Top Image: IFFS/AFS 2015. All photographs courtesy of IFFS/AFS

Inaugurated in 1981, the annual International Furniture Fair Singapore, also known as the 33rd ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS) is set to return from 10 to 13 March 2016. The fair is open to trade guests on the first two days, and the public on the last day. Held at the Singapore Expo (Halls 1-6), the 60,000 square-metre exhibition will also include co-locating shows, The Décor Show and furniPRO Asia.

Reinforcing its commitment to connect, inspire and delight guests through a diverse showcase of furniture trends and innovation, the upcoming trilogy of events aims to excite with new content. 

Apart from the usual creative product displays by a diverse range of exhibitors from the fields of furniture, furnishing, decorative accessories, interiors and fittings, a ‘Piazza’ space within the Design and International Brands Hall will host design activities organised to allow exhibitors and visitors to forge new connections.

Adding on an inspirational dimension, a series of structural and interactive displays, created with a brief “to invoke inspiration and create conversations,” will be set up across the six show halls, offering “breaks” from the standard walk-through. There will also be a presentation of innovative materials, as well as a Gallery of ArtForms that demonstrate how furniture can be reinterpreted into artistic sculptures.

In light of a growing interest in indoor gardens, a Garden and Outdoor pavilion will debut in next year’s edition, where a cluster of international exhibitors will present a “Garden Boulevard” concept. Visitors will also discover how design consultants deal with vertical gardening and indoor greenery.

The IFFS will also extend outdoors with an alfresco lounge, decorated and managed by recurring exhibitor, Maiori Design, an outdoor furniture and lighting manufacturer. Apart from that, a series of thematic lounges will also serve as platforms for business networking opportunities. The Design STARS (previously Asian STAR) will return to showcase the works of emerging designers across the globe.

In light of the new activities, next year’s show will be one of the biggest to date. Ahead of the fair, the organisers have also unveiled a new brand architecture that consists of a fresh logo alongside a new tagline, ‘Design, Inspiration, and Trade’.

“IFFS 2016 will present the industry with an all-new experience, one that is not just design-centric and inspirational, but that still builds upon its traditional role as the choice business platform that connects exhibitors with buyers from across the world,” says Ernie Koh, Chairman of IFFS Pte Ltd.

IFFS/AFS is supported by the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC), DesignSingapore Council, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau and SPRING Singapore.

IFFS/AFS
iffs.com.sg