One of the favorite places that I go to whenever I fly to Singapore is Holland Village. It represents a territory of mixed cultures, a village open to world travelers who, for a time or forever, have stopped in this Southeast Asian country. Each visitor imports a fragment of diversity that contributes to an eclectic and harmonious identity in perpetual evolution, whose Peranakan roots find contemporary expression through thoughtful design interventions like this new furniture collection.
Tommy Cheong’s Sampan furniture collection beautifully captures the essence of traditional Asian watercraft and transforms it into contemporary urban seating designed specifically for Holland Village. This innovative design concept draws inspiration from the iconic sampan boats that have navigated Asian waters for centuries, creating a stunning fusion of cultural heritage and modern functionality that celebrates Singapore’s multicultural identity.Designer: Tommy CheongThe Sampan benches serve as a tribute to this spirit of welcome, to the emulation felt by all travelers discovering a culture that they will end up making their own.
Like boats approaching a new land, these benches participate in the dynamics of the place and the flow of passersby. They create an invitation to rest for a moment, enjoy the urban landscape, discuss and exchange perspectives from different cultural backgrounds. They are able to translate the essential characteristics of traditional boats into functional furnitur.
