An Innovative Future – WOHA: New Forms of Sustainable Architecture

Founded by Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell in 1994, WOHA – one of Singapore’s most dynamic architecture studios – is renowned for delivering innovative and sustainable design solutions. In celebration of its body of work, the practice has released a new book documenting its completed and planned projects, titled WOHA: New Forms of Sustainable Architecture.

Written by Patrick Bingham-Hall and featuring essays by Nirmal Kishnani and Timothy Beatley, the new book offers an in-depth overview of the studio’s built contributions. It pulls into focus the concerns the built environment industry is currently facing and the responsibility of its practitioners to drive change. Accompanied by over 370 illustrations, WOHA: New Forms of Sustainable Architecture is an essential new architectural title; not only does it celebrate WOHA’s body of work, but it provides a useful insight into sustainable practices in design on a global scale.

The book covers the breadth of WOHA’s architectural work, from small scale residential projects to larger mixed-use developments.

The book covers the breadth of WOHA’s architectural work, from small scale residential projects to larger mixed-use developments. Among the many projects featured, St Mary of the Angels in Singapore – which, since its completion, has become a template for future WOHA projects – is revered for its spatial and community-centric qualities. Additionally, Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali embraces a sustainable environment and lifestyle through ambience, landscaping and architecture. Also, Kampung Admiralty encompasses facilities for the elderly as well as childcare, food courts, supermarkets and community spaces. Once scaled down, this project reflects the idea of the WOHA house; a place where food courts are dining rooms, community spaces are reminiscent of living spaces and public gardens are indicative of backyards.

Alongside these projects, essays such as Aesthetics and Sustainability and Building for the World document the practice’s innovative design solutions that strive to combat climate change, biodiversity loss and urbanisation. Also, the essay Buildings that Bloom, Cities that Regenerate and Flourish, discusses projects that incorporate nature into the build in meaningful ways, including planted trees, parks and waterfronts.

Accompanied by over 370 illustrations, WOHA: New Forms of Sustainable Architecture is an essential new architectural title; not only does it celebrate WOHA’s body of work, but it provides a useful insight into sustainable practices in design on a global scale.

Showcasing a comprehensive guide of planned, built and ongoing projects, WOHA: New Forms of Sustainable Architecture is a compelling and insightful study into sustainable practices in design, and an important read for industry professionals and design enthusiasts alike.