Design News: Gardens by the Bay’s night sakura display and Powerpuff Girls’ 25th anniversary

There are about 140 cherry blossom trees at the Sakura floral display at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. PHOTO: GARDENS BY THE BAY

View cherry blossoms from day to night

For the first time, visitors to the much-anticipated Sakura floral display at Gardens by the Bay will be able to take in the beauty of cherry blooms from day to night.

The installation at the ninth Sakura floral display at the Flower Dome evokes the traditional charms of the Japanese city of Kyoto with a yozakura (night sakura) viewing experience.

There are about 140 cherry blossom trees showcasing more than 40 varieties, including crowd favourites such as Prunus Accolade, known for its abundant clusters of pink blooms; and Prunus Kiku Shidare, with its distinctive weeping form.

Trees are specially lit for the yozakura effect. There are also light projections designed to appear only when the sky starts to darken.

One of the highlights is a replica of the city’s grand Kinkakuji Temple, where visitors are invited to step in and imagine what it feels to be inside the actual Zen Buddhist landmark, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The essence of life in Kyoto is also conveyed through a traditional thatched house reminiscent of picture-postcard ones from Miyama, a village known for its old-world charm.

Gardens by the Bay’s chief executive Felix Loh says that the affection that Singaporeans have for Japanese culture has made the Sakura floral display “a beloved event”.

He adds: “Together with the Japanese cultural fringe programmes and the much-anticipated return of Anime Garden, this year’s sakura season promises to be an exciting and unforgettable one.”

Info: Go to gardensbythebay.com.sg

Pop Mart and Crybaby celebrate 25 years of The Powerpuff Girls

The Pop Mart and Crybaby merchandise launch celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Powerpuff Girls took place at Plaza Singapura on March 23. PHOTO: POP MART

To celebrate The Powerpuff Girls’ 25th anniversary, toy company Pop Mart teamed up with Thai artist Molly Yllom, known as Crybaby, for a merchandise launch in Singapore.

This collaboration features the cartoon trio – Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup – reimagined through Crybaby’s lens and style. The March 23 event also marked the artist’s first Singapore fan meet.

A 3D Crybaby x The Powerpuff Girls photo spot has been placed at the Pop Mart store at Level One, Plaza Singapura for fans to immerse themselves in the anniversary celebration.

Pop Mart has also announced a new Singapore membership programme, allowing customers to rack up points for every dollar spent, redeemable against future purchases.

The Crybaby x The Powerpuff Girls series introduces 12 figurine designs, a secret design and an assortment of accessories echoing themes of bravery, vulnerability and authenticity. Highlights include a TV Set Luminous Display Container and various blind box collectibles.

Crybaby says that, as an artist, her collaboration with The Powerpuff Girls is a dream come true.

“It’s about embracing our true emotions, recognising that vulnerability doesn’t diminish strength, and understanding that it’s okay to show our tears and sadness.”

Info: Go to www.popmart.sg

Haworth blends style and sustainability with new office seating

The new Zody II model is a dual posture task chair, made using recycled materials. PHOTO: HAWORTH

Office furniture manufacturer Haworth International has launched its new Zody II and Zody LX models of sustainable and ergonomic office chairs.

Designed for modern workspaces, Zody II and Zody LX are task chairs which prioritise environmental sustainability.

The new models feature recycled materials aimed at extending their lifecycle and facilitating material recovery.

Their sustainability credentials include the Indoor Advantage Gold and Greenguard Gold industry certifications, which indicate a product with low chemical emissions.

The Zody II and Zody LX chairs’ dual posture modalities are engineered for ergonomic support across various postures and body types, from seated to standing transitions. The Zody LX also offers a versatile aesthetic suitable for both office and home settings.

Notable features of both models include advanced lumbar support systems for spinal alignment and dynamic reclining to encourage natural movement and minimise fatigue.

Haworth, founded in 1948 and based in Michigan, the United States, operates in more than 150 countries through a global network of 400 dealers and 8,000 employees.

Info: Go to www.haworth.com

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