Returning for its 11th edition, Archifest takes on a new format, with over 50 events popping up at numerous locations across a span of two weeks. The annual architecture festival, set to the theme of “Building Agency”, is divided into five categories this year.
Pioneer photography. Photo: Alvin Seng
Archi-Interfaces is a curated selection of exhibitions, installations and performances, with highlights such as the Architecture in Print showcase, Architecture & Photography of the Pioneer Generation, and a performance of poetry and music by migrant workers.
As for Archicraft, it offers eight workshops that teach participants everything from 3D printing methods to the techniques of urban mural painting to sketching “disappearing architecture” like Rochor Centre.
City sketching. Photo: Pocholo Issa Estremos
To further broaden your horizons, check out the Conversations series, which features speaker panels discussing architecture in relation to art, media, writing, labor, education and more. There’s also the SIA Conference, where local and international architects and academics talk about the impact of architecture in the city.
But the coolest part of it all — to us, anyway — is Architours. These ticketed guided tours take you around Singapore to explore hidden architectural gems, giving you exclusive access into places (like gorgeous private homes) that may not be open to the public. You’ll also get to meet the architects behind the buildings and pick their brains on their processes of design and construction.
Check out some of the establishments below.
House of A Collector by RT+Q Architects. The patriarch of the house, who is an avid art collector, wanted his art pieces to be spread throughout the space. Photo: Albert Lim K.S & Ed SimonGreenfield Modular Studios, Goodman Art Center Block O by Metaphor Design + Architecture. Constructed of recycled 40-footer shipping containers, the space holds five clusters of art studios. Photo: Metaphor Design + Architecture Pte LtdThe Warehouse Hotel by Zarch Collaboratives. Located along the Singapore River, the boutique hotel retained and restored original design elements like louvre windows, doors, cornices and mouldings. Photo: The Warehouse HotelSingapore Dance Theatre by DP Architects. The new campus comprises a theatre housing four professional dance studios and other facilities. Photo: DP ArchitectsBrick House by Red Bean Architects. The space, which opens up on three sides with large sliding glass doors, offers a scenery of bamboo and caesalpinia trees. Photo: Jeremy SanEDL Gallery by Formwerkz Architects. The space tells a story composed of chapters, which each elaborate on a different component. Photo: Marc TanChempedak House by A Collective Architects. With abundant natural daylight, the house sits on a high platform level with a ground floor that opens out to a view of the nature reserve. Photo: A Collective Architects#1 by Studio Wills + Architects. Rising above the original building with an additional rear extension, this house features random openings of various types and sizes within it. Photo: Khoo Guo Jie
Archifest 2017 is on from Oct 4-15 at various locations. Free, with several ticketed events.
