Video Credit: Ansen Goh

"We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over. So in a series of kindness there is, at last, one which makes the heart run over."

While we may not have been the most bonded class, friendships were nevertheless forged, and it is these little bonds that made JC life a little more tolerable. That, in its own right is a beautiful thing. So thank you, Ansen, Joel, Joel, and Nathanael. You've made my time at SAJC quite an interesting one, albeit occasionally strange, but it was this quirkiness that made it so special.

2011, Breakfast at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Life. A mere fleeting moment, where just about everything fades (in the twinkling of an eye); the days of our youth become a mere hazy memory, lost in the sea of present worries. Sitting in the garden's café and watching young, innocent minds fizzle away their energy in joyous play made me realise, I really do miss the innocence of youth, and to some degree, I yearn for a restoration of what was gone.

Perhaps, it is through such moments that God reminds us of how we were blessed, both then, and now. It is in losing what we once had that allows us to realise its value. Strangely enough, it took an escape from the strains of my routine to see this - I guess that just shows the extent of my life's monotony.

It would seem that it is only through such seemingly insignificant and trivial moments that one finds the source of joie de vivre - time spent in reflection, or with our loved ones.

I really should head to the Botanic Gardens a little more often; the last time, was too long ago.

Image Credit: ArchDaily, FG + SG

Image Credit: PAUL

Let me begin by saying, I love bread; particularly those hard crusted, baguette-esque bread rolls, and croissants. Thank God for Peck's bread; their cheese bread rolls are a great way to start the morning. And I must say, I am ecstatic to hear that Paul will be opening in Singapore (okay perhaps that is slightly hyperbolic). Honestly, I've never tried their pastries before, but from the pictures, it looks entirely promising, and I'm salivating as I'm typing this. Singapore needs good, simple bread, not the overtly toyed-with sort that one finds at BreadTalk.

1-3: Window Gardener; 4-6: Frame Faucet
Image Credit: Linda Dong

Its always interesting to see fresh, independent work from any designer - be it industrial, fashion or architect; there are no limits imposed by budget, inflexible clients, just pure, unbridled creativity.

That being said, I do have one critique for Dong's 'Window Gardener' concept - the little slit meant for water. Coming from a region prone to dengue, the notion of leaving stale water out in the open doesn't exactly appeal. Perhaps a little flap to cover that would be better, and also improve the sleekness of the product's base. Just my two cents' worth.

"Kinfolk is a growing community of artists with a shared interest in small gatherings. We recognize that there is something about a table shared by friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us."

In a world where convenience is placed above all other endeavours, where efficiency is of paramount importance, it's beautiful to see that there are people out there who truly care about the intricacies of life, caring enough to slow down and celebrate it with family and loved ones.

The online magazine is really nicely done up as well, which is another plus.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:7

I don't quite know what spurred me to design this, other than perhaps a little bit of boredom within me. Regardless, I suppose, as amateurish as this attempt may seem, it sums up my design ethos - a bit of the whole "Less is more" from Mies, but not being entirely sterile (i.e. like the work of Vincent Van Duysen). And now allow me to explain the details behind this little pavilion.

Rough, brutal concrete, juxtaposed against the semi-reflective aluminum support shafts, capped with a glossy white ceiling. Austere benches, for contemplation and reflection, and a tall glass wall, to protect against the elements, yet not obscure. Lofty volume, for air circulation, and simple in design, simple enough to be modular.

Comments and criticisms are more than welcome.

Be near me when my light is low,
When the blood creeps, and the nerves prick
And tingle; and the heart is sick,
And all the wheels of Being slow.
Be near me when the sensuous frame
Is rack'd with pangs that conquer trust;
And Time, a maniac scattering dust,
And Life, a Fury slinging flame.

Be near me when my faith is dry,
And men the flies of latter spring,
That lay their eggs, and sting and sing
And weave their petty cells and die.
Be near me when I fade away,

To point the term of human strife,
And on the low dark verge of life
The twilight of eternal day.

Lord Alfred Tennyson

I had a chat with a friend a few days ago. "Neglected" was what she was feeling - they say that loneliness is the most painful of human emotions. I suppose the pain of being absent works two ways - for both the absent and the one left there to pick up the mess. Its even sadder when both parties have abandoned hope. Yet we do it. Yet life works that way for us - we simply leave when its too much, or too little. We give up.

And for that I'm sorry.

Image Credit: Trevor Patt & ArchDaily

A careful, measured balance between nature and man; the Leca Swimming Pools serve as a silent compliment to the rugged Portugal shoreline.

C'est magnifique!