The World Architecture Festival (WAF) is set to make its grand return to Singapore, showcasing groundbreaking discussions, impressive finalists, and captivating fringe events.
After an almost decade-long hiatus, the World Architecture Festival (WAF) is making its highly anticipated comeback to Singapore. From November 29 to December 1, 2023, the city’s iconic Marina Bay Sands will play host to this prestigious event, bringing together architects, designers, and enthusiasts from around the world. With a program centered around the theme of Catalyst, WAF 2023 promises to explore how architecture and design can act as a catalyst for positive change in the environment, individuals, and institutions. From live award judging to inspirational talks and a range of fringe events, this three-day festival is set to captivate and inspire.
Previewing the Main WAF Program
The World Architecture Festival 2023 program is brimming with renowned speakers, groundbreaking discussions, and impressive finalists. With the theme of Catalyst at its core, the festival will delve into the transformative power of architecture and design. Over the course of three days, 76 international speakers will take the stage, sharing their insights and experiences. Among the highlights are Charu Kokate from Safdie Architects, Mario Cucinella, Sir Peter Cook, Islam El Mashtooly from OBMI, Mouaz Abouzaid from Verform, and Wim Walschap from Herzog de Meuron. Running parallel to the main program is the World Festival of Interiors, Inside, which will feature Nigel Coates, an English RIBA architect, as the headline speaker. The live WAF awards judging will also take place, with 495 shortlisted projects competing across 17 crit rooms. The shortlist categories include Completed Buildings, Future Buildings, and Landscape, spanning a wide range of sectors. The festival website provides a comprehensive list of all the 2023 finalists.
Unpacking Fringe Events, from Guided Tours to Short Films
In addition to the main program, World Architecture Festival 2023 offers a series of exciting fringe events. Seven guided architectural tours will allow attendees to explore local landmarks and previous award-winning projects. Led by qualified architects and, in some cases, the lead architects themselves, these tours offer a unique opportunity to delve into the design process and inspiration behind these iconic structures. Landmarks 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. Limited spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Architecture Drawing Prize exhibition, sponsored by Iris Ceramica Group, celebrates the art of drawing in three categories: hand-drawn, digital, and hybrid. The winners’ drawings, along with the shortlisted entries, will be exhibited at Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Another exhibition curated by Mario Cucinella Architects, titled “The Future is a Journey to the Past,” explores the evolution of sustainable thinking from prehistory to the present day. Lastly, attendees can enjoy a captivating short film, “A Wes Anderson-ish Singapore Vol.2,” inspired by the distinctive style of filmmaker Wes Anderson. Created by local architectural photographer Kevin Siyuan, the film captures the essence of Singapore’s urban landscape through a whimsical lens.
Conclusion:
The World Architecture Festival 2023 is set to be a transformative event, showcasing the latest trends, ideas, and innovations in the world of architecture and design. With its theme of Catalyst, the festival aims to ignite conversations and inspire change in the industry. From the main program featuring renowned speakers to the fringe events offering unique experiences, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of architecture and explore the power of design to shape our environment and society. As the festival lands in Singapore, it brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation, promising to be a truly unforgettable experience for all those involved.
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