Practice Theory hardbound book featuring a green cloth cover and dish illustration for "Fragments of Time" by André Chiang.

Practice Theory close-up photograph of the green cloth spine with foil-stamped Chinese and English typography on "Fragments of Time" by André Chiang.

Practice Theory detailed view of "Fragments of Time" by André Chiang featuring an interior yellow page printed with poetic serif typography.

Practice Theory animated motion graphic previewing full-bleed color transitions and chapter header layouts.

Practice Theory detail of an open book page showing the section title DUSK set in elegant serif type in "Fragments of Time" by André Chiang.

Practice Theory double-page layout overview showcasing grid structures and thumbnail chapter previews in "Fragments of Time" by André Chiang.

Practice Theory open book spread displaying structured two-column editorial text layouts.

Practice Theory archival full-bleed photograph spread illustrating historic dining scenes at Raffles Hotel.

Practice Theory editorial layout pairing historic newspaper clippings with an archival photograph of Raffles Hotel.

Practice Theory open book spread on bright yellow paper presenting diagrams of four culinary pillars.

Practice Theory close-up view of printed recipe text for Oyster Sauce and Oyster Reduction on light gray paper.

Practice Theory close-up photograph of an open book page detailing ingredient lists over a bright yellow dish image.

Practice Theory double-page book layout displaying thumbnail photography of culinary creations on light gray paper.

Practice Theory open book spread featuring a plated dish on a silver tray alongside recipe ingredient measurements.

Practice Theory full-bleed macro photograph spread of a cooked prawn dish with red peppers and green herbs.

Practice Theory open book layout featuring a plated prawn dish on a textured white plate next to recipe instructions.

Practice Theory detail shot of a rust-orange book page printed with inspiring quote typography.

Practice Theory double-page text spread on deep orange-red paper under the section Reflections & Aftertaste.

Practice Theory open book spread on dark red paper featuring documentary photographs of chefs plating dishes in a kitchen.

Practice Theory open book spread on dark red paper showcasing behind-the-scenes kitchen service and soup preparation photography.

Practice Theory dark red open book spread showing behind-the-scenes drink preparation and service staff photography for Raffles.

Practice Theory close-up photograph of an open book page printed with dual-language English and Chinese editorial text for Raffles.

Practice Theory open book spread displaying a full-bleed documentary photograph of Chef André Chiang working in the kitchen for Raffles.

Fragments of Time ← Back to Objects

Fragments of Time

Designing Fragments of Time for Raffles Singapore and André Chiang

Client Raffles Hotel Singapore

Team Edmond Ho (Food Photography)Don Wong (Residency Photography)Pristone (Printer)Đức CaoShannon LimLeticia SimGeorgina TanLinh TranRandy Yeo

Date 2024

Scope of Work

Editorial Design
Content Architecture
Typographic Systems

The Project
Practice Theory designed Fragments of Time, a publication that reimagine what a cookbook could be, bringing together 2 Michelin-starred chef André Chiang’s culinary philosophy and the history of Raffles Singapore.

The Brief
Following a successful pop-up restaurant at Raffles Singapore, André became the first non-literary guest of its Writer’s Residency Programme in March 2024. Working closely with the chef and hotel, we were tasked with reimagining the cookbook as a personal account of his residency, connecting his approach to food with the hotel’s enduring role as a creative muse.

The Approach
A line from André’s early manuscript became our starting point: “The 4-hour lighting at Raffles Singapore is its most magical and priceless feature.” We organised the book around dawn, day, and dusk, using the passage of a day to connect the hotel’s layered past with André’s present practice and future possibilities.

The Execution
The colours of the pages shift with each chapter to reflect the changing light, while running headers and footers mark the passage of time. Staggered pull-out quotes take their cue from early 20th-century menus, while fragmented recipes are grouped under four cultural pillars to encourage reinterpretation. Interspersed are photographs by Edmond Ho and Don Wong, tracing the passing of time through the chaos and wind down of dinner service.

What did we deliver?

Editorial design & content architecture: Shaped a progression from hotel history to culinary experimentation, closing with André’s reflections on his craft.
Typographic and visual systems: Developed time-marking navigation and a changing colour palette, with typographic references drawn from early 20th-century menus.
Publication design & image sequencing: Integrated archival material with food and residency photography to give the book the emotional rhythm of a day in the kitchen.

The Impact
Fragments of Time preserves André’s residency as a lasting contribution to Raffles Singapore’s creative legacy. By merging personal reflection with historical documentation, its innovative structure establishes a precedent for how heritage hospitality brands can present culinary storytelling as immersive keepsake.