Singapore – GROHE and the World Architecture Festival (WAF) today announced their new partnership – WAF Trends Asia (WAFTA). GROHE, a power brand from LIXIL, has been a Founder Partner of WAF for over a decade and sees an opportunity and a responsibility to initiate WAFTA. The brand believes that this partnership provides a platform that celebrates the work of aspiring architects and designers (A&Ds) in the Asia-Pacific region and nurtures the next generation, empowering them to improve the lives of many.

In the recent five years, GROHE has been a witness to the exponential increase in the submissions from A&Ds from Asia-Pacific. This year saw the highest number, a total of 578 out of 1006 entries [57%] were from the region. WAF Trends Asia is a response to this booming growth of A&Ds and aims to leverage both partner’s strength to create a platform for them to showcase their work, discuss industry trends, share best practices and provide networking opportunities for both, international key figures as well as local rising architects.

“We are delighted to be partnering with GROHE in this exciting new programme to promote architecture and design across the region,” said Paul Finch, WAF Programme Director. “WAF has had a long and productive relationship with GROHE, our founder partner since our launch in 2008. This latest initiative will reinforce our mutual belief in the importance of architects and designers to improving the buildings and places where we live, work and play. We look forward to enhancing our knowledge of and relationship with, the people who create better built environments across the Asia-Pacific region.”

“GROHE is shaping the future of water not just through our products and technology; but also through platforms and ideas which inspire stakeholders in the industry. The purpose behind the WAFTA partnership is to develop and nurture a synergetic relationship with architects and designers and evolve together for the better.” said Josephine Lee, CMO, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific. “The year-long partnership will celebrate Asian architecture and design and nurture the next generation through a robust activity calendar including panel discussions, networking sessions and exhibitions etc across the region. We are looking forward to taking this partnership to its fullest potential.”  

WAFTA kicked off in India through an experiential event with India’s top 50 architects and designers. Internationally renowned architect and multi-winner of past WAF awards, Sanjay Puri, was also present at the event as the keynote speaker. The 16 shortlisted nominations from India for the upcoming 2019 WAF were also put on display for the audience allowing them to celebrate, share and inspire fellow peers.

“At LIXIL we touch the lives of over one billion people through our products and technology. We believe that architects and designers too, have a direct impact on the living spaces that enhance life of our consumers. WAFTA partnership therefore becomes important as it helps us to work closely with the A&D community empowering them to deliver the best design concepts and experiences by providing them with the necessary platforms,” said Yang Chin Chen, CEO of LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific. “It is the responsibility of LIXIL and its power brands such as GROHE to create such platforms to make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.”