architects from RSP Architects Planners and Engineers, is one of a "living lab" or "studio incubator" that fosters openness, innovation, and experimentation. This is truly in line with the ethos of SP SD, which emphasizes collaboration and creativity across its four key diplomas: Interior Design, Visual Communications and Media Design, Games Design and Development, and Experience and Product Design.
Walking through the building, I was struck by the open, transparent spaces that reflect the school's commitment to fostering creativity. The use of glass and open studio layouts, combined with ample natural light from skylights and double-volume spaces, ensures a bright, welcoming environment for students. Gone are the dark, closed-off studios of the past—today's students will be inspired by light-filled spaces and numerous areas designed for creative exploration, such as galleries, central gardens, rooftop terraces, and even "green steps" for alternative learning experiences.
Beyond its beauty, the new School of Design building is also environmentally conscious, having received the prestigious Green Mark Platinum Award from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). The building is designed to reduce energy consumption by 30% annually, blending sustainability with cutting-edge design.
As I explored the exhibits from the different diploma programs—Interior Design, Visual Communications and Media Design, and Games Design and Development—it was clear that the future of SP SD is brighter than ever. This new space is bound to nurture the next generation of designers, both locally and globally, who will bring fresh, innovative ideas to the industry.
One of the standout features of SP SD has always been its lecturers. They are not just educators who impart knowledge but mentors who continue to guide their students well after graduation. This enduring relationship between students and lecturers is a hallmark of SP SD, and it was heartening to see this same spirit alive and well at the event.
As Dr. Faris Akbar Hajamaideen so aptly put it, “The ambition for the school is for the students, at the end of the third year, to articulate their individual positions or methods in whatever they design and to be proficient in the technologies to realize it.”
To all aspiring designers out there, if you're considering a leap into the design world, Singapore Polytechnic’s School of Design is the perfect place to start your journey. The school is open for public viewing until Friday, 12th September—don’t miss the opportunity to experience this incredible space for yourself.
P.S. Stay tuned for more photos from the event, which will be uploaded on the photo wall soon!
Auf Wiedersehen!
