Singapore prepares to host the highly anticipated World Architecture Festival, featuring renowned speakers, live award judging, and captivating fringe events.
After nearly a decade, the World Architecture Festival (WAF) is making its much-anticipated return to Singapore. From November 29 to December 1, 2023, the city’s iconic Marina Bay Sands will be transformed into a hub of architectural innovation, hosting a diverse program of events. With the theme “Catalyst,” this year’s festival aims to explore how architecture and design can drive positive change for the environment, individuals, and institutions. From inspirational talks and live award judging to guided tours and captivating fringe events, WAF 2023 promises to be an immersive experience for experts and the public alike.
Previewing the Main WAF Program
The World Architecture Festival 2023 program boasts an impressive lineup of 76 international speakers who will lead discussions on the main stage and in The Festival Hall. With the theme “Catalyst” at the forefront, these speakers, including Charu Kokate from Safdie Architects, Mario Cucinella, Sir Peter Cook, and Wim Walschap from Herzog de Meuron, will delve into how architecture and design can act as catalysts for positive change. Running parallel to the main program is the World Festival of Interiors, Inside, where renowned architect Nigel Coates will take center stage. The festival will also feature live award judging, with 495 shortlisted projects competing across 17 crit rooms in categories such as Completed Buildings, Future Buildings, and Landscape.
Unpacking Fringe Events, from Guided Tours to Short Films
In addition to the main program, World Architecture Festival 2023 offers a series of captivating fringe events. Seven guided architectural tours will allow attendees to explore local landmarks and previous award-winning projects, led by qualified architects and project lead architects. Some of the highlights include the Learning Hub building by Heatherwick Studio, Gardens by the Bay by Wilkinson Eyre, St James Power Station by W Architects | M Moser, and Jewel at Changi Airport by Safdie Architects. The Architecture Drawing Prize exhibition, sponsored by Iris Ceramica Group, will showcase the art of drawing in three categories: hand-drawn, digital, and hybrid. The exhibition will feature the winning and shortlisted drawings from around the world. Additionally, a second exhibition curated by Mario Cucinella Architects, titled “The Future is a Journey to the Past,” will explore the evolution of environmental awareness and sustainability. Lastly, the festival’s fringe events will culminate with a Wes Anderson-inspired short film by local architectural photographer Kevin Siyuan, capturing the essence of Singapore’s urban landscape through a unique cinematic lens.
Conclusion: The World Architecture Festival 2023 in Singapore promises to be a transformative and enlightening experience for architects, designers, and enthusiasts alike. With its diverse lineup of speakers, live award judging, and captivating fringe events, the festival offers a platform to explore the latest debates and concepts in the architectural community. From discussions on catalyzing positive change to guided tours of iconic landmarks and thought-provoking exhibitions, WAF 2023 is set to shape the future of design and inspire the next generation of architects.
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