Unveiling the next generation of designers: sustainability, inclusivity and generative AI take centre stage at Temasek Polytechnic design show 2024
Post Date: 22 Mar 2024
Temasek Polytechnic (TP) showcased the future of design through innovative projects tackling real-world challenges such as sustainability and inclusivity. Over 300 design projects ideated by TP’s School of Design final-year students were on display at the annual TP Design Show from 15 to 20 March 2024.
Demonstrating the future-readiness of TP’s Design School students, the projects challenged them to hone their creative flair and critical-thinking skills, preparing them well for the dynamic and ever-changing future of design.
Key Highlights of the Design Show 2024
The TP Design Show kicked off on Friday, 15 March 2024 with the Opening Ceremony. Members of the public could also view the design projects from 18 to 20 March 2024. Examples of key projects that address global and national challenges include:
- Sustainable fashion using innovative upcycling techniques and natural dyes;
- Smart solutions for kitchen safety and fire prevention from repurposed Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) gear;
- A pioneering eco-friendly fishing method that utilises black soldier fly worms as bait to protect ocean biodiversity; and
- Design interventions to promote social well-being and family planning discussions.
Sustainability Design Awards
TP is committed to building a Singapore that is environmentally sustainable, having set out a roadmap and implemented concrete measures to achieve net zero carbon emissions on campus. Sustainability is a core element of TP’s curriculum and is worked into the academic programmes in all our schools, where students are guided to take collective action on sustainability matters.
The annual Sustainability Design Award (SDA) is one such effort to recognise creative projects that advances environmental sustainability. The SDA, back for the 7th run was presented to six exceptional TP student projects at the Opening Ceremony.
This year’s edition of the SDA also featured a brand-new category. For the first time, TP extended the awards to secondary school students, which received participation from 61 teams over 19 schools. Eight winners were awarded and 15 finalist projects were showcased at the TP Design Show.
Collaboration with Curtin University on Generative AI Project
In collaboration with Curtin University Australia, 41 students, facilitated by staff from both Curtin and TP School of Design, have developed GenAI projects to showcase the potential of Design and GenAI. “Designer Unknown”. This were featured as part of a fringe event of Design Show 2024, which was also launched on Friday 15 March 2024.
The project outcomes will cover key areas in Gen AI such as design futures,
ethics, human-computer Interaction, inclusivity and sustainability. The exhibition was launched at TP, followed by a second showcase that is slated to take place at Curtin University in September - October 2024.
