In designing Singapore’s first inclusive preschool and other learning spaces, Ar. Ong Ker-Shing and Dr Joshua Comaroff, reflect on what it means to design and create spaces that embrace our diversities and abilities, enabling us to connect, learn and play in many different ways.
At Kindle Garden, the bubbles in various sizes offer kids flexibility and options to play with. These are also helpful for those with spinal issues, where they can stretch backwards to mobilise their spines. Image: Darren Soh.
We’ve noticed that many of the seats in the classrooms are designed like logs. Why did you create such unusual seats?
The revamped play area at St James Kindegarten led by nonprofit group, Participate in Design, enables children to play more freely. Image: Participate in Design.
But to me, designing inclusive spaces is about creating spaces that all of us can use and access freely, without barrier or discrimination, regardless of our abilities or disabilities. It is about providing opportunities for all of us to enjoy a common, shared experience in the same space, for us to feel comfortable to connect and engage with one another, despite our differences.
Shaping an endearing city: "When enough is enough" - Ong Ker-Shing and Dr Joshua Comaroff were featured in the Singapore Pavilion for the 2023 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Based on the theme of “When is enough, enough”, the pavilion explores the more intangible qualities of designing and shaping a more endearing city, in creating connections, influencing change and providing more inclusive spaces. For more information about the Singapore Pavilion, go to https://singaporepavilion.sg/