In addition to hosting the world’s largest architectural awards program, the World Architecture Festival (WAF) also features three days of conferences, architect-led city tours, documentary screenings, live crit presentations and networking opportunities. To be held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, WAF will take place from November 4-6.
A major component of WAF is the opportunity to learn and expand one’s knowledge of current issues facing architecture and urbanism. Inspired by Singapore’s upcoming 50th anniversary as an independent country, the theme of this year’s conference series is 50:50, looking back on how architecture and urbanism have changed during the last 50 years, as well as forward on what may change or stay the same in the next 50 years to come. The conference will center around three key topics: Designing for Tomorrow; Imagining the Future; and Cities and Urbanism, featuring talks by Michael Sorkin, Peter Cook and Manuelle Gautrand, among many others.
In addition to the talks, WAF will also hold live crits of the finalist projects, during which the shortlisted architects will present their projects to a panel of judges, providing the unique opportunity to hear the backstory on hundreds of projects. Other educational highlights include the opportunity to explore Singapore on an architect-guided tour in addition to site visits of some of the key projects in Singapore, including Heatherwick Studio’s Nanyang University Learning Hub and Mok Wei Wei’s refit of the Victoria Theatre. Documentaries will also be screened at the National Design Centre.
Attendees looking to network can attend WAF’s Gala Dinner and late-night drinks. In addition, the Festival Hall provides the opportunity to meet with suppliers and manufacturers, and features installations and product showcases. Talks will also be held on innovative technology and materials.
Learn more about all of the activities taking place at WAF here.
