Category: History

National Museum of Singapore Logo

While working on a upcoming book on the history of graphic design in Singapore, I came across this really beautiful logo of the National Museum of Singapore on a poster for an event in 1993.

PIX: STEEL WOOL

Do you see the inspiration for the logo? I have no clue when the logo was designed and who did it. But since the museum underwent a massive renovations and re-opened in 2006, it has adopted this logo instead.

This definitely looks contemporary, and also allows the National Museum of Singapore to use it even if it moves out of its iconic building. But that’s also why I prefer the earlier logo — it visually situates the museum to an architecture that I recognise as Singapore!

The Design Society Journal #03 is out!

The Design Society Journal #03

The latest issue of The Design Society Journal is now out in book stores! This bi-annual publication looks at visual culture and is published by The Design Society (TDS). In this issue, we look at a variety of ways at how design has crossed boundaries, entering Singapore’s general elections, hawker centres, nation branding, and even Dutch football! We also pay a visit to The Royal Press, one of the oldest printing press in Malacca. Finally, we also talk to three visual practitioners who are pushing boundaries in their respective fields: up-and-coming designer Yong, veteran commercial photographer Chuang Lee Jen and The New Paper’s inforgraphics and design chief Hup.

Get your copy for $15 at all good book stores! Or sign up to be a TDS member to get yours free.

Where are Singapore’s Old Playgrounds today?


View Old Singapore Playgrounds in a larger map

Finally had some time to review my research on Singapore’s old playgrounds, and I’ve updated my Google Map with the 19 that are still standing today. The designs of these playgrounds were done between 1979 and 1993 when the HDB took it upon themselves to create and build their own playspaces as part of the public housing estate. Many of the designs were inspired by local culture, and took on a secondary role of becoming visual icons for Singaporeans.

The playgrounds that came after, and have become what we recognised today, are imported from overseas instead. They are cheaper to build, easier to maintain, and generally more innovative in design because they are created by global companies who have the scale to invest in research and development.

I’ve also found images of other playgrounds designs that no longer exist and I’m trying to see how to piece all this together for some kind of article/book. Hopefully, I can get something out by the end of this year. Meanwhile, if you chance by any old playgrounds that I’ve not located on my map, please write to me!