Question 1: What can be incorporated into today’s / future buildings in terms of functionality and visually stunning, at the same time, through sustainability?
Sustainability has always been the core of our design approach. It is all-encompassing and we consider it in all aspects of the design process so that the final product positively impacts the users. There are many ways to ensure our projects remain as sustainable as possible.
For example, we can include innovative recycled materials developed by sustainably-driven companies that are not yet used in the built environment. In one of our projects, we use a textile-like material made from recycled plastic bottles as decorative wall cladding. Besides minimizing the environmental impact during construction, we also ensure that the layout and interiors, e.g. lighting placement, are thoughtfully planned out so that the space is not only functional but also supports the mental well-being of the users.
Question 2: Sourcing and using the right materials that impact the final aesthetics and emotional experience of users can be quite a challenge, how does TA.LE plan to overcome this?
Over the years, we have built strong and long-standing relationships with our partners and suppliers. They help us stay up-to-date on new products, materials, and technologies in the built environment which we can potentially use in our projects. We also work closely with them to come up with creative solutions to incorporate these materials or solve design challenges. These partnerships are collaborative and allow us to be flexible and come up with interesting solutions that deliver refreshing perspectives to design that our clients appreciate.
Question 3: What are the challenges or obstacles faced when incorporating traditional techniques with innovative concepts and modern aesthetics?
While the outcome of using traditional techniques might result in a beautiful finish, the process is too time-consuming and labor-intensive. By incorporating modern methods, we can speed up the process while ensuring the final result looks just as good.
For example, we wanted to use copper when we redesigned Palais Renaissance. It is a semi-precious metal that was associated with important landmarks such as statues, domes of churches, palaces, and other important buildings in the golden age of European history. As a symbol of heritage and nature’s work of art, we wanted to capture this quality in remaking Palais Renaissance. Copper takes on a green patina as it ages with time, giving it an added dimension. However, the typical oxidation process takes too much time. Instead, we worked with craftsmen to enhance this by using liquid metal and modern processes, which gave us control over the patina we desired.
Used throughout the building, alongside other materials such as mosaic, metal trimming and glass, completed the narrative of the Palais Renaissance, evoking emotions and providing an immersive experience for shoppers.
Question 4: How did TA.LE puts a unique touch in its projects to create a one-of-a-kind (unique) and award-winning designs?
We believe that every inspirational and well-designed project is a story about the owners of the space. Hence, the human element is important in the design process. We start every project by understanding out clients’ needs. We seek to stand in their shoes and experience the spaces as they do in order to create meaningful stories that resonate with them.
By working collaboratively with our clients, we come up with unexpected but meaningful designs that are not only visually appealing but also emotionally resonant. For instance, when we redesigned the office lobby of King’s Centre in Singapore, we merged the concept of manicured French gardens with an office environment to create a more imaginative and revitalising approach to office design.
Question 5: What inspires TA.LE to combine both traditional techniques with innovative concepts, creating a modern French savoir-faire in its building?
When we were commissioned to redesign Palais Renaissance, a luxury mall in the heart of the busy shopping district in Singapore, we sought to understand the background of the mall in order to come up with a design direction.
Its name ‘Palais Renaissance’ suggested a particular time during the European Renaissance where art and culture flourished. We wanted to bring back the essence of this period by drawing attention to exquisite craftsmanship – the ensemble of touch, texture, art and detail that are characteristic of luxury. Therefore, it was important for us to consider how we used materials, colours and patterns to project the development’s narrative, giving it more depth and character.
We looked to traditional ‘Savoir Faire’ that emphasised skill and artistry as well as heritage French techniques, such as copper patina, metal and stone works, marquetry and hand-made mosaics, to find new inspiration. By combining these with innovative concepts and modern aesthetics, we have turned the dated development into a modern and luxurious lifestyle destination.
