Grohe, founding sponsor of the World Architecture Festival (WAF), has announced that it is to continue its sponsorship of the WAF for the 12th year in a row. Due to the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, this year’s edition will take place as a virtual event with completely new formats, all focussing on the main topic of 'Living with Pandemics'.
From 30th November to 4th December live content, talks, panel discussions and networking opportunities will foster the professional exchange between architects and designers from all around the world. The virtual attendees can expect renowned keynote speakers such as Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang, Sir David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates, Ben Van Berkel of UNStudio and Sir Peter Cook.
Grohe will not only award this year’s winner of the Water Research Prize on 2nd December, a prize which honours initiatives that investigate the architectural implications of water in respect of buildings or the built environment, but will also contribute to the live sessions throughout WAFVirtual.
“Being the founding member of the World Architecture Festival and supporting it for the last 12 years, we are delighted to see that WAF has developed into a must-attend event for the global architecture community,” said Stefan Schmied, vice president global projects Grohe AG.
“We look forward to participating in the virtual transformation of the festival and discussing the challenge for hotel designers to ensure safe distancing in hospitality, and also how designers and manufacturers can realise the possibilities of digital design and construction to create buildings focussed on health and wellbeing.”
Paul Flowers, leader, Lixil global design, added: “It is more important than ever for designers and architects to share ideas and collaborate. Grohe is immensely proud to support WAF for the 12th year and its first virtual festival to engage in these discussions and foster professional exchange. Only together can we make impactful change on the holistic experiences we create.”
