PLLT lamp series : benefit of limitations

Abstract

What begins as an interest to resolve the issue of compact living space in Singaporean flats leads to an examination of the number of possessions people own. This sparks of a research on the idea of minimalism in the East and austerity in the West. This austere connection leads to the main concept behind this project - the benefits of limitations.

In researching the idea of minimalism and austerity, I found that limitations can be a positive turning point in design. Utilitarian furniture produced in Europe during the World War II (1939 - 1945) and Ishinomaki Laboratory products produced in Japan following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami shared similar situation of limited materials, factories and capital. Despite that, the manufacturing process of the furniture is simple but beautiful, with reliable function and durable construction, comes with a reasonable price as well as demountability and versatility.

When the concept of limitation is applied in Singaporean context, the lack of natural resources becomes creative impetus. With locally unavailable resources, the under-utilized value of wood pallet is resurrected. Through the resurrection of this undervalued material, I seek to find ways to raise the unseen potential of wood pallet and allow people to appreciate the secondary usage of under-utilized wood. The consideration of flat-packed ability aims to save the costs of transportation.

The demonstration of reusing undervalued material that is abundant in Singapore suggests an effective way of stimulating environmental awareness to people. The outcome of this project is aimed to demonstrate that the value of quality does not always need to be made of exotic materials or to be produced by cutting-edge technology. Hence, changing the public's perception towards wood pallet and inspired them to make use of these undervalued materials as an integral part of design strategy.