The theme of icons has unwittingly become the glue that binds the latest issue of Cubes Indesign. In particular, we turn our focus to buildings and people that are shaping not only our designed environment, but also how we think about design in significant ways.

The STAR by Aedas

Case in point: our cover story on The STAR by Aedas not only points to the changing built landscape in the outskirts of the city, but also proposes an alternative to the air-conditioned malls that are so familiar to Singapore. While its form is undoubtedly distinctive, it is perhaps its brave attempt at redefining the modern mixed-use development that really impresses.

Gardens by the Bay

Still keeping to large scales, we look at Gardens by the Bay (Bay South) approximately one year from when it was first opened and consider it in all its engineered glory. At the same time, we look at two food and beverage establishments ­– Pollen and Satay by the Bay – and study how they have been designed as considerate complements to the gardens.

A project by Nicholas Burns on Sentosa Cove

Two design giants let us into their minds as we catch up with Tom Dixon and Patrizia Moroso while they were in Singapore. Hear their thoughts on out-thinking copycats (Dixon) and the magic of art and artists (Moroso).

The making of ceramic ware for Edwin Low’s new label, Democratic Society

Other highlights in this issue include dwelling projects from the likes of Nicholas Burns and RT+Q Architects; our story on local architecture firm K2LD Architects and its push to keep current and open, a conversation about passion; and good, honest design with design educator and all-round creative protagonist Edwin Low. We also peek into the studios of four cutting-edge, independent graphic design studios.

Janice Teo and Edwin Tan of Bravo, one of the firms Cubes Indesign visited during The Design Society Festival open house

Note from Rachel Lee-Leong, Managing Editor of Cubes Indesign