Design Trust Futures Studio makes visible the processes and positive role of design in the culture of contemporary design and production. The programme stems from a project-studio concept that promotes life-long collaborations through a mentor-mentee programme. Experts from different fields have been contributing to the mentor-mentee teams in the exploration of materials and production, putting forth the positive value of design of public spaces in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and internationally.
As an extension of 2017’s inaugural Design Trust Futures Studio, the 2018+ theme for Futures Studio is “PLAY IS FOR THE PEOPLE”. Tackling and promoting the ideas of innovation, leisure and play, which creates meaning from the people, for the people with human factors, ergonomics and physical designs in play. Four practical yet playful micro-parks will be realized in four different locations around Hong Kong.
Since 2018, DTFS has been working alongside public and private agencies including Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Architectural Services Department and the Policy Innovation and Coordination Office (ceased operation from July 1st 2022). From January 2018 to April 2019, DTFS’ “PLAY IS FOR THE PEOPLE” programme was sponsored by Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), while Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation was the Education & Community Outreach Partner. As conceptual designer and lead organiser, DTFS led and engaged, conducted research and design four micro-parks as public spaces of the future. These locations include: Portland Street Rest Garden, Hamilton Street Rest Garden, the Sitting-Out Area under Flyover in Hill Road, and Yi Pei Square Playground. The aim is to transform the micro-park designs into reality, with Architectural Services Department as the works agent and Leisure and Cultural Services Department as the client of the parks. Capital works and support for the construction of the Yi Pei Playground were sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and funded by the Hong Kong SAR government. The three other parks capital works are supported by the Hong Kong SAR government.
The first gathering of Design Trust Futures Studio 2018+ brought together the designer-mentees, two Hong Kong-based mentors, and advisors from the public and the private sectors.
The designer-mentee teams conducted several site visits and research in their individual sites. They engaged the local residents, families and children as well as different public and private agencies in order to gain understanding of the local communities’ needs.
Mentors and Designer-Mentees use the Sketch Diary to document their process, making visible the invisible process of design.
ask@designtrust.hk
Tel: +852 2739 6889
Fax:+852 2543 2890