The World Architecture Festival 2023 edition is set to take place in Singapore, promising a dynamic program of renowned speakers, live awards judging, and captivating fringe events.
After a decade-long hiatus, the World Architecture Festival (WAF) is making its highly anticipated return to Singapore. From November 29 to December 1, 2023, the city’s iconic Marina Bay Sands will serve as the backdrop for this prestigious event. With a theme of Catalyst, the festival aims to explore how architecture and design can drive positive change for the environment, individuals, and institutions. The program features a lineup of 76 influential speakers, live awards judging, and a series of captivating fringe events that showcase the best of Singapore’s architectural landscape.
Previewing the Main WAF Program
The World Architecture Festival 2023 program promises to be a captivating experience for architecture enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a focus on the theme of Catalyst, the festival will delve into the ways in which architecture and design can act as catalysts for positive change. Over the course of three days, 76 international speakers will take the stage, delivering inspiring keynotes and engaging in thought-provoking discussions. Notable speakers include Charu Kokate from Safdie Architects, Mario Cucinella, Sir Peter Cook, and Wim Walschap from Herzog de Meuron. Running parallel to the main program is the World Festival of Interiors, Inside, which will feature renowned architect Nigel Coates as one of the headliners.
One of the highlights of the festival is the live WAF awards judging, where a jury will evaluate 495 shortlisted projects across 17 crit rooms. The shortlist categories include Completed Buildings, Future Buildings, and Landscape, encompassing a wide range of architectural projects. From hospitality and mixed-use developments to educational and religious structures, the shortlisted projects represent the cutting edge of architectural innovation. The complete list of finalists can be found on the festival’s website, offering a glimpse into the future of architecture.
Unpacking Fringe Events, from Guided Tours to Short Film
In addition to the main program, the World Architecture Festival 2023 offers a series of captivating fringe events that allow attendees to explore Singapore’s architectural wonders. Seven guided architectural tours will take participants on a journey through local landmarks and previous award-winning projects from the festival. Led by qualified architects and, in some cases, the lead architect of the project itself, these tours offer a unique opportunity to gain insights into the design process and the stories behind the buildings. Landmarks featured in the tours include Heatherwick Studio’s Learning Hub building, Wilkinson Eyre’s Gardens by the Bay, and Safdie Architects’ Jewel at Changi Airport.
Another highlight of the fringe events is the Architecture Drawing Prize exhibition, which celebrates the art of architectural drawing. Sponsored by Iris Ceramica Group, the exhibition showcases drawings in three categories: hand-drawn, digital, and hybrid. This year’s winners include Ben Johnson for his hand-drawn piece “Grundtvig,” Eugene Tan for his digital work “The Archatographic Map of the Incomplete Landscape on Pedra Branca,” and Eldry John Infante for his hybrid creation “‘Re)membering the Sea Monster.” The winning and shortlisted drawings will be exhibited at Sir John Soane’s Museum in London.
Additionally, Mario Cucinella Architects will curate an exhibition titled “The Future is a Journey to the Past,” which explores the evolution of sustainable thinking from prehistory to the present. This exhibition offers a unique perspective on environmental awareness and activism, tracing its roots and showcasing the latest innovations in sustainable design.
The festival’s fringe events will culminate with a Wes Anderson-inspired short film by local architectural photographer and content creator Kevin Siyuan. Titled “A Wes Anderson-ish Singapore Vol.2,” the film captures the diverse aspects of urban land use in Singapore, paying homage to the renowned director’s distinctive aesthetics. Blending Wes Anderson’s style with Kevin’s personal touch, the film offers a visually stunning exploration of Singapore’s architectural landscape.
Conclusion: The World Architecture Festival 2023 in Singapore promises to be a catalyst for architectural innovation and inspiration. With its lineup of influential speakers, live awards judging, and captivating fringe events, the festival provides a platform for architects, designers, and enthusiasts to engage in meaningful discussions and explore the latest trends in the industry. Whether it’s uncovering the power of design to drive positive change or immersing oneself in the beauty of architectural masterpieces, the World Architecture Festival 2023 offers a unique opportunity to experience the transformative power of architecture.
Leave a Reply