Between Humans And Machines: A Need For Design

What do we need to carry out work today? A table, a chair, and for many of us, some kind of electronic device. Whether it is preparing documents, organising schedules or even meeting colleagues, ‘work’ is mostly done through interactions with machines – ranging from the photocopier to the computer to the smartphone.

Yet, conversations revolving around the design of work environments are largely stuck on the physical work space. Even as designers update office furniture and rearrange layouts toward new definitions of ‘ergonomic’ and ‘productivity’, the virtual office where workers spend their time tapping, clicking and typing away – often in silent frustration – is regarded as the domain of the IT department.

➜ Read the full column in CUBES #95 (Apr/May/Jun 2019)

#ADesignLibrary: Las Vegas in Singapore (2019)

Amidst news of Singapore’s integrated resorts expanding, Lee Kah-Wee’s timely book on the histories of gambling in the city-state is well worth a read. Carefully dissecting the state’s efforts to control gambling in colonial and modern Singapore as well as the rise of the casino in Las Vegas, the book makes a compelling case for how a seeming act of morality is also tied to spatial politics and capitalism. There is even a juicy chapter behind the design of the now iconic Marina Bay Sands!

#ADesignLibrary spotlights lesser known design books, and invites public access to my personal collection of titles that focuses on Singapore architecture and design, Asian design, everyday design, critical and speculative design as well as design theory and philosophy. I welcome inquiries and physical loans.

 

When We Play: Playgrounds in Asia

The rapid urbanisation of Asia has spurred the growth of play spaces where children and communities can experience, learn and reimagine urban life. This five-part documentary series commissioned by Channel NewsAsia and created by FreeState Productions examines how play spaces impact on the communities they are built for and the urban environments they exist in. Each hour-long episode journeys through playgrounds across Asian cities, including Bangkok, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Sapporo, Seoul, Suncheon, Singapore, Tainan and Taipei.

    1. Memories and Play
    2. Community and Play
    3. Let the Children Play
    4. Play for All
    5. The Future of Play

➜ Watch all five episodes on ChannelNewsAsia