Artist Turns to Wayfinding Signs to Enhance Public Spaces

In a compelling story of creativity and public service, a determined individual made an impactful move to improve navigation in his community. After initially proposing ideas to a university, which ultimately didn’t materialize, he redirected his efforts towards creating wayfinding signs for public spaces. This article explores his journey and the challenges he faced as he transitioned from campus projects to serving the general public.

The University Experience

After graduating, Mr. Ng reached out directly to the university, seeking to discuss his innovative proposals. A spokesperson from the university confirmed that they had multiple discussions regarding his ideas, yet they emphasized that any campus installations needed to comply with strict safety and infrastructure regulations.

Despite the initial enthusiasm, Mr. Ng’s proposals were ultimately set aside, with the suggestion for students to utilize Google Maps instead. Soon after his graduation, the university reconnected with him, but by that time, he had started working as a music teacher and was unable to pursue the project further.

Reflecting on the situation, Mr. Ng remarked, “If I were a student and the school was receptive, I’d be thrilled to create the signs for them.” His passion for enhancing navigation options remained strong.

Taking the Leap Into Public Space

Mr. Ng’s journey took a significant turn as he decided to design wayfinding signs for the public, beginning with the Marine Parade MRT station. Here, he identified a problem: two adjacent bus stops shared the same number, leading to confusion about which buses serviced each location. Taking matters into his own hands, he crafted and installed clear signs to address this issue.

Transitioning from university projects to public installations was daunting. He admitted, “You’re doing it in public view, which can come with a lot of risks. Particularly, you can face serious consequences for vandalism. That’s something I’m very aware of.”

In Singapore, vandalism is taken very seriously and can result in fines of up to S$2,000 (about US$1,540), imprisonment for up to three years, and corporal punishment in the form of caning.

Despite these risks, Mr. Ng found motivation in his values. “I asked myself: what do I stand for? What is the purpose behind my actions? For me, if it’s about making the public experience better, then it’s worth it,” he explained.