The World Architecture Festival (WAF) is set to make its highly anticipated return to Singapore, showcasing groundbreaking discussions, impressive finalists, and a series of captivating fringe events.
After a decade-long hiatus, the World Architecture Festival (WAF) is making its grand comeback in Singapore. From November 29 to December 1, 2023, the city’s iconic Marina Bay Sands will be transformed into a hub of architectural innovation and inspiration. With the theme “Catalyst,” this year’s edition of WAF promises to explore how architecture and design can drive positive change for the environment, individuals, and institutions. The festival will feature a star-studded lineup of 76 renowned speakers, live awards judging, and a range of fringe events that will captivate both experts and the public alike.
Previewing the Main WAF Program:
Inspiring Keynotes and Discussions
The World Architecture Festival 2023 program is set to ignite thought-provoking conversations with its lineup of international speakers. With 76 experts taking the stage, the festival will delve into how architecture and design can act as catalysts for positive transformations. Notable speakers include 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. The main stage and The Festival Hall will serve as platforms for these influential voices to share their insights and ideas.
Celebrating Architectural Excellence
Running parallel to the main program is the World Festival of Interiors, Inside, which will showcase outstanding interior design projects. Nigel Coates, an English RIBA architect, will headline this event. Additionally, the live WAF awards judging will take place, where 495 shortlisted projects across 17 categories will compete for recognition. From completed buildings to future projects and landscapes, the shortlist represents a diverse range of architectural achievements. The festival website provides a comprehensive list of all the 2023 finalists.
Unpacking Fringe Events:
Guided Architectural Tours
As part of the World Architecture Festival 2023, attendees will have the opportunity to embark on seven guided architectural tours. Led by qualified architects and, in some cases, the lead architects themselves, these tours will showcase local landmarks and previous award-winning projects. Participants can explore Heatherwick Studio’s Learning Hub building, Wilkinson Eyre’s Gardens by the Bay, W Architects | M Moser’s St James Power Station, and Safdie Architects’ Jewel at Changi Airport, among others. Spaces for these tours are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Celebrating the Art of Drawing
The Architecture Drawing Prize exhibition, sponsored by Iris Ceramica Group, will celebrate the art of drawing in three categories: hand-drawn, digital, and hybrid. With a record number of entries from around the world, the exhibition will showcase the winning and shortlisted drawings at Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. In addition, Mario Cucinella Architects will curate a second exhibition titled “The Future is a Journey to the Past,” which explores the evolution of sustainable thinking from prehistory to the present.
A Wes Anderson-Inspired Short Film
To wrap up the festival’s fringe events, a captivating short film titled “A Wes Anderson-ish Singapore Vol.2” will be showcased. Created by local architectural photographer and content creator Kevin Siyuan, the film pays homage to the signature aesthetics of renowned filmmaker Wes Anderson. Through cinematic adaptations and localizations, the film captures the unique aspects of Singapore’s urban landscape.
Conclusion:
The World Architecture Festival 2023 in Singapore promises to be a catalyst for innovation, inspiration, and transformation in the field of architecture. With its impressive lineup of speakers, live awards judging, and engaging fringe events, the festival provides a platform for architects, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest trends, debates, and concepts in the industry. As Singapore welcomes this global celebration of architecture, it sets the stage for a future where design becomes a powerful catalyst for positive change.
Leave a Reply