October looks set to be a busy month for the architecture and design communities. From 3 to 5 October, Singapore will play host to the World Architecture Festival (WAF) held for the first time in Asia. The 3-day event will take place at Marina Bay Sands, a widely acclaimed design by renowned architect Moshe Safdie and an architectural icon in its own right.

Considered by the professional architectural community as the world’s largest interactive global architectural trade event, WAF convenes some of the most internationally established and well-respected names in the industry as speakers and judges for the WAF awards. These include Chris Wilkinson and Jim Eyre of Wilkinson Eyre Architects, Andrew Grant of Grant Associates and Ivan Harbour of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners to name a few.

The 520 entries from 60 countries competing for the WAF awards were shortlisted based on architectural merit and also include 23 projects from Singapore such as the cooled conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, Oasia hotel and several private residences.

Larry Ng, Group Director (Architecture & Urban Design Excellence), Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore said, “We are excited to host the World Architectural Festival for the first time in Singapore. Beyond a well-planned city, architecture and urban design excellence is one of the key drivers to create a vibrant, liveable and distinctive city. We are encouraged by the partnerships between international architects and our local firms in various projects in Singapore and across the Asia, such as Gardens by the Bay and Raffles City Hangzhou.  The synergy and collaboration of such partnerships drive creative growth for the architectural industry as a whole. The conference sessions and events at WAF present key opportunities where such networks and partnerships are created and further strengthened“.

Adding to the event lineup is the inaugural 100% Design Singapore. Held from 10 to 12 October, it is the third global edition of one of Britain’s most influential contemporary interior shows. Unlike the first two global editions held in London and Shanghai, 100% Design Singapore is the first and only curated interior design exhibition in Southeast Asia. London-based Singaporean designer Voon Wong was selected to be the exhibition’s curator.

Highlights include 100% Materials, which showcases different materials used in interior design, 100% Futures, a platform for aspiring designers to showcase their prototypes and 100% X, a thematic segment featuring an installation by Italian furniture manufacturer Moroso.

Attracting high quality Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Exhibitions (MICE) events of international standing within strategic industry sectors such as design, media and infocomm technologies, biomedical and healthcare, banking and finance remains a key priority of the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau.

Stephanie Yong, Singapore Tourism Board Area Director, Northern & Western Europe commented: “We are delighted to host top-stature trade events such as the World Architecture Festival and 100% Design Singapore. In addition to complementing Singapore’s increasingly vibrant design and architecture industries, these events reinforce Singapore’s position as a design hub in the region and ideal partner to tap on the creative and business opportunities in Asia.”

“MICE forms an integral part of Singapore’s tourism landscape, with business travellers accounting for 24 per cent of total visitor arrivals. By leveraging strong knowledge networks within a dynamic business environment to co-develop strategic platforms for networking and sharing of valuable insights, this further strengthens capabilities within industries while providing delegates with enriching experiences.”

Noting its commitment and ambition to be a hub for architecture and design, WAF Programme Director Paul Finch chose Singapore over other regional cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Shanghai, adding that “Singapore is also a good place to do business.”

As a leading MICE destination within the region, Singapore provides event organizers and delegates with a vast spectrum of business and leisure offerings from which they can select to suit their specific needs. These include quality accommodation and dining options, shopping, and signature attractions within an accessible and user friendly city. With the recently opened Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore and upcoming developments like the world’s first River Safari, visitors can be assured of a meaningful and enriching experience during their stay.