ARCHIFEST 2018:
DESIGN FOR LIFE

…that Design, when harnessed in the right way, has great potential to reflect the richness of human values, our history and development, and enhance the world we live in for our future generations.

Design for Life is a theme which broadly encompasses the Architect’s vision to respond to the true needs of humanity. It is necessary for design to give back to the community and enrich human life as a whole. The main theme is elaborated in 3 sub-themes: Design for People, Design for Time and Design for Environment.

Design for People promotes better life & well-being. Much of the spotlight of Architecture has been shone on iconic, spectacular projects, while the day-to-day architecture sits in its shadows. Designing for the 99% may not be the most glamorous, but it certainly is a celebration of the non-spectacular. Community engagement in the design-stage also has the potential for far-reaching effects, creating spaces which promote people’s health, happiness and well-being.

Design for Time addresses the lifespan of building design. The preservation of Modern architecture is likened to a time capsule of the past, however conscious effort has to be made to maintain buildings in their current state to slow down the process of deterioration. Designing for the long-haul also requires a new kind of Architecture which is in constant evolution over time, and is not just static until it is demolished.

Design for Environment enhances the life of our planet, flora and fauna. The excessive use of plastic in Singapore and the rest of the world has taken a tow on the ecosystem and accelerated global warming. Architects now have the responsibility to conceive and initiate ways to promote true sustainability by devising smart solutions to reduce our strain on the environment and to use materials prudently.

Archifest is a platform to show through our projects, multi-disciplinary collaborations, conferences, workshops and teaching, that Design, when harnessed in the right way, has great potential to reflect the richness of human values, our history and development, and enhance the world we live in for our future generations.