‘Reflective’ is a good state of mind to be in at year-end. It lets us to examine what went well, what not so smoothly, assess general directions, and with all that, get an indication of what the New Year will be like.

As 2016 comes to a close, our Indesignlive.sg team is in such a reflective mood, which is why we have dedicated our last story of the year to a roundup of the biggest and most read stories that got you and the design community talking.

Let’s be honest though, what our editors get to cover is all thanks to the great things you produce. So in 2017, we want to know what news you will be making in Singapore, the region, and all around the world. Tell us here.

For now, here’s 2016 as told on Indesignlive.sg.

Winston Gallery by Zaha Hadid Architects

# Remembering Zaha Hadid

We were all deeply saddened to hear of Zaha Hadid’s passing in March of this year. The masterful Iraqi-born British architect has enriched our world with daring works of architecture and we are heartened to see it continue in the hands of her eponymous studio Zaha Hadid Architects. Just this month, the firm’s latest project, a gallery dedicated to mathematics, opened at the London Science Museum

# A memorable 5th edition of Singapore Indesign

Singapore Indesign 2016 was perhaps our best Indesign event yet, with each exhibiting location staging programmes to intrigue, provoke and inspire. But don’t just hear us talk about it, watch what others had to say as well! Remember to stay tuned for updates on our 2017 event.

# Orgatec and the future of work

Our editors were at Orgatec this year to visit all the major brands and suss out the key products and trends that are set to impact the workplace as we head into the New Year. See our favourite products, the coolest stands and concepts, and our interview with Oki Sato of Nendo. There is little doubt that the workplace is changing rapidly and is – among other things – becoming more way more flexible, agile, mobile, and even playful…

Oki Sato of Nendo at Orgatec

On that note, co-working is changing the office landscape like never before. The growing emphasis on an agile workforce, and on collaboration as a stepping stone to greater innovation has seen the concept of co-working grow and evolve to serve not just startups, but larger firms, too. In just the last few months of 2016 alone, we’ve covered several different types of new co-working spaces in Singapore, all geared towards different types of companies and workers. Read our feature on The Great Room and Collision 8.

Oasia Hotel Downtown

# New tropical architecture

Oasia Hotel Downtown was perhaps one of the most instagram-ed landmarks in Singapore this year, and for good reason. Designed by award-winning architectural practice WOHA with interiors by Studio Patricia Urquiola, the 27-storey building in downtown Tanjong Pagar with its red and green furry façade and multiple open terraces is a beautiful and inspiring example of a new breed of tropical high-rise architecture in Singapore.

# World Building of the Year 2016 went to an underground museum in Poland (ab0ve)…

Designer of the Year, Dr Hossein Rezai

# In a first for the President’s Design Award… an individual from the engineering field was named ‘Designer of the Year’.

# Yes, we launched our own regional awards

Our industry is already full of awards, so why do we need another? To put it simply, the INDE.Awards is a new kind of programme – it’s by the creative industry, for the creative industry, and is set up to recognise innovative design across the Asia Pacific. Find out how you can be part of our inaugural INDE. Awards 2017.

# We also unveiled a brand new Indesignlive.sg!

2016 is also the year that Indesignlive.sg relaunched its website. Following months of research, and feedback from readers, our new digital home sports a completely fresh new look, new sections, and easier, more mobile-friendly navigation. Importantly, the new site is one where architecture and design as a way of life is celebrated, hence our new tagline: Live, Work and Play in Design.

See you in 2017.