Welcome to this issue of Cubes – my first at its helm – and its first as an Annual edition. While we may no longer come to you multiple times a year, our mission as the voice of design in Singapore and Asia remains stronger than ever. In fact, as an Annual we have been given a unique opportunity to cast our net wide and dig deep to curate the best projects, most thought-provoking conversations and most progressive ideas.

Across the globe, our architecture and design community is continually reassessing our goals and recalibrating our efforts to meet the demands of society. Change is a constant but the COVID-19 pandemic has brought an accelerated rate of change to the way we live, work and play.

Fittingly, our theme for issue 102, Rethink, Reinvent, recognises the importance of creating quality places that reflect the essence of the people who inhabit and use them. We all want to dwell in a comfortable environment that makes us happy. We all want agile workplaces that improve productivity and well-being. Importantly, we all want to have a sense of belonging.

Our built environment affects us far more than we give them credit for; all the more we should have these conversations:

.

How can bricks and mortar become a framework for cultivating connection and meaning?

.

How do we design livable cities that ensure the relevance and viability of precincts and destinations?

.

What is the greater ecosystem that architecture and design needs to be part of when it comes to placemaking?

.

We investigate these matters by taking a broad view across workplaces, hospitality and retail spaces, institutional buildings and residential projects, and speak to the urban heroes who are innovating in this space.

On the topic of innovation, it is with great pride that we present to you the INDE.Awards 2021 Official Winners. The INDE.Awards remains the first and only awards program that encompasses the entire Indo Pacific region. It brings together a diverse community of architects and designers whose exceptional work stands tall on the global stage. We extend our sincere congratulations to this year’s winners, whose work stood out in a highly competitive field of entries and set an impressive benchmark. Start planning for your 2022 INDE.Awards submissions at indeawards.com

The future feels bright and full of promise. As Cubes moves into ‘Annual mode’, it is further powered by our digital platform, Indesignlive.sg, an indispensable industry resource since 2011 and creative professionals’ daily connection to the latest design news and inspiring content. Come join us!

Get your copy at major bookstores and newsstands in Singapore today! Or purchase a digital copy here!