The allure and function of contemporary design became the key highlights in a recent study tour to Singapore by the Real Estate Housing and Developers’ Association (REHDA) Youth, curated by South-East Asia’s leading furniture retailer SPACE. Delegates were provided with deep insights into two locations by The Work Project, at Capital Tower and Asia Square respectively. Here, they delved into the creation of work spaces which have helped The Work Project achieve recognition by Forbes as among the top five most beautiful co-working spaces globally and, sweeping gold at the 2017 A’Global Design Award & Competition.

The Work Project’s founder Junny Lee’s belief in beautiful and functional spaces inspiring greatness has led to a philosophy of “Think Design” which was amply reflected in exceptional indoor vertical gardens by Patrick Blanc and top-of-the-range interiors conceived by Hassell, an international design studio which has practices in Australia, China, South-East Asia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Back at the SPACE Asia Hub, Hassell Director Paul Semple provided a personalised presentation on the design experience – where great design is effortless and the right selection of artwork makes a space feel better, fundamentally improving asset values as well. “We aim to build joyful, hospitable spaces, and in doing so – just works,” Semple says.

Here at the Space Asia Hub – which launched in 2011 – REHDA Youth’s delegates wrapped up their day with a tour of the hugely impressive 40,000 sq ft showroom. Set up at a cost of SGD50million, the showroom – located in the epicentre of the Lion City’s arts and civic district – displays a range of contemporary furniture and lighting such as Poliform, Flos, Moooi, Maxalto, Kartell, Cassina, B&B Italia and in-house brand SP01. In the adjacent restored heritage building, SPACE has a dedicated floor for Italian furniture powerhouse Giorgetti whose artisan-touched pieces are found in private villas, luxury boutiques and superyachts the world over.