Count down to World Architecture Festival 2019

27.11.19

Let the games begin!

Just a few days to go until the World Architecture Festival (WAF). The largest global gathering of architects, planners and designers (the ‘built environment Olympics’!) kicks off on Wednesday 4 December. Thousands of architects, planners and designers are right now heading to the host city of Amsterdam, where they’ll compete for the highest honours of: World Building of the Year, Future Project of the Year, Interior of the Year and Landscape of the Year.

For our CEO & Principal Design, Michael Heenan, 2019 is a very special WAF – his 10th year as an invited judge or jury chair. It’s also 10 years since he accepted AJ+C’s WAF award for Berry Recreation Hall, Berry Sports and Recreation Centre, as 2009 Sports Category winner. We followed this in 2017, winning World Future Project of the Year and Future Masterplan of the Year for Sydney Fish Market Reference Scheme, which unlocks kilometres of harbour foreshore for the city.

“One of the great joys and benefits of judging at WAF is you’re exposed to the most innovative new architecture and planning ideas on the planet. The breadth and scale is staggering. This year some of my favourite projects are in Education. The rapid change of pedagogy world-wide, and its effect on future workplaces, makes this the most acutely observed category, in my view,” says Michael.

WAF presentations run to strict rules and timing. The competition taps into our collegiate spirit. Every year AJ+C helps Australian WAF contenders sharpen their pitch by hosting a practice night in our Sydney studio, inviting shortlisted local architects to present in front of eminent judges.

“They’re not judging the building, but presentation style and the ability to influence. It’s become a great annual event in our studio, not only for the talks, but the chance to engage the profession in discussions.”

For interview opportunity with Michael Heenan please contact:

Dimity Pinto Dimity@fredcommunications.com.au 0412 164 333