SINGAPORE - It’s time to welcome the National Design Centre (NDC).

Where is that, you ask? Well, it’s what the old Saint Anthony’s Convent and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts building along Middle Road have become. It is also now home to the DesignSingapore Council, and it will be officially launched at the first Singapore Design Week happening from March 10 to 16.

The Chairman of DesignSingapore Council, Robert Tomlin, gave an overview of what to expect for Singapore Design Week at a press conference, which can be summed up thus: Expect a grand mix of something old and something new.

There will be familiar favourites such as the popular Singaplural, which is returning for the third time; while in the “something new” corner, France’s Maison&Object is slated to make its Asian debut in Singapore. And yes, many of the activities happening during Singapore Design Week will be showcased in the NDC.

“There will be a lot (of programmes) for the public,” promised Mahendran Reddy, senior assistant director of centre programming for DesignSingapore Council.

But just which one should you check out? Well, here are some free activities to get you started - even if you can’t tell a Philippe Starck from a Frank Gehry chair:

FOR THOSE WHO MISS TREES. Remember back when there used to be more of those natural shade-providing, oxygen-producing plants in the city? Well, you can reminiscence about those times with the aptly titled 30 Lifestories – irememberParks. Using salvaged tree logs, Singapore designers make use of them to come up with 30 installations that revolve around the themes of “park environment, communal spaces and social events”.

Venue: Dhoby Ghaut Green

Date: March 12 to March 16

FOR HIPSTER PARENTS WHO ARE SECRETLY KIASU. You know who you are. Forget those become-a-doctor or towkay dreams for your kid. It’s the creative industry you want your munchkin to excel in. And here’s how you can help give him or her a head-start. Register for ManyWaysOfSeeing Seminar where internationally heralded architect and design educator, professor Masayo Ave, conducts a workshop on how to cultivate creativity and a sense of wonder in tykes.

Venue: National Design Centre

Date: March 11 (pre-registration required)

FOR HIPSTERS WHO AREN’T PARENTS YET. You can spend a whole day sipping coffee, enjoying book readings, savouring treats from indie bakers, Bloomsbury Bakers and discussing Avenue Madison bikes at Brunch on the Green. Levi’s will also be setting up its Commuter Bike Shop there, offering free tune-ups.

Venue: Dhoby Ghaut Green

Date: March 16

FOR THOSE WHO WANT A FREE RIDE. Yes, you literally get a free ride with Design Trails and Creative Circuits. Hop-on, hop-off shuttle buses ferry you to design-centric spaces and studios in the vicinity. You can explore the area on your own or participate activities designed for the site at each stop. If not, simply congratulate yourself on saving money on bus fares.

Venue: National Design Centre and other venues

Date: March 15

For the full list of events happening and more information, log on to www.designsingapore.org/sdw