One Moment, Please. is a series of  interventions, namely #1: The Cubicle, #2: The Teepee and #3: The Chair.

 

This series experiments with the creation of spaces (or “situations”) in the public sphere, where the three temporary structures are set up in the middle of nowhere, seeking to break the flow and daily routine of passersby, giving them a choice, or opportunity, to have a brief moment to themselves, for themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

The Personal Space Prototype is an experiment meant for users who wish to create their own little private space at work, in school, or even in the public arena like cafes where noise and movement have become a constant. It delves into using the DIY paper-folding technique to create a personal bubble for oneself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going Solo. is a publication of curated writings by people I know – personal stories, essays and poems – on solitude, mindfulness, space, and the environment.

 

Because the ways to which one can experience solitude are aplenty, solitude can be categorised into many types.

 

To New York University sociologist and historian Richard Sennett, there are three solitudes in the society. There is the solitude of isolation – imposed by power, the solitude of the dreamer – represented by non-conformists who seek revolution, and the solitude of difference – one based on the idea that there is a difference between being lonely and being alone, of having an inner life which is more than a reflection of the lives of others.

 

To artist Michael Lee, there is an additional solitude of the cosmos, referring to the solitary existence of elements beyond the human world, one that acknowledges the fact that humans are not the only beings capable of being in or subjected to solitary situations.

 

To me, solitude could simply mean being in a state of physical isolation or a mental state of self-reflection and thought. The bed, bathroom and bus are known as the 3 B’s of creativity, and these transitory and most of the time, solitary, moments often go unnoticed, unappreciated and taken for granted by us, who find joy in fiddling with our phones and chatting up with friends 24/7. Apart from embracing the transitory moments, solitude could also mean us, holing up or shutting ourselves out from the world; us, getting away from the world; or us, going about the daily routine alone.

 

There is just so much to discuss about what solitude means to us apart from the socially-constructed views on the detrimental effects of the acceptance of solitariness – often associated with, but not necessarily including, introversion – in the society.

 

The writings are accompanied by photography taken from an unplanned solo journey to “anywhere the bus takes me”.

 

 

 

This little book of solitary moments aims to share with its readers some ways in which they create and can spend time with themselves on their own. Being in solitude can be fun once you realise that loneliness can be overcome. That’s why illustrations are incorporated into this little book with a light-hearted approach - “alone time” is normal and should never be associated to the “loner” or the “anti-social”.