The festival campaign was conceptualised by creative agency Kinetic Singapore and illustrated by Lyla Soh;
a showcase of diversity and individuality in celebration of our colourful community, and the universality of design.

Singapore Design Week (SDW) is set to return from September 26th to October 6th, 2024, with an 11-day celebration of Singapore’s unique brand of design and creativity. This year’s festival will traverse the city-state with a rich and thought-provoking program centered around the theme “People of Design.” As a media partner once again, NPO ADF (Aoyama Design Forum) is proud to support the Design Singapore Council in presenting Singapore Design Week (SDW) 2024.

The theme “People of Design” celebrates everyday visionaries who positively impact society through design. These individuals come from various backgrounds but share a common mission: improving the world through their creative work. Singapore Design Week 2024 will unite these diverse voices, providing a platform for them to demonstrate how design can enrich our lives.

Left to right: Cathy Hackl, Aric Chen, Debra Langley, and Tamsin Greulich-Smith.
Photos courtesy of respective speakers.

This year's festival is structured around three main pillars: “Design Futures,” “Design Marketplace,” and “Design Impact.” A key highlight is the “Design Futures Forum,” a flagship event dedicated to exploring the future of design and its role in tackling critical global challenges. Over two days, the forum will host thought leaders from across the globe, discussing how design can influence emerging technologies, sustainability, and care.

In the “Design Marketplace,” which connects global lifestyle trends with the Southeast Asian design community, Asia's largest design trade fair, FIND – Design Fair Asia, will be held at Marina Bay Sands. Additionally, “EMERGE @ FIND,” a showcase dedicated to contemporary Southeast Asian design, will feature over 50 emerging and established designers presenting new works.

Left to right: FIND – Design Fair Asia and EMERGE @ FIND at Marina Bay Sands during SDW 2023.
Photos courtesy of FIND – Design Fair Asia.

“Design Impact” will highlight innovative design solutions that address societal challenges, with a major event being the “Future Impact 2: Homecoming Showcase.” Originally presented at Milan Design Week 2024, this exhibition will be reimagined for its return to Singapore, where it will be featured at the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Works showcased at Future Impact 2 during Milan Design Week 2024. Photos by Mark Cocksedge.

The SDW 2024 program will expand across dynamic districts in Singapore, including Bras Basah.Bugis, Orchard, and Marina, each presenting unique interpretations of the “People of Design” theme through exhibitions, experiential installations, and more. For example, in the Bras Basah.Bugis Design District, Hans Tan will curate a series of installations that reimagine everyday activities from a fresh perspective. The Marina Design District will see Nathan Yong present "Neu Folk," a series of activations that bridge tradition and the future of design, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Meanwhile, in the Orchard Design District, PLUS Collaboratives will curate “Re-Route: Orchard,” inviting visitors to experience Singapore’s iconic shopping belt in a new way.

Bras Basah.Bugis Design District

Clockwise from left: Hans Tan, Clara Koh and Alvin Ho (Atelier HOKO), Jamie Yeo and Gideon Kong (gideon-jamie), Gustavo Maggio and Wendy Chua (Forest & Whale). Photos courtesy of respective designers.

SDW 2024 will also feature over 70 events across Singapore, ranging from exhibitions and talks to workshops and pop-up experiences, offering diverse opportunities to engage with the world of design.

Marina Design District

Left to right: Nathan Yong and a rendering of the Design Pavilion at Millenia Walk.
Photos courtesy of Nathan Yong and Marina Central.

Orchard Design District

Left to right: Cheryl Sim, Design Director and Mervin Tan, Creative Director of PLUS Collaboratives.
Photos courtesy of PLUS Collaboratives

Singapore Design Week (SDW) stands as one of Asia’s leading design festivals, celebrating Singapore’s unique creative spirit. The festival delves into design through three key pillars: Design Futures (the future of design and its potential), Design Marketplace (lifestyle trends with a focus on Southeast Asia), and Design Impact (innovative solutions for a better world). SDW is a vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation, highlighting thought leadership and showcasing the finest design from Singapore and around the globe.