Get to Know Ryan Tan, Winner of Young Designer Award 2018
Another Ngee Ann Polytechnic student bested other future designers to win the annual competition
For the second year in a row, the annual Young Designer Award was won by a student from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Ryan Tan’s design, ‘Biophilic Modernism’, more than fulfilled the design brief of renovating an apartment for a multi-generational family, encompassing a wide age (and physicality) range of users. His design incorporated sustainability, not only with its indoor-outdoor ambience and botanical aesthetics, but also with its spatial flexibility. Tan won a cash prize of $2,000 as well as the opportunity to join competition organiser Design Intervention as an employee.
Tan shares more about himself and his winning design:
Why do you want to become a designer? As a child, did you already express interest in this career?
I had an adventurous personality when I was young and was intrigued by all types of art. Little did I know, this would inspire me to explore my creativity as a design student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
My passion was slowly ignited as I started designing project after project and was able to discover myself as a designer.
What or who inspires you?
One of my inspirations or idols is Leonardo da Vinci, a man who saw life as a complete whole through many different forms. For example, da Vinci did not see art, engineering and science as competing disciplines. Rather, he embraced these diverse fields as one.
Why do you want to become a designer? As a child, did you already express interest in this career?
I had an adventurous personality when I was young and was intrigued by all types of art. Little did I know, this would inspire me to explore my creativity as a design student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
My passion was slowly ignited as I started designing project after project and was able to discover myself as a designer.
What or who inspires you?
One of my inspirations or idols is Leonardo da Vinci, a man who saw life as a complete whole through many different forms. For example, da Vinci did not see art, engineering and science as competing disciplines. Rather, he embraced these diverse fields as one.
Is this your first design competition? What lessons did you learn from it?
This is the first interior design competition that I joined, and it allowed me to expand my knowledge in designing holistically. It taught me the importance of consistency in ideology conceptualisation throughout the design process. Through trial and error, I gained insight into designing a space.
This is the first interior design competition that I joined, and it allowed me to expand my knowledge in designing holistically. It taught me the importance of consistency in ideology conceptualisation throughout the design process. Through trial and error, I gained insight into designing a space.
Why do you think your design won?
I believe that my aim of providing the client with positive spatial energy was clearly demonstrated and complemented well with the use of plants and minimalist furniture. The design intention met the client’s functional requirements and at the same time, offered good contrast of light and nature to induce a sense of relaxation and calmness.
I believe that my aim of providing the client with positive spatial energy was clearly demonstrated and complemented well with the use of plants and minimalist furniture. The design intention met the client’s functional requirements and at the same time, offered good contrast of light and nature to induce a sense of relaxation and calmness.
What are your plans now?
As I embark on my journey to become a designer, I would very much like to further my studies by pursuing a degree in architecture.
MORE
See Ryan Tan’s winning entry
Read about the Young Designer Award 2018 ceremonies
As I embark on my journey to become a designer, I would very much like to further my studies by pursuing a degree in architecture.
MORE
See Ryan Tan’s winning entry
Read about the Young Designer Award 2018 ceremonies
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Chua (pictured second from left) says: “Ryan (fourth from left) has demonstrated his eagerness and attitude towards producing good design through translating ideation into space by progressively developing his design from inception to completion in a succinct manner. Ryan has the aptitude and potential to grow as a perceptive and competent designer.”