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Archifest 2021 takes new form in over 100 events across Singapore

(PHOTO: Airlab)
(PHOTO: Airlab)

SINGAPORE — This year's Archifest 2021 will take the form of over 100 events across Singapore as well as online, with tours of the island's design heritage, workshops and talks throughout its month-long celebration from 1 to 31 October.

The activities centre around the theme of how architects relate the complexities of the every-day world to creative meaningful and tangible designs.

They include a diverse range of programmes designed for all ages, abilities and interest - from kayaking along the mangrove eco-systems of Sembawang’s shorelines, to experiencing midnight heritage tours in Geylang.

"Archifest is curated by architects for everyone to enjoy - whether you are a designer or not," said festival director Razvan Ghilic-Micu. "We believe that bringing together a diversity of voices is a step towards a more inclusive dialogue..”

Besides physical activities and events, Archifest - which has been held since 2007 and is organised by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) - has also curated plenty of online content: from art exhibitions and film premieres, to upbeat forums on hot topics like urban self-sufficiency, alternative paths in architecture and even feng shui.

In addition to the events, the anchor highlight of Archifest will be its returning annual conference from 12 to 14 October.

The conference will bring together acclaimed industry voices such as Rossana Hu (founding partner of Neri & Hu, Shanghai), Brandon Clifford (director of the M.Arch program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Kunle Adeyem (founding principal of Amsterdam's NLE), Xavier de Kestelier (head of design technology and innovation at Hassell in London), and Ong Ker Shing (principal of Lekker Architects Singapore).

SIA president Richard Lai said, “Already in its 15th edition, Archifest has become a yearly tradition the entire architecture professional community looks forward to.

“I am excited by the prospect of uncovering the evidence of our profession’s creative process and tangible impact in dialogue with the greater public. This year we are opening our doors physically and virtually to local, regional and global audiences, hoping to engage in meaningful conversations and uncover together the evidence of architecture in our everyday lives.”

Other event highlights include:

  • Archifest On Screen (The Projector): a selection of documentaries that observe the creative process that powers architecture;

  • SILA Kayak n Klean Archifest Edition (PAssion WaVe@Sembawang): this coastal kayak and cleanup will help raise awareness of a landscape architect’s work, and how coastal pollution and erosion have an impact on the environment;

  • "The Last Artisan" panel discussion (The Projector): feature documentary on Teo Veoh Seng, the last artisan of Haw Par Villa, as well as a discussion on the fate of Haw Par Villa with conservation experts and the Singapore History Society;

  • Inquisitive Attitudes, Inclusive Explorations (Herencia): a series of workshops and installation pop-ups that promotes conscious living;

  • Bettr Try Both: Kopi & Coffee with Bettr Barista (9 Harrison Road): a workshop that seeks to impart a deeper understanding about both traditional Nanyang Kopi and specialty coffee;

  • Floating Gardens with Airlab x CDL (CDL Singapore Sustainability Academy): an exhibition reflecting upon the implications of an ongoing additive manufacturing revolution.

For more information on Archifest and event ticketing details, visit the official AF21 website at and AF21 social pages on Instagram and on Facebook.