Innovation Showcases
Designing for Care: Case Studies on Design Education, Social Impact and Environmental Sustainability from Toronto, Canada View Digital Media
Innovation Showcase Ranee Lee
In light of urgent social and environmental challenges, we propose a transformative shift in design education from “form follows function” to “form follows care.” This research highlights three case studies—DESIGNwith, One Lovely Hour, and NOURISH—that embody this care-centered approach. DESIGNwith operates as a design lab committed to social innovation and environmental sustainability within the circular economy. One Lovely Hour is an ongoing research initiative that explores the intersections of care, culture, and memory in design practice. NOURISH, a mobile kitchen project, examines how food can deepen connections to identity and culture, illustrating that cooking can serve as an act of care, fostering wellness and belonging. Together, these case studies demonstrate pathways for integrating care into design education, offering vital strategies to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.
Podcast Studio Design: Form, Culture and Technology
Innovation Showcase Kim Lau, Zack Chiong
This project highlights the design and commissioning of a media production hub in Singapore, completed in early 2024, emphasizing innovation for a traditionally audio-only form, facilitating cross-cultural interaction and multidisciplinary collaboration, and materialized with technology. The hub incorporates podcast studios, video studios, and post-production spaces tailored to the diverse needs of multilingual production teams working in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Key facilities include the Daily Podcast Studio, equipped for audio-centric content, hybrid video conferencing, and advanced self-operated automation systems; the Visual Podcast Studio, optimized for emerging video podcast formats and doubling as a compact video production space; and the Immersive Podcast Studio, featuring advanced audio technologies for spatial sound experiences. Additionally, XR Podcast capabilities are provisioned for future expansion as part of the Video Studio’s adaptive design. This project’s development involved a multidisciplinary team of audio-visual, interior design, mechanical and electrical (M&E), and acoustics consultants. Engaging diverse stakeholders, including production teams and management, was crucial in ensuring culturally responsive and user-focused outcomes. Spatial planning presented significant challenges during concept design, compounded by an intensive design schedule post the spatial design lock. Advanced audio-visual and networking infrastructure supports distributed production workflows, with a Command Center ensuring centralized control and monitoring. Navigating critical design changes, whether unforeseen or client-requested, required flexibility and innovation. Ultimately, this co-working production hub exemplifies Design for Society, fostering an inclusive and adaptable space that encourages cross-cultural collaboration and creative exchange. The presentation will feature visual examples from both the design process and post-commission utilization.
Emotive Atmosphere: Fashioning Affect, Space, and Imagination
Innovation Showcase Lidya Chrisfens
This research process invites you to delve into the potential of the intangible, where space, time, and emotion intertwine to craft compelling narratives. This presentation showcases a dynamic transdisciplinary collaboration, exploring how the interplay of affect, space, and atmosphere becomes a canvas for limitless creative possibilities. At its heart, the work challenges traditional design paradigms, inviting audiences to perceive the atmosphere as more than a backdrop—an active participant in the creative process. By integrating the ephemeral qualities of time and space, this exploration examines how emotional resonance transforms physical environments into evocative experiences. The paper highlights works in progress, emphasizing the process of discovery and experimentation over finality. Through a convergence of artistic and design practices, it reveals how the intangible layers of atmosphere can evoke powerful emotional connections. Participants are invited to immerse themselves in this collaborative journey, unravelling the hidden narratives that reside within the interplay of the physical and the affective. This presentation illuminates the transformative potential of emotive atmospheres and fosters a dialogue on the role of design in shaping human experience. Reimagining the boundaries of materiality and imagination offers a glimpse into a future where design embraces the invisible yet profoundly impactful dimensions of the world around us.
