Workshop: From Lines To Lights
Jun Ong started the session with his journey in the field of design. Graduated as an architect, he shared some of his early works and the lessons he learnt from them. Take for example, during his work on “Digital Token” he talked about the importance of leaving certain aspects of your work to subject matter experts. He shared his experience working with a signage designer who is knowledgeable in the technicalities of electronic signages.
He also talked about thinking on the mobility of projects and the importance of site specific works when designing an immersive installation at iLight Singapore, a sustainable light art festival at Marina Bay.
Further sharing his design process, he has broken it into four main steps, which he usually refers to from the ideation phase till the completion of the plan :-
STEP 1: The first step is to “Ideate” wherein examining the context of the installation and conceptualising ideas accordingly.
STEP 2: Next, would be “Translate” to better visualise the concept to clients through utilising tools such as Rhinoceros (3D modelling software), V-ray (realistic rendering software), AutoCAD for technical drawings and of course, hand sketches.
STEP 3: Third, would be to “Make” the design into a reality whilst working with different specialists.
STEP 4: Lastly, he stressed the importance to eventually take a step back and “Spectate”, viewing his creation together with the audience.
He also shared his internationally acclaimed works “Star” and “Surge”, guiding the audience on his process through these projects. “Star” was inspired by MC Escher’s artwork in the same name as Jun Ong’s dodecahedron – a 12-sided star-shaped installation in an unfinished building in Butterworth, Penang. On the other hand, “Surge” was a project commissioned by Nike where he advised the finalists of iNyala to take ownership of one’s art when handling clients, which was what he learnt when explaining his concept sketches to Nike.
Jun Ong hasn’t left his architectural background behind either, co-founding his own architectural firm, POW ideas. Though, he consistently marries his passion for lighting into real world spaces. He also mentions how he tries to experiment on materials in relation to lights.
Coming full circle, he concluded his talk by encouraging the audience to also reverse the design process. This time round, beginning with “Spectate” where learning from mistakes and problems encountered is crucial. Then, “Make” by exploring and testing out different types of materials. He would also “Translate” through learning new tools and figuring out innovative ways to present one’sideas. Lastly, would be “Ideate” by experimenting with designs through reading and researching to develop “a language” for oneself.
ABOUT JUN ONG
Jun is a Kuala Lumpur-based architect and artist. His interest lies at the intersection of fine arts and applied arts in the context of Southeast Asia. Jun has previously worked at practices in Shanghai, Beijing & KL; most recently at the studio of British designer, Tom Dixon in London and has been featured in Hypebeast, Vice, Ignant & Designboom.
He studied architecture at the University of Westminster in London and at the University of Melbourne.