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Scaling New Standards for Migrant Worker Dormitories in Singapore
A Design and Research project with DASL and Meet&Co
Client
Dormitory Association Singapore Limited (DASL) and Meet&Co
Timeline
2023
Project Seahorse began with an ambitious vision: to elevate dormitory living standards for Singapore’s migrant workers while keeping solutions financially feasible for dormitory operators. Partnering with Dormitory Association Singapore Limited (DASL) and Meet&Co, a furniture manufacturer, we set out to redesign dormitory furniture that meets the daily needs of residents and aligns with the practical concerns of dormitory managers and business stakeholders.
While improving dormitory living standards is aspirational, it is often not practical nor economically viable for dormitories to do so.
The DASL Handbook 5 offered a guide for ideal dormitory spaces, but the real challenge lay in getting operators to invest in these improvements. Dormitory owners voiced concerns about costs and questioned whether new, feature-enhanced furniture was necessary. After all, why change beds that were “working just fine”? For dormitory owners, the cost of large-scale upgrades often outweighs the perceived benefits, especially when expenses can strain operational budgets.
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Striking a middle ground between welfare and practicality.
Our research with dormitory stakeholders uncovered a balancing act between maintaining affordable living spaces and delivering improved quality. While operators understand the importance of a positive living environment, making such upgrades economically viable is a significant barrier. Many owners are open to small changes, but only if they come with minimal cost and disruption.
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The solution: modular furniture that fits the budget—and the space.
In response, we recommended a modular approach to bed design, allowing Meet&Co to create furniture that dormitories could adapt gradually. By modularising beds and accessories, dormitory operators could purchase add-ons and enhancements instead of fully replacing furniture, giving them a cost-effective way to introduce new features while staying within budget.
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Making compliance a core selling point.
Compliance with regulatory standards is crucial for dormitory furniture, so we made it a central aspect of Meet&Co’s offering. With DASL’s endorsement, Meet&Co could position its furniture line as both regulatory-friendly and optimised for dormitory living. This emphasis on compliance became a unique selling point, strengthening trust and easing concerns for potential buyers.
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Accessible furniture solutions for all.
Recognising that purchasing decisions happen at both the management and individual levels, we shaped Meet&Co’s strategy to target dormitory operators as well as employers and migrant workers themselves. By setting reasonable prices for accessories, Meet&Co could appeal directly to residents who often take personal steps to make their spaces more comfortable. This dual focus aimed to enhance dormitory living while keeping upgrades affordable and accessible.
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Rolling out change, one bed at a time.
Project Seahorse isn’t just about redesigning dormitory furniture; it’s about setting a new standard for what these spaces can become. By providing scalable, business-aligned solutions, we’re paving the way for dormitories that support residents’ well-being without compromising business viability.
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