Ocean Purpose Project (OPP) is inviting participants from all backgrounds to join a unique series of hands-on design hackathons, taking place from 15 to 19 September as a community event of Singapore Design Week 2025.
This initiative will engage community members, students, designers, and seniors to shape Singapore’s first inclusive, climate-resilient Purpose Pavilion, with the support of leading industry partners.
“Our vision is to unite tradition, innovation, and inclusivity to inspire the next generation of community spaces,” said Mathilda D’Silva, CEO of Ocean Purpose Project. “We are excited to work alongside Singaporeans of all ages and abilities, ensuring our Purpose Pavilion in Pasir Ris becomes a beacon for sustainable and accessible design.”
Ocean Purpose Project’s current Beach Hub at Pasir Ris Park will be expanded and enhanced through this initiative to create a more accessible and climate-resilient facility.
Growing demand for spaces dedicated to ocean sustainability makes inclusivity and improved accessibility a priority, especially for seniors and people with mobility challenges.
The new Purpose Pavilion will answer this need with a welcoming venue for eco-education, research, and community events, all while celebrating the rich heritage of Pasir Ris and local communities.
By integrating features like solar power, rainwater harvesting, and modular systems, the Pavilion will empower Singaporeans of all ages and backgrounds to shape lasting solutions in sustainability and community engagement, right at the water’s edge.
OPP’s Track Record in Ocean Conservation, Restoration, and Global Recognition
Since 2020, Ocean Purpose Project has expanded its reach and impact by filtering over 37 million litres of seawater, removing more than 14 tonnes of plastic waste from Pasir Ris, and engaging over 2,000 active volunteers annually to save the oceans.
OPP’s research converted 1,550 kg of local seaweed and mussels to reduce harmful algae and bacteria blooms into biofertilisers and bioplastics, while restoration projects saw the planting of hundreds of reef stars and seaweed lines to support fragile marine ecosystems.
Community-driven programmes have brought together seniors, youths, and families for beach clean-ups and eco-gardening, which have become vibrant educational opportunities, blending hands-on learning with ocean conservation. 
Internationally, OPP was selected as one of the world’s top 100 projects by Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and represented Singapore at the UN Ocean Conference 2025, contributing to major sustainability coalitions and championing seaweed-based and nature-based solutions for climate action.
OPP’s pioneering initiatives continue to support healthier coastlines and fish farms, advance local knowledge, and position Singapore as a creative force for environmental change.
Sustainable Expertise in the Built Environment
Across the five themed hackathon sessions, OPP and award-winning eco-luxury design studio Aiden T will set the stage with design guidance before handing the spotlight to project partners ipse ipsa ipsum, The Shelter Company, and Genesis Solar to explore build techniques, thoughtful accessibility, heritage inspiration, green infrastructure, and future-proofing against climate challenges.
Aiden T, founded and led by Arjan Nijen Twilhaar, is known for its human-centred and sustainability-forward designs, drawing on Arjan’s 20+ years of international experience from The Netherlands, USA, Hong Kong, to Singapore. The studio’s work spans luxury hospitality, transformative HDB and residential projects, and wellness-centric design, consistently balancing material innovation with meaningful storytelling.
Aiden T’s global accolades include Best Interior Designer, Singapore (2024) by Build Magazine, and recognition as innovators in sustainable, context-led design. Arjan’s philosophy goes beyond aesthetics, creating immersive, purposeful environments rooted in local climates and heritage, and his leadership extends onto international design award panels and thought leadership forums.
“We are proud to partner with OPP Purpose Pavilion in weaving sustainability, heritage, and contemporary design – creating not just spaces, but experiences that matter,” said Arjan Nijen Twilhaar, Principal Designer at Aiden T. “Translating inclusive design from principle into practice is what this hackathon series is all about.”
ipse ipsa ipsum, recognised for its leadership in circular design and regenerative materials, joins the programme alongside other sustainability-focused partners.
Their sustainability journey includes transforming waste, such as discarded Tetra Pak, into charging stools with GoRental.SG and coffee grounds into durable trays with Ngee Ann Polytechnic, highlighting how material innovation can redefine everyday products. The Sampan Collection, created with OPP, translates Singapore’s boat-building heritage and ocean debris into elegant, functional furniture.
“At ipse, we believe that heritage and sustainability can coexist beautifully,” said Saurabh Mangla (Sam) – Design Innovation Lead of ipse ipsa ipsum. “Through collaborations like the Sampan Collection and our work on the Purpose Pavilion, we are setting new benchmarks for eco-conscious design while championing the use of regenerative materials and inspiring future generations.”
Other partners bring their own distinctive expertise: Genesis Solar’s leadership in sustainable energy, including mobile apps to document carbon offset and water harvesting; and The Shelter Company’s modular, award-winning Doonya concept, designed to adapt to Singapore’s climate and community needs.
Programme Highlights
- Five themed 2-hour workshops run daily from 15 to 19 September as part of Singapore Design Week 2025.
- Sessions explore sustainable building, accessibility and inclusion, cultural heritage, renewable energy/water systems, and resilient design for the tropics.
- Each session features design inspiration, expert talks, and hands-on team hackathons – all ideas welcome.
- Suitable for everyone; no prior experience required.
Why Join?
- Be part of a real-world public project from the ground up.
- Learn directly from architects, innovators, and sustainability experts.
- See your ideas reflected in an iconic Singapore community pavilion.
Sign-ups are open now for each session at the Ocean Purpose Project website on www.oceanpurposeproject.com/event.
About Ocean Purpose Project
Founded in 2020, Ocean Purpose Project is a Pasir Ris based social enterprise driving marine conservation and innovative solutions to combat plastic pollution, through technology, education and community collaboration, including transforming plastic to clean fuel and revitalising coastlines with seaweed and science. OPP blends storytelling and action to inspire impact and turn pollution into solutions.
About Singapore Design Week
One of Asia’s premier design festivals, Singapore Design Week (SDW) celebrates Singapore’s distinctive brand of creativity, exploring design through three defining festival pillars: Design Futures (the design of the future and the future of design), Design Marketplace (lifestyle trends with a spotlight on Southeast Asia), and Design Impact (innovative solutions for a better world). Organised by DesignSingapore Council, SDW is a celebration of creativity and innovation, championing thought leadership and showcasing the best of design from Singapore and beyond.
Information About Project Partners
Aiden T | https://aiden-t.com/
Aiden T, led by Arjan Nijen Twilhaar, is renowned for pioneering sustainable, human-centred spaces prioritising wellness, material innovation, and design harmony. Their global portfolio spans luxury hospitality and impactful residences, blending research-driven processes and creative storytelling to deliver interiors that are purposeful, personal, and meaningful.
ipse ipsa ipsum | https://ipseipsaipsum.com/
ipse ipsa ipsum specialises in circular design and sustainability, transforming waste materials into innovative furniture and everyday products. Their projects, including the eco-luxury Sampan Collection with OPP, and award-winning work with partners like GoRental.SG and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, blend heritage and regenerative materials, setting new standards for purposeful, climate-positive craftsmanship.
Genesis Solar | https://www.genesissolar.com.sg/
A leader in solar and rainwater systems, Genesis Solar provides practical guidance on integrating climate-friendly infrastructure into built spaces. They had also launched their mobile app, allowing the community to track and visualise the Pavilion’s daily carbon offset and water harvesting data – connecting sustainable technology to personal impact.
The Shelter Company | https://thesheltercompany.com/
Specialists in modular shelters and resilient community design, The Shelter Company’s innovative Doonya concept earned a Biennale award for its use at OPP’s beach office. Their award-winning, adaptable structures are built to handle Singapore’s tropical challenges while creating welcoming, safe and flexible hubs for all.
Contact
For more information on the hackathons, please reach out to Ocean Purpose Project:
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