Experiential Design for a Changing World is the first major monograph for this multi-disciplinary design practice, WOW. The title alludes to two key aspects of their practice: first, the focus on multi-sensory experiences; and second, the complexity and dynamism of working in a rapidly developing region. These themes are explored through in-depth presentation of twelve completed projects, including six private homes and six hotels. In addition to rich photography, drawings, and in-progress sketches, the book will offer behind-the-scenes peeks into the construction of the projects in various stages. Also featured is an in-depth interview with the two founding partners of the WOW, Maria Warner Wong and Wong Chiu Man, as well as essays by several prominent architects, interior designers and engineers. Wong and Man discuss the challenges and opportunities of working in a diverse and highly-evolving region, from the developing regions of India and Africa to the more advanced urban context of Singapore and Dubai. Regardless of the economic context and locally available construction methods, the mission for each and every project is to create a rich spatial experience that is rooted in the culture, memory, and place.

• Introduction by Darlene Smyth
• Preface by Lyndon Neri
• Edited by Oscar Riera Ojeda

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Contributors Biographies

Darlene Smyth is a Canadian-born writer and designer. She received her B.A. in Communications and Music from the University of Ottawa. She later attended Dalhousie University, Canada, where she completed a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies and Master of Architecture, receiving numerous awards including the Alumni Association Award and Leadership Service Merit. She now writes for various architectural magazines in Asia and Australia, including Singapore Architect Journal, Habitus (Australia), In Design (Australia), Art4D (Thailand), and A+U (Japan). She also wrote the books 5 in Five and The Bali Villas for Bedmar and Shi, both under Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers. Since living in Asia, Smyth has divided her time between part-time teaching architectural design courses at the National University of Singapore, and practicing in the Singapore-based design firm, A. D_Lab Pte Ltd which she founded with Warren Liu Yaw Lin. 

Lyndon Neri is a founding partner of Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, an inter-disciplinary international architectural design practice based in Shanghai, China. The practice was selected as one of the Design Vanguards in 2009 by Architectural Record, won AR Awards for Emerging Architecture 2010 by Architectural Review, and was the 2011 INSIDE Festival Overall Winner. In 2013, Neri was inducted into the US Interior Design Hall of Fame. In 2014, Wallpaper* announced Neri&Hu as 2014 Designer of The Year. Neri received his MArch at Harvard University and his BArch at UC Berkeley. He is also designing products for brands including MOOOI, LEMA, Parachilna, Classicon, Gandia Blasco, Stellar Works, Meritalia, BD Barcelona Design, and Neri&Hu.

Maria Warner Wong. As Design Director and co-founder of Warner Wong Design and WOW Architects, Maria sets strategic objectives, oversees the development of the WOW team and implements systems to ensure the quality of work in the firm.  Under Maria’s direction, WOW’s extensive portfolio of work has been governed by a commitment to creating spaces of extraordinary sensory experience rooted in culture, memory and place.  Maria leads the design and implementation of bespoke residences, health and wellness facilities and hotel and restaurant architecture and interior design. Committed to promoting sustainable design and education, Maria has taught sustainable architectural design as the National University of Singapore, and served on the NUS/RIBA Accreditation Committee.  She has published on the topic of sustainability and represents WOW as a member of the Singapore Green Building Council. Maria was born in Australia, raised and educated in Mexico City.  Prior to founding Warner Wong Design and WOW Architects in 2000, Maria ran Parallax Design, a multidisciplinary design consultancy. She worked in Japan for Nikken Sekkei before moving to Singapore in 1992.  In 2007, Maria was the recipient of the prestigious Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Award, an international award which recognizes exceptional business women who have made a significant contribution to the profession.

Wong Chiu Man. As founder of Warner Wong Design and WOW Architects, Chiu man has presided over the evolution of WOW since it was established in the year 2000, building a network of multidisciplinary award winning practices with a significant body of work in the Asian region and beyond. Leveraging on 25 years of international industry experience, Chiu Man spearheads the business development and design direction of WOW.  Dedicated to investigating and developing new design paradigms and research-driven innovation, he has since founded WOW Dlab and WOW Design Studio with a strong network of like-minded associates. Combining a unique mix of Asian heritage with international design experience, Chiu Man has led the way for completing prestigious hospitality, commercial, residential and retail projects in China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Nepal, Philippines, Tanzania and Australia. WOW’s widely published projects include the multi-award winning and highly commended Vivanta by Taj-Whitefield in Bangalore; the acclaimed Yalong Bay no. 5 Villas and Spa in Sanya, China; the Hilton Bandung, Indonesia, and internationally renowned restaurants such as Rang Mahal and Vansh. Prior to founding WOW, Chiu Man was Corporate Officer and Design Director of Nikken Sekkei International, Singapore.