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In the height of the COVID-19 scare in Singapore, the rampant virus spread within dormitories revealed the alarming conditions of some of the facilities, triggering social commentary and a desire to rethink dormitory design for guest workers. #NEVERBEFORESG by Yang Derong was an art project that commissioned invited architects to illustrate their thoughts and imaginaries on the topic.

'The Puzzle Box' by Kenneth Koh showcases the daily rituals of migrant workers as they live, play, cook and clean. The intimacy of the drawn figures presents the workers as leading whole, integrated lives, and challenges any attempt at redesigning dormitories to include and thoughtfully cater for these specificities.

'Breathing Room' by Felicia Toh is a commentary on the effects of the pandemic on migrant workers living in dense, high-rise conditions, as well as a fantastical imagination of what dorm living could be. On closer observation, the stacked plates form part of a rib cage that has been stretched to dislocation. A parallel to COVID sufferers whose lungs are affected — there is no breathing room. Atop the structure, open park space represents the workers' desire to get out of the confines of the dormitories and regain their freedom.