Week Five Reflection: Deepening Insights & Envisioning the Future

This week felt like a classic case of taking one step forward and two steps back. I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures on good design practices and circular design, but when I moved on to the Futures Cone, I realised I needed to revisit my mind map and conduct a full STEEP analysis before I could properly move on to Week Five. As a result, this week became a much deeper dive into Week Four.

That said, I came out of it stronger, with a much clearer grasp of the issues that truly resonate with me. Narrowing down my key points to just 10–15 proved difficult—I ended up moving forward with 23 instead. The Futures Cone, a tool for mapping out potential future scenarios based on likelihood, helped me structure my ideas in a more tangible way.

We also circled back to our original photos and “What If” statements, reflecting on why these observations present sustainability challenges in Singapore. This exercise deepened my understanding of the local environmental landscape and the pressing issues that need attention.

Finally, we had to select a few key scenarios that resonated most with us and craft a short narrative imagining what our locality—in my case, Singapore—might look like in 2040 if these scenarios were to unfold. This final step was both challenging and exciting, pushing me to think critically about possible futures and the role design can play in shaping them.

Good Design and Circular Design

This week’s exploration of circular design challenged the traditional take-make-waste model, emphasising the need for a more regenerative approach to fashion. Good design must go beyond aesthetics—it should be functional, durable, ethical, and sustainable, ensuring products are repairable, recyclable, or biodegradable rather than destined for landfills. Circularity in fashion means designing with longevity in mind, using regenerative materials, reducing waste, and embedding reuse and repair systems into the lifecycle of a product. By shifting from linear to circular systems, we can create clothing that is not only beautiful but also built to sustain both people and the planet.

As we move toward a circular fashion economy, we must think holistically, zooming in on the materials, business models, and system-wide impacts that drive sustainable change. Nature offers the ultimate blueprint for circularity—where everything has a purpose and waste becomes a resource. By embracing repair, resale, rental, and regenerative practices, we can reshape the industry to align with ecological balance and community well-being. This reflection reinforced my belief that good design is not just about looking good—it’s about doing good, and the future of fashion depends on how well we integrate these principles into every stage of the design process.

Visiting the Past of my "What If's"

This week, we transitioned from our Mind Map to the Futures Wheel, where we revisited our original ‘What If’ starting points and examined why they present sustainability challenges for Singapore. Looking back at these early observations, I found myself reflecting on how Singapore’s unique urban landscape, policies, and natural constraints shape the city's sustainability efforts.

Waterways & Urban Greenery

Singapore’s canals sometimes appear dirty due to surface runoff, construction sediment, algae growth, and stormwater drainage carrying pollutants. Littering, tidal influences, and road residue also contribute, but PUB actively manages water quality through regular cleanups and initiatives like the ABC Waters Programme, ensuring long-term water sustainability.

At the same time, the city’s greenery is carefully controlled to maintain its “City in a Garden” vision, ensuring biodiversity, urban cooling, and sustainability. NParks strategically plans green spaces, balancing environmental benefits with urban expansion.

Air Quality & Energy Dependence

Air quality remains a significant issue, affected by transboundary haze from Indonesian forest fires, vehicle emissions, and construction dust. While weather conditions can worsen pollution, NEA enforces emission controls, promotes green initiatives, and works on regional cooperation to mitigate these effects.

Singapore’s energy security also presents challenges. The country relies on natural gas for 95% of its electricity, imported through pipelines and LNG. While there’s a push for cleaner energy, land constraints mean that fossil fuel imports remain a necessary part of the mix.

The Impact of Trade & Development

Singapore’s role as a global shipping hub brings both economic advantages and environmental concerns. High shipping volume results from the country’s strategic location along major trade routes, efficient infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. However, coastal waters sometimes appear polluted due to tidal debris, shipping activity, and urban runoff. NEA enforces strict environmental regulations and coastal cleaning programs to maintain marine cleanliness.

Meanwhile, extensive construction fuels urban growth, optimising limited land for housing, transport, and commercial hubs. Land reclamation and redevelopment drive ongoing projects, ensuring Singapore remains competitive while balancing sustainability efforts.

Singapore’s status as a corporate hub is another defining factor. The country attracts global businesses due to its strategic location, pro-business policies, and strong financial infrastructure. Low corporate tax rates and a skilled workforce continue to make Singapore an appealing choice for international corporations.

Sustainable Architecture & Urban Planning

While Singapore has embraced rooftop greenery, solar panels, and urban farms, challenges such as structural limitations and costs prevent widespread implementation. Initiatives like HDB’s Green Roofs and the SolarNova program are helping to maximise these underutilized spaces.

High-rise condominiums play a critical role in land optimisation, preserving green spaces while offering premium amenities and better urban views. Additionally, colonial buildings are preserved to maintain Singapore’s historical and cultural heritage. Organisations like URA and NHB repurpose these landmarks into hotels, museums, and offices, blending history with functionality.

Food, Culture & Animal Welfare

Singaporeans consume a high amount of meat due to cultural influences, affordability, and the popularity of hawker food. However, growing awareness of health and sustainability is driving interest in plant-based diets.

Animal protection laws exist but are less extensive than in some other countries, historically taking a backseat to economic priorities. However, groups like ACRES and SPCA advocate for stronger regulations, gradually leading to improvements in animal welfare policies.

Revisiting these starting points has given me a clearer understanding of Singapore’s sustainability landscape. The interconnectedness of urban planning, energy reliance, trade, and cultural habits highlights the complexity of building a more sustainable future. Moving forward, I hope to refine these insights into actionable steps that can contribute to meaningful change.

Singapore 2040: A Regenerative Future

Here’s a glimpse into the work I’m developing on envisioning a regenerative and sustainable future for Singapore in 2040—where circular economies, environmental restoration, and community-driven innovation redefine the way we live, create, and coexist with nature.

By 2040, Singapore has transformed into a cooperative economy where well-being, environmental regeneration, and social equity define success. The Doughnut Economy model drives local sustainability, with urban farming, biodiversity corridors, and vertical forests seamlessly integrated into city planning.

The nation leads in seaweed-based textiles, regenerative fashion, and lab-grown materials, eliminating reliance on synthetic fibres. Circular design flourishes, with repair, upcycling, and artisan craftsmanship embedded in daily life. Sustainability education blends Indigenous wisdom and decolonial narratives, empowering future generations.

AI-driven ocean cleanup, coral restoration, and agroforestry solidify Singapore’s leadership in climate resilience. No longer defined by fast consumerism, the city thrives as a hub for creativity, regeneration, and conscious living.

🌿 Explore Thread:Ed – Where Education Meets Sustainability 🌿

As I continue my MA in Fashion Sustainability, I’m diving deep into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of circular fashion. Through Thread:Ed Educational Outreach, we share insights on sustainability, ethical design, and the transformative power of responsible fashion and textiles.

If you’re passionate about learning, rethinking fashion’s impact, and driving meaningful change, explore our latest reflections and educational content. 🌏✨

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Wilde Reads: Books For Change

If you're passionate about sustainability and fashion, why not join our Wilde Hippi Book Club? Together, we’ll explore books that inspire change, discuss new ideas, and build a community committed to ethical living. We are currently reading The Future We Choose by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac Let’s turn the page towards a better world! 📚✨

With gratitude,
Tala 🌿✨

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