Singapore retail design festival Re-Route will return to Orchard Road this week for its second edition to “highlight how design can evolve in structures and consumer behaviours”.

Curated by the Singapore-based interdisciplinary group Plus Collaboratives, the festival dubbed Re-Route: Orchard (RR:OR) will take place from September 26 to October 6 with the theme of “Be Here Now”, inspired by the concept of adaptive reuse.

Festival directors Cheryl Sim and Mervin Tan will be leading the event.

“Orchard Road remains a vibrant urban space, but to enhance its appeal, we are focusing on building a stronger sense of community,” said Sim. 

“Through creative collaborations and installations, we aim to reinforce adaptability and innovation to make the space more engaging for everyone.”

Visitors to RR:OR will be guided by a mascot named Charrdo, symbolising Orchard Road’s past and future. It will serve as a “visual and metaphorical” guide, highlighting the rich history of Orchard Road while also looking ahead to its potential for innovation.

Festival highlights include installations and experiences such as “Re-think,” which explores the concept of adaptive reuse through product design, and “Nostalgia Play,” which invites visitors to engage with playful 80s and 90s aesthetics in an interactive playground at Far East Plaza.

Other highlights include “Street Fashion: Rain Ready,” which features functional and stylish designs by Raffles Design Institute students, and “Chairs Reimagined,” an exhibit that reinvents traditional Kopitiam chairs that interplays between design and function.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) also supports the festival, which aligns with its broader efforts to refresh Orchard Road.

“We aim to create differentiated lifestyle experiences that go beyond shopping,” said Guo Teyi, director of retail and dining at STB.

“Re-Route: Orchard not only celebrates the history of Orchard Road but also encourages people to explore its future potential as a dynamic lifestyle destination.”