Synopsis
Open Doors invites you to open the wooden doors of flats and take a look into the lives of Singaporeans. Rediscover the stories about our familiar neighbourhoods from pioneers. This book hopes to break through the social barriers and preserve the kampong spirit of Singaporeans. In this series, we had the privilege of meeting three strong and dedicated individuals. Mr. Lai Meng Chok, Ms. Tan Jee Wah and Madam Lim Geok Chuan, who had welcomed us into their humble homes. Follow us and open the doors of 3 neighbourhoods, Hougang, Queenstown and Toa Payoh.
Open Doors
In this publication design assignment, we were tasked to create an publication for the National Heritage Board Singapore.
The tremendous growth of
Singapore had been inevitable. Concrete structures had grown in the midst of gardens. Bustling kampongs (villages) are replaced with quiet flats. The lack of interaction and closed doors had dimmed our kampung spirit.
As a result, the concept of allowing viewers to open the doors to the homes of pioneers. Where they explore Singapore’s heritage through the memories of Singaporean pioneers.
The publication includes 3 “Doors” booklets, 1 “Behind Doors” Booklet (Front and Back matters) and 1 hard case book box.
This project was selected to participate in Crowbar Awards 2016
and showcased in Temasek Polytechnic School of Design's Beyond
Design Centre.
The Process
In efforts to arouse curiosity and gain attention, the structure of the books were designed, where viewers would be greeted by the individuals behind those doors,
the moment they flip the cover page.
Adding a pinch of familiarity and homeliness, everyday objects were selected as subjects of the photographs. In addition, while giving the photographs a warm glow, they were slightly over exposed and composed asymmetrically.
Giving the publication a touch of formality, the overall layout were kept
centre-aligned, images and copy on the top of the hierarchy. Taking in mind the legibility of the copy, the Garamond typeface was typeset at a comfortable 10/12.
In order to present the images and stories as accurately to the time where I’ve been at the location or when I’ve heard them from the pioneers. Several mock ups, comparison of typefaces and different treatment of images on print outs were done.
Intended to intrigue the viewers, visual elements on the book box were kept to the minimum. In addition the book box was made of thicker boards then the typical, to resemble the doors.