The National University Hospital (NUH) and LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, have unveiled a pioneering Sustainable Medicine Design Lab, designed to foster innovative solutions for sustainable healthcare systems. This collaboration, the first of its kind, unites clinicians, designers, and students to create impactful design interventions.
The lab, part of LASALLE’s BA (Hons) Design for Social Futures programme, partners with NUH’s Department of Ophthalmology and the National University Health System’s Office of Sustainability. Associate Professor Victor Koh from NUH highlighted the initiative’s potential to integrate design thinking into clinical settings, enhancing efficiency and patient care. Nur Hidayah, Dean of LASALLE’s Faculty of Design, emphasised the role of design in tackling complex healthcare challenges.
Six projects emerged from the lab’s inaugural year, each developed through extensive research and collaboration with stakeholders. These projects include a future-ready cataract operating theatre by Bridget Lim, a redesigned surgical tray by Tan Yee Jing, and interventions to reduce pharmaceutical waste by Inda Kiranthie. Other projects focus on humanising clinical environments, improving patient health literacy, and addressing systemic misalignments in healthcare.
The lab represents a significant collaboration between the healthcare sector and an arts institution, aiming to drive sustainable practices and nurture interdisciplinary talent. The projects will be showcased at LASALLE’s McNally Campus from 22 May to 3 June 2026. This initiative sets a precedent for future healthcare models, promoting continuous innovation and practical application in real-world settings.
