Singapore, 22 October 2026 – From 14 November to 6 December 2026, the North East Line (NEL) will become the setting for New Everyday Life, By Design (NELBD), a design journey presented by the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) and produced by FARM. The programme invites members of the public to discover how design shapes everyday life. Registration for the launch-day quest is now open at
dsg.sg/nelbd.
This first-of-its-kind activation brings design closer to the public, offering more opportunities to experience and engage with it through pop-ups at all 17 NEL MRT stations, as well as an impact hub at Dhoby Ghaut and an innovation hub at Punggol Coast.
Admission is free.
From everyday objects and familiar spaces to innovations that are shaping the future, visitors can discover how design quietly influences daily life, often without us noticing. Each station will feature a showcase focused on a different aspect of design, making it easy for commuters to explore along their daily journey.
The hubs at Dhoby Ghaut and Punggol Coast offer an opportunity to explore these ideas in greater depth. At Dhoby Ghaut, visitors can discover inclusive and zero-waste living, as well as accessible technology, across Temasek Shophouse and Plaza Singapura. Featured works include Inclusive Carriage by Social Future, LASALLE-UAS, a reimagined train carriage for persons with disabilities; Paw Wheels by Chong Zi En, an assistive walker for ageing dogs; and ORIGAMI by ANS.EIN, which transforms fabric scraps into garments. At Punggol Coast, a living lab at Nexus, Punggol Coast Mall showcases bio-inspired architecture, smart urban systems and sustainable food innovation. Highlights include GWS Living Art’s green roofs and living facades at Punggol Digital District, which bring greenery into a dense urban setting, and Fungi Forest by FOGO Fungi, which grows alternative protein from coffee grounds and recycled denim.
More details will be announced closer to the date. Bring a friend and take part in the Design Quest!
The activation launches on Saturday, 14 November 2026, with the NELBD Quest, a challenge-filled adventure along the NEL that puts teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test.
Starting at Punggol Coast, teams of two will make their way through five checkpoints along the line. Along the way, they will take on challenges, uncover design stories in familiar transit and public spaces, and see their surroundings from a fresh perspective. The activities encourage participants to recognise the role design plays in shaping the spaces, objects and experiences they encounter every day.
The fastest teams to complete the tasks may be among the top 10 winners, who will receive prizes including Grab vouchers and Sony products. Registration is open now and closes on 13 November 2026 at 12pm.
Visit dsg.sg/nelbd for more information.
