My name is Rex and I've been a student of Cambridge School of Art since 2021. Born in Singapore and raised in Hong Kong, I came to England in 2017 to study animal management, as an animal and nature lover. Eventually, I diverted my interests to creativity, design by studying interior design at university.
My multicultural background and passions have significantly influenced my design by incorporating bold colours, playfulness, as well as a respect and appreciation for a site through regeneration. I try to encapsulate concurrent historic and modern charms in my designs. My neurodivergence and wild imagination have also fundamentally influenced how I see things and approach the design process, especially when considering the emotional response, a person has to a space. Throughout my interior design degree, I‘ve also developed product design experience through creative experimentation.
I’ve always had an interest in hands on creativity, including past studies in textiles and photography. I find working with analogue mediums, such as clay, glass, and, to be the most comfortable and therapeutic methods of forming my ideas from nothing. These mixed mediums allow me to explore and create in ways that aren’t executed as effectively digitally. Sometimes I’ve found unorthodox methods to express my creativity. For example, video games such as Minecraft.
For my major project, I transformed half of the ‘Top Bay’ at the Museum of Technology into a dynamic space where history, and creativity converge. Inspired by the beauty and creativity of organic design and the industrial charm of the site, my work explores how sustainability, heritage and modern technology can coexist in a community-focused space. Preserving the museum’s industrial roots, repurposing original structure and artifacts, infusing biophilic elements and community driven sustainability reinforces the narrative of my design. My ambition was to create an accessible, inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds. Where visitors can explore, learn and contribute.
One of the main focuses for my design is the idea of end-to-end engagement. I wanted to connect visitors to the lifecycle of materials through hands-on experiences. I integrate 3D printing workshops, using plastic bottles donated by the community that’s processed into filament for printing. Incorporating interactive exhibits that connect historic machinery – the museum’s existing printing press and fruit juicer from the 1800’s, as well as an early model digital printer, on display – with modern innovations such as edible, ceramic and cement 3D printers not only highlights the evolution of technology but also encourages tactile creativity and environmental awareness. Additionally, converting the staff area below my space into a ceramic commission production area can provide visitors with a close sense of connection to the tiles I designed.
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