Scheduled to run from 28 September to 10 October 2018, Archifest 2018 takes the theme of ‘Design for Life’. 

“Why ‘design’, and not ‘architecture’? Because in today’s built environment, being an architect is so much more than just designing a building. We believe that architects also help to improve people’s lives. At this year’s Archifest we’ll be able to see some examples of that: architects who are doing space activation, public engagement, educating kids and communities, and more,” said Archifest 2018 Festival Director Yann Follain of WY-TO at the Archifest 2018 press conference at the SIA Building last week. 

Archifest 2018 Festival Director Yann Follain of WY-TO

The ‘Design for Life’ theme is further categorised into three sub-themes: ‘Design for People’, ‘Design for Time’ and ‘Design for Environment’ to cater to the varied interests of the festivalgoers and make sure the overall programme has something for everyone. 

Image courtesy of Kite Studio Architecture

Archifest 2018’s anchor venue is the Festival Pavilion located at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza. Designed by Kite Studio Architecture, the Pavilion is a fluid, multi-purpose open space inspired by one of the most iconic – if often overlooked –  Singapore spaces, the HDB void deck. Read more about the pavilion here. 

Khairudin Saharom, the Principal and Director of Kite Studio Architecture

The festival will also be celebrated in 11 other locations within the city. This year’s line up includes 10 exhibitions, 12 talks and 16 workshops and tours. Don’t know where to start? Here are 10 ideas to get you started. 

1. Architours

Archifest’s signature Architours is back for the twelfth edition, bringing selected projects that address the concerns raised by the festival’s three subthemes. Archifest 2018 offers a total of eight tours held over two weekends. Tour venues include The Warehouse Hotel by Zarch Collaboratives, Rainbow Centre School by Plystudio Architects, Sengkang Hospital by DP Architects and Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall  by W Architects. 

Rainbow Centre School by Plystudio Architects. Photo by Khoo Guojie of Studio Periphery, used with permission from Plystudio Architects

Sengkang Hospital by DP Architects. Photo used with permission from DP Architects

The tours are ticketed events with fast-selling limited seats. Get your tickets here!

2. Film Screenings at The Projector

For the first time ever, Archifest partners with indie movie theatre The Projector for a series of film screenings. Billed under the ‘Design for People’ sub-theme, the screenings will feature curated selections of films that explore people-centric design. 

Still from 03 Flats. Image courtesy of The Projector

The featured films are 03-Flats (Singapore), Mario Botta: The Space Beyond (Switzerland), The Infinite Happiness (France), Barbicania (France/UK), and Faces Places (France). Screenings take places over two weekends on 27-28 September and 5-7 October 2018. Click here for more information. 

A still from The Infinite Happiness. Image courtesy of The Projector

A still from Mario Botta: The Space Beyond. Image courtesy of the Embassy of Swirzerland

3. WATG x Archifest 2018 Great Architectural Bake-Off

CPG’s Gardens by The Bay creation for GABO 2017

Last year’s inaugural Great Architectural Bake Off (GABO) Singapore was a huge hit amongst the architecture and design community and beyond. This year, GABO returns to Archifest (under the ‘Design for People’ subtheme) with the theme ‘Asian Icons’, which invites participants to construct a cake in the form of iconic building in the region. 

DP Architects’ durian and Milo-flavoured Esplanade creation was the winner of GABO 2017

“Iconic buildings can be a statement of history, a building of symbolic value or a uniquely designed structure so much that it has had an impact to its community and location,” describes GABO. 

The event will take place at the Hive, 36 Carpenter Street on Saturday, 29 September from 12pm to 3pm.

4. Design for Silver Generation Exhibition

Photo courtesy of the Singapore Institute of Architects

Singapore’s ageing population is projected to triple by the year 2030. This festival-long exhibition at the URA showcases built projects, publications, modules, and venues that strive to promote inclusive and supportive living environments for the ageing population. Opens daily from 9am to 5pm and admission is free. 

5. Parasite Architecture Exhibition

Image courtesy of Singapore Polytechnic

Is demolition always the answer? Can under-utilised spaces get a second life and a new purpose? Organised by Singapore Polytechnic, The Parasite Architecture exhibition at the URA raises these questions by exploring how adaptive reuse on rooftop spaces can house unused infrastructure and promote the culture of inclusiveness in the built environment. Opens from 28 September to 10 October from 9am to 5pm, admission is free.  

6. Time Capsule at Industry+

Photo courtesy of Industry+

How can design remain relevant through time with aesthetics, concept and build? The Time Capsule collection organised by homegrown furniture producer Industry + showcases pieces that preserve cultural silhouettes and make it relevant in our lives today.

Exhibited pieces include the collection by WOHAbeing. The exhibition opens from 11am to 7pm on weekdays and to 5pm on Saturday. There will be talks with designers. Click here for details and free registration. 

7. The Singapore Gothic 

Image courtesy Mark De Winne

The question of Singapore’s cultural identity is as constant and relevant as its perpetual state of progress. The Singapore Gothic: A Study Into Singaporean Vernacular Signage delves into the cultural and historical significance of the diverse range of signage across shopfronts in Singapore. Vikas Kailankaje, a lecturer in Design Communication at the LASALLE College of the Arts, will walk participants through and share an analysis of these signs on 7 October at 3 to 5pm at the Library@Orchard. Free admission with registration here. 

8. Future Cities: Open Laboratory

Photo courtesy of Future Cities Laboratory

ETH Centre’s Future Cities Laboratory will hold an open house on Monday, 8 October from 2pm-4:30pm. The tour will bring participants into the future city as imagined by various exciting research themes developed by the lab. The tour includes a series of presentation, demonstrations and discussions. Free admission with registration. 

9. Monomer House 1 Talk

Photo courtesy of AD Lab

Can a prefab still be fab? You’d be the judge. Architecture studio A D Lab will hold a mini-talk at the studio’s Monomer House 1 at the National Design Centre on Monday, 8 October 2018 at 6:30pm. The prefab prototype house showcases how faster, smarter and greener forms of construction are changing the design and construction industry. Free admission with registration. 

10. Architecture Adventure by ArtScience Museum

Photo courtesy of The ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum will hold a three-day event that explores the roles of architecture in the local and global environment.

The Architecture Adventure comprises The Architecture of ArtScience Museum tour (5-7 October, 3-3:45pm, complimentary tour, first come, first served basis), the Express Yourself: Structures and Shapes tours, workshops and drop-in (5-7 October, various timing, SGD5 admission), and the We Built This City by Superhero Me, a series of workshops and activities with children with different abilities (6-7 October, 2:30-5:30pm, free admission). 

Visit archifest.sg for the full line up!