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Cosentino kicks off the first Design x Dialogue of 2024 spotlighting on Human-Centered Designs
The discussion was led by female designers IDr Wong Pei San and EiLing Tay, who shared insights on infusing humanity into designs amidst advancements in AI.
Kuala Lumpur – Design X Dialogue sessions presented by Cosentino in collaboration with IDr Lai Siew Hong, Chief Executive Designer of the award-winning Blue Water Studio returns with its inaugural edition focusing on 'Human-Centered Designs'. The theme of the talk was inspired by the necessity of incorporating humanity into designs, particularly in an era where AI is increasingly prevalent.
Given the timing during International Women’s Month, the conversation was spearheaded by two prominent female designers: IDr Wong Pei San, Co-founder of Essential Design Integrated and EDI Architects, and EiLing Tay, Co-Founder of Youngblood.
IDr Wong Pei San's design philosophy resembles the preparation of a subway sandwich – a continuous dialogue with clients to tailor every aspect of the design to their preferences, much like the way customers select and customise their subway orders. Her firm embraces the concepts of tropical living and explores the idea of what’s essential. Guided by Vitruvius' theory, "a good design promotes the well-being of dwellers." Pei San also shared that “studies show connecting to nature helps to improve one’s well-being” and nature provides free resources of energy for interior designers like herself to incorporate into her designs. This includes the use of natural light, natural ventilation, visual and physical connectivity to nature and water elements in design.
With the importance of using natural elements, one example of her project includes a dining space spanning two floors that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor realms. Bathed in natural daylight, this design is aesthetically pleasing and champions energy efficiency, eliminating the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
Conversely, EiLing Tay of Youngblood shares the fundamental principle of "Design for People," infusing every facet of her work with a commitment to resonate with, benefit, and inspire individuals. Her designs aspire to transcend the immediate and forge a lasting legacy for future generations through conscientious decision-making. Additionally, she emphasises the significance of ensuring that each project not only fulfils its creative objectives but also aligns with the budgetary and economic requirements of her clients.
One of her remarkable projects is the transformation of a standard 7-Eleven into a vibrant café environment where the community can come over to hang out. Here, EiLing reimagines and aims to redefine the traditional concept of convenience and social interaction. Her objective was to craft a space that nurtures community, offering a place for people to convene, relax, and forge connections beyond the conventional setting of a convenience store. Here, she emphasises the significance of understanding a space's inherent purpose and the transformative influence of design on culture. Observing how her establishment has drawn locals to what was once a simple convenience store further highlights the profound impact of thoughtful design.
Another example that she shared was a curated manicure space cum entertainment centre to meet the demands of her client’s female customers. This multifunctional haven not only serves as a sanctuary for indulging in manicures but also seamlessly transforms into a vibrant social hub where women can gather with friends to relax and celebrate.
For EiLing, “Spaces need to have the ability to connect”. Not only do they connect people who use them, but also those who are engaged with them. In this case, it is about being relevant and sensible to all people who come across the journey, be it owners, users, builders, or anyone who encounters the space – even from an environmental or social impact point of view. With that, it is always human-centred.
For more design inspirations stay tuned for the latest updates on the next Design x Dialogue of 2024, follow @cosentino.asia on Instagram and Facebook so that you won’t miss out on the exciting discussions and insights into the world of design.
To discover inspiring design concepts from Cosentino, visit the Cosentino Malaysia showroom at No.1, Jalan TSB 8, Taman Industri Sungai Buloh, 47000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor or book an appointment by calling 03-8230 3954, or visit here to start your design and discovery journey.
