It all started when we received an opportunity to design a space for a cafe located in Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) in 2013, while I was still a Commercial Interior Designer.
I didn’t think too much about it, aside from the fact that it was a cafe for students with special needs.
But when I saw these students actually patronising the store, and having loads of fun exploring and soaking in the ambience that we had crafted for them, my entire perspective of designing such spaces completely shifted.
Everything changed in that moment, and I was struck by how much happiness a space could bring someone.
Students with special needs are passionate and resilient. Above all, they wish to be treated as equals; accepted and included in society, and have equal opportunities like everyone else. They don’t need our sympathy; they need us to help them reach their fullest potential on their road to independence.
The responsibility of this journey to maximise their potential, and ultimately contribute to society independently lies not just with the students, but also the community, caretakers, parents, teachers and staff that make it possible.
Above all, the right spaces and accommodations play a significant role in igniting their passions, and discovering their talents.
When we design spaces for Special Needs schools and facilities, our philosophy is simple.
We create environments while standing on the shoulders of these heroes, creating spaces that they deserve, in our little effort to encourage them to keep on pushing forward.
With every space we design, we encourage.
-Kia Tiow, Managing Director-