3D printed artworks, Virtual Reality designs on sustainability showcased at National Design Centre exhibition till Apr 9

A new exhibition, held from Jan 6 to Apr 9 at the National Design Centre, will showcase how digital design and manufacturing techniques can address the problem of plastic waste.

The exhibition, named Circular Futures: Next Gen, features 3D printed artworks by the Architecture Intelligence Research Lab (AIRLAB) and designs by graduate students of research laboratory formAxioms at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). 

Visitors can expect to see decorative works like chandeliers and stools as well as prototypes that can serve as potential solutions to food challenges such as vertical farm structures and floating farm pods.

These works are made out of upcycled plastic waste, part of which came from the smart Reverse Vending Machines under the Recycle N Save initiative by F&N Foods and the National Environmental Agency.

In addition, the student-created designs at the exhibition can be interacted with through a Virtual Reality headset to give visitors an idea of how technology can help design a sustainable future.

These designs are intended to be potential solutions for climate change issues, specifically rising sea levels, said the National Design Centre.

According to director of AIRLAB Carlos Banon, Circular Futures: Next Gen will also showcase how 3D printing can create custom designs and shapes that may not be possible using traditional manufacturing methods.

The potential of 3D printing will also be revealed through an art piece designed, manufactured and finished at the exhibition over a three month duration by the AIRLAB team, the National Design Centre announced.

To complement the exhibition, AIRLAB will host four manufacturing workshops which focus on a new material that combines bamboo and biodegradable 3D printed components. Lectures will also be held by the graduate students of formAxioms at SUTD.

These sessions are free for the public.

The National Design Centre opens from 9am to 9pm daily, and admission to the exhibition is free.