Supported by the Embassy of El Salvador in Singapore, a delegation of architecture students from Dr. José Matías Delgado University in El Salvador recently participated in the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF), held from November 6 to 8 in Singapore.

The WAF, an annual event bringing together the global architecture community for the past 16 years, attracts thousands of architects, designers, and industry suppliers each year. Attendees participate in presentations, product launches, and live demonstrations, and the festival includes a renowned competition that awards projects in over 30 categories, recognizing the year’s top architectural works.

The Salvadoran group represented their country in the “Student Charrette 2024” competition, going head-to-head with peers from highly regarded universities worldwide, including institutions from China, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The students presented a project titled “Meya,” meaning “to sprout” in Nahuatl, embodying themes of sustainability, cultural revitalization, and social impact. The proposal includes designs for sustainable housing built with local materials, community gathering spaces, and an integrated water collection system, aiming to foster a more sustainable and community-oriented future.

To further enhance their experience, the Salvadoran Embassy organized a master class for the students at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. This exclusive session was led by distinguished architects and psychology experts from prominent firms in Singapore, allowing the students to engage in meaningful exchanges and broaden their professional insights with leaders in the field.