2023
An architectural icon with distinctive twin shells, Esplanade is one of the busiest arts centres in the world. Since opening in 2002 as Singapore's national performing arts centre, they have presented more than 53,000 performances and activities, drawing 34 million patrons and 116 million visitors. We were commissioned by Esplanade to design their annual report for the 2022/2023 financial year.
The cover and main section dividers features Wax and Wane, an artwork by urban art collective Rscls that is commissioned in conjunction with the opening of the Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade and the centre’s 20th anniversary celebrations. As the name suggests, we took inspiration from the metaphor of the moon's phases and used it in a central role across our design motifs. Just as the moon goes through cycles of waxing and waning, the centre has experienced seasons of growth and change through the pandemic years till today. This metaphor is a powerful way to symbolise the theatre's journey over the past year.
Our primary goal was to create an engaging report that aims to be more than just a collection of financial data and statistics. We want it to be a reflection of the centre's vibrant spirit, rich history, and commitment to artistic excellence. To achieve this, we've employed a visually stimulating design that captivates the reader's attention from the very first page. The use of vibrant colours, dynamic layouts creates a sense of excitement and anticipation, much like attending a performance at the theatre. Drawing inspiration from the theatre's iconic 'durian' shaped architecture, we've also created many 'easter-egg' durian motifs shaped into characters and objects that are spread across infographics helping to convey complex information in an easily digestible format. All in all, the report's design aims to leave a lasting impression on readers, reminding them of the theatre's enduring magic and importance in Singapore's cultural landscape.
