A Collaboration with Ngee Ann Polytechnic
What more can be done to build a Greener Tomorrow with the systems we currently have?
What more can be done to build a Greener Tomorrow with the systems we currently have?
Working alongside students from the School of Design and Environment, we set out to explore how young creatives interpret sustainability through public art.
Over a three-month journey, the students worked closely with artist Stephy Chien and William Goh. From brainstorming to sketching, up to 60 students gathered perspectives on what sustainability means to them to shape a story that felt true to their own campus.
Check out the video edited by the students for key highlights, which includes the workshops and ideation process of the mural!
Sustainable events should be designed sustainably! Here are some principles kept in mind for the planning of the event.
Use of Paint
Careful consideration was given to selecting paint that could withstand deep cleaning and last for years beyond the mural launch. The amount of paint was planned to minimise wastage while ensuring there was enough for post-event touch-ups and maintenance. Brushes used during the process were also kept and reused where possible.
Mural Plaque
In line with the theme, a plaque made from recycled milk bottles, thoughtfully crafted by Semula, was created to recognise the efforts of the students.
The initiative reached over 680 youths and educators through:
“Greener Tomorrow” is the third of five community murals created as part of Green Mosaic.
This mural celebrates Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s efforts in biodiversity conservation, renewable energy and energy-saving measures to build a sustainable and greener future.
Co-created by UOB Painting of the Year winning artists, Stephy Chien and William Goh, and NP students, it seamlessly blends nature, technology and community, and illustrates how this nexus affects everyday choices.
The artwork features four sustainability elements — from solar panels and an eco garden to a piping system and eco bus. Viewers are encouraged to spot all four elements and make connections to the sustainability features and practices around their own campus!
Beyond showcasing the picturesque campus and sustainable technology, Greener Tomorrow hopes to inspire the NP community to look forward, innovate and be part of an even greener future — a future with'Always That Something Xtra'.
Visit Block 56 at Ngee Ann Polytechnic to explore the mural up close!
Take a closer look at the mural and challenge yourself! Can you find all 4 sustainability elements hidden in the artwork?
The 4 Sustainability Elements and What They Teach Us
Solar Panels
Harness sunlight to generate clean, renewable energy without carbon emissions.
Ecobus
Represents the autonomous MooVita minibus that ferries passengers around campus, helping to lower emissions and reduce air pollution.
Block 22 Advanced Distributed Pumping System (DPS)
Reduces energy use and improves efficiency by adjusting water flow to match actual demand, avoiding unnecessary pumping.
Eco Garden
Represents the variety of flora and fauna found across the campus, cooling the environment and supporting greater biodiversity.
Stephy Chien is an artist and educator who graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Art (Singapore) as the best graduate of the Art Teaching Program and clinched the Most Promising Artist of the Year 2023 in the inaugural UOB Painting of the Year competition.
Having extensive experience working with students, William Goh is an award-winning artist and the recipient of the 42nd UOB Painting of the Year 2023, Highly Commended Award (Established), along with multiple other prestigious accolades.
Leading up to the mural’s completion, a series of sustainability workshops were organised to engage the wider student body. Sustainability partners led interactive activities that introduced the campus community to different aspects of Singapore’s sustainability landscape.
These are the partners we worked with:
Across five sessions, William, Jason and Justin, the main teachers in charge, worked alongside up to 15 Year 1 Design & Environment students to bring the mural to life, balancing the sessions alongside their school and external commitments.
From brainstorming to painting, UOB and Green Nudge prioritised cultivating a sense of ownership among participating students. We believe the mural should reflect their unique perspectives — painted by the students today, for the students of tomorrow.
It takes a village to make an event successful! The launch was made possible with the support of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, UOB, and the SG Eco Fund.
Teachers and students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Design & Environment also played a key role in supporting and documenting the event. The mural came to life thanks to their unwavering commitment and dedication.
