Singapore Good Design Awards 2024: Key Winners and Their Innovative Projects

Published on August 23, 2024 | by DSGN arcHive

From groundbreaking health and wellness projects to smart urban mobility solutions, these award-winning designs are setting new standards for excellence.

In today’s world, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making a real difference. That’s exactly where the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) award comes in. Launched in 2013 by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in collaboration with Japan’s esteemed Institute of Design Promotion (JDP), the SG Mark sets the standard for top-notch design quality, both in Singapore and beyond.

But why does this award matter so much? The SG Mark isn’t just a recognition; it’s a symbol of excellence that propels Singapore to the forefront of the global design industry. It honours designs that truly make an impact—whether by driving business success, enhancing community life, or shaping broader cultural trends. By championing exceptional design, the SG Mark award fuels growth and productivity, while also reminding us of the importance of investing in quality.

Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) Awards Ceremony 2024

This year, the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) really shone a light on innovation, especially with a focus on health and wellness projects. Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State & National Development and DBCS patron, along with Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua, graced the occasion. Moreover, renowned designer Naoto Fukasawa, famous for his impressive career in product design, delivered a thought-provoking speech. He pointed out that great design is more than just looking good—it’s about tackling core issues to genuinely improve quality of life.

We were absolutely delighted to attend the 11th Singapore Good Design Awards ceremony, where we had the chance to connect with some amazing designers and check out Singapore’s top design innovations. Without further ado, let’s dive into the winning categories…

Winners of the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) Awards 2024

This year’s winners were meticulously selected by 53 jurors through two rigorous screenings. Their remarkable innovations not only stand out but also perfectly exemplify the SG Mark’s unwavering commitment to top-notch design.

Platinum Winner

1. Silver Pride Lion Troupe

The Silver Pride Lion Troupe is a fantastic active ageing programme designed to boost seniors’ physical, mental, and social well-being through adapted lion dance activities. So, how does it work? With thoughtful modifications like a redesigned pulley system and padded grips, the programme ensures that participants, whether they’re ambulant or wheelchair-bound, can join in comfortably and with ease. Not only does this make staying active accessible, but it also keeps everyone connected and culturally enriched. It’s all about blending tradition with inclusivity for a truly engaging experience.

Designer: NextOfKin Creatives & Bridging Generations

Client: Lien Foundation

Category: Special Category: Health & Wellness

Project country: Singapore

Gold Award Winner

2. Re-Route Festival

Re-Route: Little India is a fascinating exploration commissioned by the Singapore Tourism Board. This unique initiative aims to shift visitors’ focus from the usual tourist spots to the vibrant, everyday hubs of the local Indian community. These areas, identified through detailed mapping studies, often miss out on the tourist traffic despite their rich cultural significance. So, how does Re-Route achieve this? By encouraging movement and interaction, the festival immerses visitors in the area’s deep socio-cultural value, offering a fresh perspective on Little India. The strategies are all about guiding people to new experiences and unveiling the hidden gems of this lively neighbourhood.

Designer: Plus Collaboratives

Client: Singapore Tourism Board

Category: Experience Design

Project country: Singapore

3. Sumu Yakushima – Regenerative Life Studio

Sumu is an innovative housing co-op that’s redefining how we live in harmony with Yakushima Island through what they call “regenerative architecture.” The name Sumu, meaning both “to live” and “to become clear,” perfectly captures their ethos of living in a way that benefits the landscape. So, what makes Sumu stand out? For starters, it features off-grid energy sources and is designed with a keen understanding of water and air flows across the landscape. By blending traditional Japanese civil engineering with modern technology, Sumu creates a living environment that’s as sustainable as it is forward-thinking.

Designer: tono Inc. (Tsukasa Ono)

Client: Sumu Yakushima

Category: Sustainable Design

Project country: Japan

Special Mentions

4. Ola Hale – Restaurant & Bar

Ola Hale Restaurant & Bar, perched on Hai Ba Trung Street, offers a delightful view of Saigon’s historic Tan Dinh church. Nestled in a Southern Vietnamese modernist building, it combines historical charm with a contemporary twist. But what makes Ola Hale truly special? Inspired by the Hawaiian term “‘ohana,” meaning “home,” the restaurant boasts a lush green front yard and strives to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s all about making guests feel like they’re returning home, blending comfort with a touch of local history.

Designer: CHIO Architects (Ar. Chio Wen Tian, Chua Yixi)

Client: Ola Hale – Restaurant & Bar

Category: Architecture

Project country: Vietnam

5. A Brush With Forest Fire

National Gallery Singapore took on the challenge of making historical art engaging for children, focusing on Raden Saleh’s Boschbrand. Their innovative solution, “A Brush With Fire,” blends both physical and digital elements, with Raden Saleh himself acting as a mentor. Using a magical paintbrush, children can interact with the artwork, learning key art principles while creating their own masterpieces. This hands-on experience not only makes 19th-century painting accessible but also bridges the gap between urban Singaporean children and historical art, sparking creativity and a deeper connection.

Designer: The Merry Men Works, Make Studios

Client: National Gallery Singapore, Keppel Centre of Art Education

Category: Experience Design

Project country: Singapore

6. 001 Bar Tai Kwun

Tucked away in Tai Kwun, the former Central Police Station compound in Hong Kong, 001 Bar Tai Kwun is a nod to both its historic location and the original 001. What makes this bar so unique? The experience is delightfully secretive, hidden within the old prison blocks. The Blue Room, with its elegant waffle-like ceiling, offers an underground vibe, while the Green Room features the main bar, complete with warm wood tones and a gold ladder that hints at a prison escape story. This clever use of colour and design beautifully blends history, culture, and nostalgia, creating an immersive and utterly charming experience.

Designer: Canalside Studio (Francis Lam, Etain Ho)

Client: 001 Bar

Category: Spatial Design

Project country: Hong Kong

7. ION M1-S

The M1-S is a smart, forward-thinking electric motorbike designed with Southeast Asia’s bustling urban environment in mind. So, what makes this bike stand out? It boasts an impressive range of 150 km, speeds of up to 105 km/h, and quick acceleration, making it perfect for city commutes. With a step-through design and 26 litres of storage, it combines functionality with style. The M1-S aims to transform urban mobility by offering top-notch performance and sustainability, helping to tackle today’s environmental challenges.

Designer: ION Mobility Pte. Ltd (ION Team)

Category: Product Design

Project country: Singapore

8. Luna Menstrual Disposal Station

Through extensive user testing, the Luna menstrual disposal station has been crafted as the ultimate all-in-one solution for women’s needs in commercial toilets. But what sets it apart? The station features an antimicrobial top, providing plenty of space for belongings, while the dispenser is equipped with a gesture-activated sensor for easy and hygienic access. Plus, its modular design—complete with hand sanitiser, tissue, pad dispenser, and touchless disposal bins—ensures it can be easily configured to fit any restroom interior. Luna is all about combining practicality with style, making it a perfect fit for modern restrooms.

Designer: Kohler Co, Kohler Design & Trigger Design

Category: Kohler Co.

Category: Product Design

Project country: United States of America

9. Neurowyzr’s Digital Brain Function Screen (DBFS)

Setting new standards for brain healthcare, the Digital Brain Function Screen is a game-changing 15-minute digital assessment tool designed to detect early signs of brain decline. But how does it make a difference? After the quick screening, it instantly generates medical reports, allowing for timely interventions and personalised care. By democratising access to cognitive health assessments, this tool not only makes healthcare more accessible but also helps reduce long-term costs associated with severe brain decline. It’s a smart, efficient way to keep brain health in check.

Designer: Neurowyzr Pte Ltd

Category: Special Category: Health & Wellness

Project country: Singapore

The Singapore Good Design Awards showcase how creativity can transform lives and shape communities. These winning projects prove that great design isn’t just about beauty—it’s about making a meaningful difference. Through innovation, we can build a brighter, more connected future.

Click here for more information on the Singapore Good Design 2024 winners.

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