t=d*s (Time = Distance x Speed)    
a work-in-progress night walk at Fort Canning Hill    

We are obsessed with efficiency. We optimise our days, count our steps, and are obsessed with making the most of our time, but to what end?

t=d*s is a participatory audio night walk that interrogates the temporal conditions of late capitalism and modern energy systems. Set against the living archive of Singapore’s oldest archaeological site, Fort Canning Hill, the experience invites participants to step out of the rushing present and descend into the vast, quiet scale of geological deep time. Tracing the entanglements between fossil fuels, speed, and meaning, the project proposes a counter-movement towards slowness. It invites us to reclaim time as a shared, embodied resource, one through which new forms of agency and ecological consciousness might emerge.

Developed by interdisciplinary artist Elizabeth Mak during her residency at SMU Libraries, in collaboration with writer Cheyenne Alexandria Phillips and composer Syafiq Halid, this work-in-progress showing is an invitation to experience an early iteration of the piece. Walk the hill, reflect with us, and share your insights to help shape the future of the work.

Each session is limited to a small audience of 12 persons, and registration is required. 

REGISTRATION DETAILS    

Registration closes 18 April

Tuesday, 21 April 2026, 7:30-9PM
Registration link for session 1: https://smu-sg.libcal.com/event/5902167
   
Wednesday, 22 April 2026, 7:30-9PM
Registration link for session 2: https://smu-sg.libcal.com/event/5902168
 
Thursday, 23 April 2026, 7:30-9PM
Registration link for session 3: https://smu-sg.libcal.com/event/5902169
   
Friday, 24 April 2026, 7:30-9PM
Registration link for session 4: https://smu-sg.libcal.com/event/5902170

Saturday, 25 April 2026, 7:30-9PM
Registration link for session 5: https://smu-sg.libcal.com/event/5902171

Sunday, 26 April 2026, 7:30-9PM
Registration link for session 6: https://smu-sg.libcal.com/event/5902172

To make changes to your registration, or if you have any queries, email artcollection[at]smu.edu.sg.

EVENT DETAILS

Meeting Location:     
Fort Canning Foothills red stairs (next to the playgrounds at Jubilee Park), facing River Valley Road. Best to refer to this map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JXcsRHWTjqZUqmkT8

Directions:    
If arriving by train: Fort Canning MRT (DT20) Exit B    
If driving: Fort Canning Hill Clemenceau Ave Car Park

End Location:     
SMU Yong Pung How School of Law    

PLEASE NOTE:     
This event was created for a small audience. Let us know 36 hours in advance if you can no longer make it so we can release your spot to someone on the waitlist.    

FAQs for t=d*s

1. What time should I arrive at the meeting location?    
   Please arrive by 7.15pm for a briefing.
2. What happens if I’m late?    
   Latecomers cannot join once the experience has started.
3. How long is the experience?    
   1 hour with a 30 minute conversation at the end.
4. Is there an age requirement?    
   Recommended for ages 16+.
5. How should I dress?    
   Dress comfortably for outdoors with good walking shoes as you'll be walking and climbing for about 1 hour.
6. Can I bring my bags and food/drinks?    
   We recommend coming as light as possible. You’ll be required to carry your bags and food/drinks for the entire duration of the experience.
7. What happens if it rains?    
   We’ll notify you by 6PM if it looks like heavy rain. In the event of heavy rain, the session will be canceled.