Design Fair Asia’s second edition celebrated the vibrancy of the region’s interiors and furniture industry as it benefitted from a four percent increase in visitors and a total footfall of almost 13,000 visits.

FIND - Design Fair Asia was held from 21 to 23 September at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

The three-day leading trade show attracted an increasingly international audience as attendees arrived from over 80 countries,with 17% of the visitors hailing from neighbouring countries to discover brands, trends and business opportunities at this key event of Singapore Design Week.

Jointly organised by dmg events, global tradeshow professionals for design, construction and hospitality trade shows, and Fiera Milano, the world-renowned Italian exhibition company, FIND – Design Fair Asia definitely put Singapore on the design map.

World Architecture Community is media partner for the 2023 edition of FIND - Design Fair Asia and is bringing you the latest news and highlights from the design fair. 

The event was opened by Dawn Lim, the Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council (DSG), and top representatives of Economic Development Board (EDB), Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Italian Trade Agency (ITA) Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) amongst others who warmly welcomed dignitaries and industry players alike. Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Low Yen Ling graced the event on the second day.

Highlights of the event included the FIND – Global Summit featuring over 60 prominent design thinkers, architects, hospitality professionals and interior designers that evaluated changes in the industry today. 

The ever-popular EMERGE exposition, with budding designers from all over Southeast Asia, showcased their newest projects and work. More than 60 designers across the region came together for this special event, displaying and sharing ideas with their peers.

The Italian Design Future Capsule as well as Italia Geniale exhibition showcased Italian craftsmanship, leading brands and design excellence. The Urban Design Factories Showcase, which put the circular economy on display, had a 3D-printed sugar-based Altostrata pavilion which hosted talks on innovation, technology and sustainability.

The fair proved to be pivotal as not only a point of meeting for prime suppliers in the areas of furniture, lighting, décor, textiles, and unique design pieces but also a place for the brightest minds in the industry to gather and share their thoughts and ideas.

The FIND – Global Summit was a meeting of minds as international speakers explored the role of design and creative businesses in areas such as regenerative design, holistic hospitality and more

A gathering of the best talents & practitioners in the industry 

One of the main draws of the event is the FIND — Global Summit, which attracted over 500 professionals. Touching on five key pillars, Content Chair Yoko Choy enlisted the likes of AB Concept Studio co-founder Ed Ng, Olson Kundig Architects principal, owner and CEO Hemanshu Parwani, Central Pattana Creative Director Ian Henricks, and UN Studio Head of Futures Ren Yee for the various sessions.

These thought leaders presented ways to turn the pressing global challenges facing the industry into opportunities. An audience of buyers and exhibitors gathered in the large open area, covered in lush greenery, an environment carefully curated and designed by artist Stefano Boeri, to gain further inspiration for their work.

Italia Geniale is a celebration of Italian ingenuity in design

Showcasing Italian craftsmanship and ingenuity

At the forefront of the design industry with works in the fields of industrial design, interior design, and architecture, Italy formed the largest contingent of international exhibitors, with more than 40 brands, 29 with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), and nine participating independently.

The Italian Pavilion, also known as The Italian Design Futures Capsule, was designed by the renowned Italian studio Stefano Boeri Interiors. The space echoed the layout of a classic Italian town, with FIND – Global Summit at its heart.

Featuring bespoke and classic Italian craftsmanship and polished designs, the fair piqued the interest of designers and trade visitors alike, flocking to see gorgeous works of art and design.

FIND highlighted solutions for a circular economy and sustainable practices

A deeply important tenet and reflected across many exhibitors or participants at the fair was the theme of sustainability. One could discover it being unobtrusively ingrained in products, discussions and design services.

One of the most unique pieces at FIND was the Urban Design Factories Showcase, a masterwork combining cutting-edge technology and techniques. The Altostrata Pavilion was a temporary structure entirely 3D-printed of biodegradable, sugar-based PLA, which visitors could explore as well as attend hosted talks on sustainable design, technology, and innovation. It looked at opportunities of designers using the technology to develop any product, anywhere and with smarter material choices.

Sustainability was also prominent at Seven Clean Seas, which hires fair wage crew members to collect and sort waste from the oceans to produce new materials and extend their lifecycle. They also partner with corporate multinational companies to incorporate plastic offsetting. Having recovered more than 1.8 million kilograms (or nearly 4 million pounds) of plastic since 2018, they have found innovative ways to use plastic in the areas of construction, with unique bricks made entirely of microplastic.

The panelling company, Innovasia, also puts a focus on using recyclable fabrics, and materials, such as cork, moss, flax, and PLA corn-based fabrics. They are now working on a self-degradable polyester infused with enzymes that speed up the process of recycling.

Grobrix, a company built on leveraging natural resources by encouraging horticultural practices at home, places power in the hands of the masses, giving them the resources and tools to farm their own plants. With a system strongly focused on implementing a circular economy by having the tools based on a rental rather than purchasing model, the plastic panels that make up the Grobrix walls never go to waste and are continually used.

Singapore: A Hub for Southeast Asian Design

Following the remarkable debut last year, DesignSingapore Council presented the second EMERGE @ FIND, a showcase of contemporary Southeast Asian design based on the theme of "Craft + Industry: Man + Machine" with the support of dmg events. 

Curator of EMERGE, Suzy Annetta, gathered a collection of Southeast Asian designers and artists whose work is shaped by a variety of approaches – from a rootedness in ancient craft, to interpretations of the traditional through new materials and techniques, to methods of working that are entirely reliant on contemporary technological innovation.

EMERGE’s burst of colours and creativity shows that there is an abundance of design talent waiting to be discovered in Southeast Asia

There was a wide selection of works that ranged from furniture to lighting to home accessories and a number of the designers’ creations were also for sale.

More than 30 designers were also present at EMERGE to show their works in person. 

They included Hana Surya from Indonesia; Pakphum (Nanu) Youttananukorn from Thailand; Chini Lichango from the Philippines, who unveiled textile panels tastefully fashioned from fabric offcuts and dead stock, a chest of drawers built into tree trunks, cleverly redefining the form that storage traditionally takes and ethereal pieces that range from tabletop accessories to lighting fixtures respectively.

Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Low Yen Ling pays a visit to exhibitors at FIND – Design Fair Asia

FIND: A regional hub for Asia Pacific interior designers and architects

FIND’s growing importance for the regional interiors industry is also exemplified by the launch of the new Asia Pacific Designer Accreditation program which was graced by Guest of Honour Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Low Yen Ling, who reiterated the importance of artistry and culture in cementing Singapore as a hub of arts and design in Southeast Asia.

This historic launch of the New Asia Pacific Designers Accreditation Program helps interior architects and designers to be recognised and qualified by the Asia Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA), representing many economies in the Asia Pacific region. The program aims to create a set of standards to help assess the professional competency of designers, laying the foundation for the pursuit of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on Interior Design Services in the Asia Pacific region, allowing for mobility and information exchange, to promote the adoption of best practices in the industry.

It becomes increasingly evident that the event matures into a vital forum also for architects, hospitality experts or retailers as FIND observed a much higher attendance of these professionals and celebrated the 60-year anniversary of the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) with an evening networking event.

A key event for the industry uplifting designers across the world

"Participating in FIND - Design Fair Asia was an interesting and exhilarating journey that illuminated the intersection of art and functionality. We embraced the opportunity to engage with various architects, and the reception of our products was nothing short of inspiring. FIND - Design Fair Asia was a vibrant tapestry of creativity and innovation, and we were privileged to be a thread within it, weaving together the future of design excellence," says a representative from Italian textile and lighting manufacturer Paulicelli.

"Our debut at FIND - Design Fair Asia was an extraordinary journey that transcended fun and success; it was a pivotal moment in our mission to cleanse our oceans of 10 million kilograms of plastic by 2025. We found ourselves surrounded by a vibrant community of designers and interior stylists who share our unwavering passion for sustainability and innovation," said a representative from Seven Clean Seas.

"The fair provided a platform where our vision of recycling materials and products resonated profoundly with like-minded individuals eager to explore the boundless possibilities of sustainability. We were also elated to connect with hospitality sector professionals who displayed a genuine commitment to embracing sustainable initiatives." 

"These collaborations promise a brighter, greener future where Seven Clean Seas plays an integral role in reshaping the landscape of conscious consumption," Seas explained.

"We were impressed by the exceptional quality of attendees and the valuable leads we acquired. This exhibition provided us with a unique platform to showcase our stylish and sustainable shade solutions to a discerning audience who truly appreciate our craftsmanship. The investment of time and resources in this event proved invaluable, solidifying our position as a premier provider of shade solutions," said a representative of Belgian-based umbrella manufacturer, Umbrosa, whose shade solutions are developed for the residential and project market.

The designate Italian ambassador of Italy to Singapore, Mr. Dante Brandi, remarked that "it was impressive and a great source of pride to see so much of Italy at FIND – Design Fair Asia in Singapore. The Italian pavilion, run by the Italian Trade Agency and designed by Stefano Boeri Interiors, provided the perfect platform for 29 Italian companies to showcase their excellence in a contemporary, sustainable, up-to-date design in many sectors. 

As Embassy of Italy and Italian Trade Agency in Singapore, we were also particularly excited for the success of the unique exhibition “Italia Geniale”, created by the Italian Industrial Design Association (ADI) The collection included a selection of over 80 world-famous icons of Italian design, many of which were recognised with the prestigious “Compasso d'Oro” award. Italy was also the training and work stage for many of the ASEAN designers who showcased their creations at the Explore capsule, within the fair. An additional confirmation of the role Italy plays in design at a global level.”

"FIND – Design Fair Asia was a great success. We have been astounded by the strong industry support and hope FIND has solidified its position as a dynamic and innovative platform for brands, industry and designers from across the region. It brought together some of the best craftsmen, internationalising companies and emerging talents that all operate and grow in Southeast Asia," said Carl Press, Director of FIND.

"Our commitment to championing value driven approaches, creating a platform to facilitate business and exchange plus feature innovation and talent will also continue in 2024 when we will see a larger show altogether. We are already excited to welcome everyone back in twelve months from now to FIND 2024!," Press added.

The next edition of FIND – Design Fair Asia will be held from 26 to 28 September in 2024.

All images courtesy of FIND – Design Fair Asia. 

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