Accent on design

FROM quirky installations, such as a whisky fountain to giant cockroaches, visitors to this year's ongoing SingaPlural are encouraged to use their senses to better understand design, in line with its theme. Meanwhile, over at Maison & Objet Asia, which ended on March 11, trade visitors got to see what the various home furnishing brands had to offer. We pick what we liked and what not to miss.

SingaPlural

Nua

At this installation, visitors are encouraged to nua (meaning "laze around" in Hokkien) on the furniture. Industrial designer Ng Siang Joo was inspired by daily life when creating this. She says the inspiration for this collection came from the freedom and natural positions of people when they are most comfortable, on in colloquial terms, "nua-ing".

Engulf

Go underwater without getting wet. Furniture retailer Xtra and Bolon, a company known for its woven vinyl flooring have teamed up for this installation. Young artist Celine Ng has created an underwater scene using soft organic tiles, shaped like fish scales.

The Fish Tank

Ever wondered what it's like being a goldfish in a fish tank? Now's your chance to be one. Doll maker Yeo Mei Ying, better known as Evangelione, has handcrafted goldfish which hang from mobiles. Visitors can play with the fish, and even "swim" among them.

I Feel The Clouds Singing

Studio Asobi wants visitors to experience what it may be like to touch the clouds. The installation is made up of rattan and thousands of ceramic pieces that resemble clouds. Visitors are encouraged to run their fingers through the ceramic pieces to hear the clouds "sing" . No worries about the ceramic pieces breaking - they are quite hardy.

Scale Up Your Fear

Yes, these are giant cockroaches, but thankfully, they are not real. Created by Hong Kong company Stickyline, the installation amplifies something that visitors could be scared of, through paper folding and creasing, in this instance, it is roaches. Visitors are invited to make paper roaches to add to the installation.

White Forest

Need a little respite? Then step into the White Forest by designer Chan Wai Lim. Using pieces of fabric, she has created a cave-like environment, where visitors can seek solace from the noise and heat. The lovely scent in the air, provided by scent company Allsense, helps calm nerves.

Rain

Visitors familiar with mixologist Ethan Leslie Leong will know he uses a wide range of ingredients to create his cocktails. In this installation, done in collaboration with design consultancy firm Fable, visitors feel as if they have entered Mr Leong's laboratory. The strong scent of whisky in the air is courtesy of a whisky fountain, containing real whisky and artesian water. And yes, feel free to drink the whisky.

Scope

Kick off those shoes and step into this kaleidoscope. Architecture firm Lekker Architects and laminates company EDL have teamed up to create this installation that celebrates laminates. The building material covers more than just walls and floors here. The exterior is a wave of timber laminates and the reflectivity of the interior is made using mirror laminates.

Maison & Objet Asia

The Tropicals

The Tropicals is a collection of rugs designed by Outofstock for local rug atelier, The Rug Maker. The rugs encapsulate the idea of exploring the micro-details of flora and fauna and the rediscovery of nature in the equatorial forests. The Outofstock team headed to Fort Canning Park for inspiration, and handpicked different leaves and flowers to bring back to their studio. Colours for the collection are matched with the vibrant palette of tropical nature - in leaves, flowers and tree barks. Each of the handmade rugs is distinguished by its raw and organic design, and are now available for order.

Bubble Baby Bed

This Finnish creation is a rocking crib with a breathable fibre mattress. The crib can be tilted but cannot be overturned. It can also be converted into a playpen after baby outgrows the bassinet.

Framed by Terre

If there is an award for best-designed booth, Framed by Terre would win hands down. The space is designed by Terre's founder, interior designer Terence Chan. Framed is fitted out with furniture from Dream, a Bulthaup kitchen, with lights from Sunlight Luminaire and accessories from Teapot & Giraffe. But rather than just display products as they are, Mr Chan has created the space to be much like a very chic home.

Shallow by Kazunaga Sakashita

Singapore-based brand Industry+ works with forward- thinking young designers from around Asia, exploring manufacturing and craft in the region. The collection of products combine industrial production with artisanal craftmanship, reflecting unique combinations of craft and engineering. For this edition, it is presenting Shallow by Kazunaga Sakashita among other pieces. Shallow combines a crystal vase, plant and water into one element. The design allows for the surface tension of the water to become a part of the vase's form.

Man Cave

Audio company AV Intelligence and furniture company Lava East have given visitors a different experience with their Man Cave. The exhibition space is decked out with audio systems, a bar, and even a glass ping pong table. Their strategy must have worked. AV Intelligence's CEO Andy Kennard says he's already received several requests to do similar man caves.

Huggy

French designer Antoine Lesur's Huggy range of furniture comes with no sharp angles. Instead, the look is seamless and appears to be created from a single piece of aluminium. Mr Lesur first created the bar table and stool, and then later included a dining chair, coat hanger and table. The collection is suitable for both indoors and outdoors, and is available from Grafunkt.