About
d.lab™ is a commercial entity and trademark created by the design incubation centre to communicate its research and outcomes through commercial distribution channels. d.lab™ aims to examine and create new possibilities and new relationships between man, object and his environment.
The design incubation centre is a design research laboratory which investigates and develops new design tools to find new possibilities for the practice of design. This is done through projects that analyze the emerging and evolving human needs, technology and social trends.
The design incubation centre is part of the Department of Architecture at the School of Design and Environment in the National University of Singapore.
The Objects Around the Tablescape exhibition is made possible with additional support from DesignSingapore Council.

Why the title “Objects around the tablescape”?
Patrick Chia in conversation with Patrick Chia
PC Why the terms “objects” and not “products” or “sculpture”?
PC “Object” is free – it can be anything. It could come as it is. It does not come with the baggage and conforms that “product” or “sculpture” has. It does not takes positions, it is non absolute.
PC Why “table” + “scape” and not “desktop”?
PC Everything that exists has a relationship with and impacts another. A tree does not only provide shade and fresh air on a landscape, it is also a measure of seasons. It is a measure of time, a measure of space and also a measure of our existence.
The object does not exist by itself. Like in the landscape – trees or grass, everything is related in time and in space.
PC Why “around” and not “on”?
PC “On” is foreign and transplanted. “Around” seems more organic and it suggests that the objects have been all along.
PC Please describe the concept, choice of material and process for each of the pieces.
PC They are what they are – nothing more, nothing less.

Idea of a Vase
W 360 x D 250 x H 45 mm
Description: set of 10 vase shaped blocks in frame
Materials: teak or nocture black Corian™
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Design Incubation Centre

Round Bowl with Teak Base
Ø 270 x H 65 mm
Description: flat based bowl
Materials: matt finished Corian® and teak
Colours: white/teak
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Design Incubation Centre

Layered Plates
Ø 270 x H 80 mm
Description: set of 4 stackable plates
Materials: matt finished Corian® and teak
Colours: white/teak
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Design Incubation Centre

Rectangular Trays with Teak Base
W 125 x D 215 x H 33 mm
W 360 x D 240 x H 50 mm
Description: set of 2 nesting trays
Materials: matt finished Corian® and teak
Colours: white/teak
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Design Incubation Centre

Stacking Trays
W 90 x D 230 x H 17 mm
W 230 x D 230 x H 26 mm
W 320 x D 230 x H 40 mm
Description: set of 3 stackable trays
Materials: matt finished Corian®
Colours: white
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Design Incubation Centre

Corner Piece
W 194 x D 55 x H 37 mm
Materials: matt finished Corian®
Colours: white
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Design Incubation Centre

Round Bottomless Bowl
Ø 300 x H 65 mm
Materials: matt finished Corian®
Colours: red
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Design Incubation Centre

Letter Light
W 190 x D 297 x H 130 mm
Description: table worklight with LEDs
Materials: matt finished Corian®
Colours: white
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Yong Jieyu, Design Incubation Centre

Stairway Paper Tray
W 360 x D 240 x H 50 mm
Description: paper tray to hold A4 sized paper
Materials: matt finished Corian®
Colours: white
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Yong Jieyu

A Long Fruit Bowl
W 790 x D 180 x H 90 mm
Description: a long centerpiece fruit bowl
Materials: matt finished Corian®
Colours: white, black
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Dominic Poon, Tan Jun Yuan,
Liang Yanjie

A Family of Short Legged Lights
W 250 x D 160 x H 370 mm
W 470 x D 100 x H 145 mm
W 320 x D 90 x H 90 mm
Description: set of 3 table lights
Materials: matt finished Corian® and teak
Colours: white/teak
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Design Incubation Centre

A Family of Long Legged Lights
mm W 346 x D 210 x H 1200
mm W 250 x D 160 x H 550
mm W 250 x D 160 x H 370
Description: set of 3 floor lights
Materials: mild steel, powder coated finish
Colours: glossy black
Design direction: Patrick Chia
Design: Design Incubation Centre

+ design incubation centre
Department of Architecture
School of Design and Environment
National University of Singapore
4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566
Tel: +65 6516 4881 Fax: +65 6779 3078
E-mail: d.lab@designincubationcentre.com