Creative Minds Find “Pockets of Rest” in Singapore’s Industrial Heart
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A bustling industrial park in Singapore transformed into a haven of creativity on October 3, as nine teams competed to reimagine rest within unconventional spaces. The “Pockets of Rest” competition,held at Tanjong Pagar Distripark – home to the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) – challenged participants to design imaginative rest areas within a compact 1.5m-by-2m rectangle, roughly the size of a queen-size mattress.
The competition arose in direct response to local artist Daniel Chong’s ongoing art installation, Insomniac States. This work features large-scale, inflatable structures resembling sleeping forms, strategically placed throughout the district. The event aimed to encourage participants to explore the concept of rest beyond traditional notions, considering its social, cultural, and spatial dimensions. Winners were selected for both the Programmer’s Choice and Juror’s Choice awards, with prizes awarded. The winners of the Programmer’s Choice Award will have their work showcased at SAM.
“We really want the participants to be active participants in reflecting about their own spaces of rest, thinking about the material and also spatial politics of rest as well,” explained Ms. Estella Ng, manager of public art at SAM’s The Everyday Museum. The event, co-organized by The Everyday Museum and Mr. chong, aimed to spark a deeper consideration of rest in a fast-paced world.
From Discarded Materials to a Modular Retreat
Demonstrating resourceful ingenuity, many teams utilized discarded materials sourced directly from Tanjong Pagar Distripark – including bubble wrap, plywood, fastening straps, and raffia strings – to bring their concepts to life. Mr. Hans Chew, a ceramic technician, and Ms. Jun Tan, a technical consultant, collaborated to create “Dara Dara,” a “living room” complete with a modular L-shaped sofa.
their work,according to Mr. chew, was a response to the unique character of the site, which functions as both a logistics hub and an emerging arts space. “I hope the work can invigorate a sense of curiosity about materials in our everyday life. I think this really permeates our everyday consciousness, whether we are aware of it,” he stated. He further explained that “Dara Dara” translates to “being sloppy and lazy” in Japanese. the duo secured the Programmer’s Choice Award, guaranteeing a display of their creation at SAM.
Finding Solace in Unexpected Places
Another team took a decidedly unconventional approach to the concept of rest, finding inspiration in the often-overlooked sanctuary of the restroom. Team Jaga Design,led by industrial designer Edwin Fong,constructed a fully-equipped restroom within their allotted space,complete with a toilet bowl,a side table with a lamp,and posters promoting rest and humor.
“Alone in a cubicle, I am my only boss. I have the freedom to distract myself, take a power nap, have a power cry, or just enjoy some lovely peace and quiet,” Mr. Fong shared on behalf of his five-member team. “The toilet, to me, is to seek refuge. It’s the only place where I’m honest with myself.” Their innovative concept earned them the Juror’s Choice Award and a $350 gift card from local lifestyle brand Sojao.
All participants will receive a zine documenting the event, including photographs, notes, and insights related to Mr. Chong’s Insomniac States. Ms. Ng expressed gratitude that the competition had become a deeply personal experience for each participant. Mr. Chong, who served as one of the judges, described the creative responses as “surreal.”
“Even though this was part of responding to my work, I quite enjoyed that we didn’t see another pillow or bolster,” he remarked. “Many of the works didn’t just touch upon rest. They came from a far deeper, personal space, and it made me rethink what rest could be. I used to think rest meant a bed or something to lie down on, but today opened my mind to the fact that rest can be very diverse.”
Insomniac States remains on display at various outdoor locations around Tanjong Pagar Distripark, specifically at Block 39 Keppel Road, where SAM is located.
