IGLO Architects
Esen KAROĞLU | Co-Founder
jury role & perspective…
Being a WAF jury member was a great experience for me. I enjoyed meeting the jury members and learning their perspectives. The category I participated in as a jury member was INSIDE: Temporary/Meanwhile Uses.
As an architect, I think taking part in the temporary structures category was very advantageous for my first jury experience. This category, which includes small-scale projects, gave me the opportunity to focus and examine the details better.
highlights…
As always, sustainability was at the forefront of the WAF 2024 jury sessions. The projects’ environmental sensitivity, energy efficiency, choice of materials, focus on the human experience and the way they interact with space played a major role in the evaluation. As in recent years, these criteria will continue to be a decisive factor in the future of architectural practice.
In addition, the innovative approaches exhibited in the projects were also noteworthy. Especially innovative solutions in building technologies, use of materials and design processes were appreciated by the jury members. In addition, the projects emphasized the importance of sociological impacts, contributing to society, enriching public spaces and increasing the interaction between people.
jury role & effects…
I had the opportunity to watch the sessions from previous years before the competition to get an idea of the way things were going. INSIDE: Temporary/Meanwhile Uses category, where I am also a jury member, there were projects that caught my attention at first glance, and I saw that we were in agreement with the other jury members in the decision process.
We were convinced by the HKU Department of Architecture’s Backpack Housing project, which offers an innovative and cost-effective solution to the problem of portability and housing. Sydney Opera House: A Beautiful Idea as Highly Recommended, which we felt was important for shedding light on the creative process of one of the most iconic buildings in the history of architecture.
experiences…
Turkish architects left their mark on WAF this year. Emre Arolat Architects’ Cemevi project, which won the Future Project of the Year 2024 award, was very impressive with its modern interpretation of faith architecture and mystical atmosphere.
However, the most exciting project for me was Bilgin Architects’ Completed Buildings: Production energy and Logistics category, Kalyon Karapınar SPP project. This project, which was designed by a young office and entered the world literature, is also very valuable for Turkish architecture.
contribution…
Being a jury member at WAF has given me and my architectural practice a whole new perspective.
While in previous years I was on the presenting side in WAF and similar competitions, now sitting in the jury seat has allowed me to experience how to consider different criteria when evaluating projects, what the jury members pay attention to and how a successful presentation should be structured.
I am sure this experience will inspire me when presenting my future projects.
about WAF…
I think the WAF organization is in an important place for us architects and designers. Each of the projects competing in the final was very successful. It was a very pleasant experience to follow the architectural developments in the world, to be together with designers from different cultures and to listen to their projects. Being together in Singapore as architects from Turkey and supporting each other made this experience even more enjoyable.
There are a few projects I would like to mention. Among the projects of WAF this year, I would especially like to mention the WAF Completed Buildings designed by Tezuka Architects: Hotel and Leisure category, the simplicity of the presentation and the impressiveness in the simplicity of the project was remarkable. I also liked CONTEXTO’s WAF Completed Buildings: Hotel and Leisure category, TAWA Refugio, designed by CONTEXTO, was also memorable for its harmony with the natural beauty of Chile and its sustainable features. The professionalism of the WAF organization was also admirable.
WAF 2025 & Miami…
It is exciting that WAF will be held in Miami in 2025. Moving a global organization like WAF to that part of the world is an important opportunity for different architectural approaches and cultures to meet.
In this way, we will be able to interact more closely with our colleagues in the Americas and get to know their design philosophies and practices that are steeped in Latin American influences. I believe that this expansion of WAF will create new dialogues and collaborations in the field of architecture.
development & progress of WAF…
Since its first event, WAF has become one of the most prestigious organizations in the world of architecture. With its global recognition, high-quality projects and interactive format, it is an important meeting point for architects. While maintaining its strengths, WAF could reach more architects and designers by making its high participation fees more accessible. I think WAF is already a platform that brings together architects from different cultures, but work can be done to further increase this diversity. I was happy to see more space for students in Singapore this year.
Organizing workshops and competitions between universities is a good development. I hope WAF will develop this approach and give more opportunities to the architects of the future by creating areas where student projects will be exhibited and students can interact more with architects.
