Research Interests

Multi-Sensory perception of Space and Objects
Research into multi-sensory spatial design – studying and experimenting with user experience beyond pure visual. This has culminated in two series of art installations/ performances to date and forms the core philosophy of Cheryl Heng’s curriculum for the 3D Foundation Course at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) School of Art, Design and Media (SADM).

“Natural” Urban Spaces
This set of NUS final-year research focused on identifying and re-establishing connections on a human-scale with “Urban Nature”; recognizing its potential as “Chance Architecture”.

Object Creation and Perception through the 6 Senses

Part-Time Lecturer, 3D Foundation, Nanyang Technological University, School of Art, Design and Media

Jan 2013 – Present

Student Sketch Models for Taste, Smell, Sound & Touch exercises

Although sight appears to be the contemporary man’s primary sense in perceiving his world, the other senses also play important roles in how we interpret what we see. This is increasingly so in our highly competitive consumerist world where there is a shift from mere ‘eye candy’ to the holistic experience of a design be it an object, a space or a service; extracting that subtle plus-alpha sensory factor which subconsciously hits home with a potential client.

Karuizawa Project

A concept design for a Chapel/ Restaurant/ Boutique Hotel
2008-2009, Karuizawa, Japan

Concept Designer and main Liaison/ Interpreter for a Japanese ‘chapel-chain’ client (In Japan there is a trend for ‘fantasy wedding chapels’ where clients are promised a dreamy wedding setting in any style, without having to set foot out of the country) and French restaurant consultant (renowned French chef Dominique Bouchet) at GKK Architects and Engineers.

 

TEAbeast | 茶兽

A site-specific multi-sensory art installation in collaboration with Wang Wen Chih
Jun 2011, Chiayi, Taiwan

Notable Artworks Overseen at Setouchi International Art Festival, 2010

Art Coordinator for Setouchi International Art Festival
Apr 2010 – Nov 2010, Tokyo and Takamatsu, Japan

Setouchi International Art Festival Background

The Setouchi International Art Festival 2010 is the inaugural triennial contemporary art festival that takes place on multiple islands of the Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) region of Japan, showcasing the art works of many renowned contemporary artists inspired by and in collaboration with the local residents, majority of whom are in their silver years.

The objective of this unique 100-day Art Festival stretching from 19th July- 31st October, is to re-invigorate the islands that have seen dwindling population by including numerous events bringing people from all over the world and Japan into contact with the local islanders through the making of Art and the sharing of lifestyle cultures. Many Artists lived in residence on the islands months before the festival conceptualising and making their artwork together with locals and volunteers alike.

Jelly BeanZ

A scenography in collaboration with Benny Moss for the MSA Event
2009, Tokyo

Set design for a dance performance, dabbling on the theme of Melancholy and Depression [鬱病] with a satirical ‘POP’ funeral as an alternative resolution.

Kiryu Women’s University

A concept design for a Women’s University
2008, Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture, Japan

Photos showing the Open Dining Concept

Concept design for a women’s university specialising in food and nutrition set in the Kiryu countryside.

This project was born when the University invested in a pizza oven, and wanted to share it with the community. Due to the lack of restaurant options in the area, the University decided to implement a novel concept of providing dining options to the local community as well.  This creates the opportunity for feedback on the students’ culinary skills. Therefore, the ground level dining area is open to the exterior, connecting it with the community. Daily menu, designed by the students, is served  to the University staff, students and public in this open dining area.

Imafuku Residence

A concept design followed by project management for a residential project
2007, Fujisawa, Japan

photos of completed project with mock-up models

Main Liaison, Full Design and Project Management for Imafuku Residence (under GKK Architects and Engineers). This residential project consisted of the tearing down of half of a 50-year-old single-storey timber house belonging to the grandmother to clear land to accomodate a new double-storey cantilevered timber house which would house her son, his wife and their two young children (a boy and girl ages 7 and 12 respectively).

Who Am I? Versions I & II | 私は誰ですか I & II

Who Am I? Version I – An art installation and performance in collaboration withTan Kai Syng and Heng Whoo Kiat
August 2004, Tokyo

Who Am I? Version II – An art installation in collboration with Heng Whoo Kiat, supported by Ant
October 2004, Singapore

photo of Who Am I? Version I installation

installation live recording >>

“I am a hybrid of many experiences and chance encounters, born of a moment, build up of many moments…”

Through the sensorial puzzle of discovering ‘Who’ the artist is through sight, sound and smell, the participant is coaxed into discovering who he is… The installation of three beanbags suspended at different heights, is differentiated by the single “sense” each contains. The participant’s encounter with each beanbag is a personal one- by inserting his head into each beanbag whilst standing, sitting or kneeling, the acquaintance with the artist and himself becomes a very intimate experience.

The Grassland in the Teahouse | 茶室の草原

An installation-cum-interactive performance space
Jan 2006, Tokyo

drawings and photos of performance space

A Japanese-Mongolian experiential cultural cross between sight, sound, space and a mystical legend.

“If the Sea can fit into a small Seashell, then certainly, the Steppes can fit into a Teahouse. For it has been said, the humble Teahouse can contain the entire universe”