World Architecture Festival WAF 2025 Shortlist Announced!

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) is one of the most important global events in the field of architecture and design. It brings together architects, designers, and studios from all over the world to celebrate and showcase the best in architecture. Each year, hundreds of projects are submitted and judged by an international panel of experts. What makes WAF unique is that shortlisted architects present their work live in front of a jury, allowing for direct discussion and feedback. This year, the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025 will take place in Miami Beach, USA, from November 12th to 14th. It is the first time the festival is held in the United States, bringing a new energy and atmosphere to the event.

WAF is not just about awards, it’s also a platform for learning, networking, and discovering new ideas. The event includes talks, exhibitions, panel discussions, and other programs that explore the future of architecture. Winning or even being shortlisted at WAF is considered a major achievement and often brings international recognition to the architects involved.

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025 received an impressive number of submissions from architects and design studios around the world. In total, more than 780 projects were entered into the competition. After careful review by an international jury, around 460 projects were selected to be part of this year’s official shortlist. These projects represent a wide range of architectural categories and ideas. The shortlist includes 235 completed buildings that are already in use, 157 future projects that are currently in development or design stages, 64 creative interior designs, and 12 inspiring landscape projects. This exciting selection highlights the diversity and innovation present in global architecture today.

Shortlist Stats and Jury Scale

For the latest edition of the World Architecture Festival, over 780 projects were submitted by architects and studios from across the globe. After a careful selection process, approximately 460 projects were chosen for the official shortlist. These shortlisted entries were divided into various categories, including 235 completed buildings, 157 future projects, 64 interior designs, and 12 landscape proposals.

A jury of 164 experts from 37 different countries took part in the evaluation process.

Leading Countries

While the shortlist is most represented by projects from the America, there are also a number of prominent projects from China, Turkey, the UK, Australia, India, Canada, Singapore, the UAE, and Japan. Representing a truly global perspective, the list includes projects by internationally recognized firms such as BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), Foster + Partners, Studio Gang, Grimshaw, Nikken Sekkei, Mario Cucinella Architects, and Perkins&Will. These famous architecture firms are joined by new and creative studios, showing how today’s architecture includes many different styles and fresh ideas.

Outstanding Projects in Completed Buildings, Future Projects, Interiors, and Landscapes

Completed Buildings:

• NYPD 40th Precinct by BIG in New York
• Fenix (MAD Architects) in Rotterdam – a warehouse-turned-museum project
• Mandai Rainforest Resort (WOW Architects & Warner Wong) in Singapore
• Wuhan Snow World (CLOU Architects) in Wuhan, China
• One Za’abeel (Nikken Sekkei) in Dubai – twin towers and a 230m overpass
• Dongmingshan Senyu Hotel in China – a boutique hotel in a forest

Upcoming Projects:

• A new airport design in Athens
• Prominent projects such as a telescope structure in Chile

Interior Category:

• Rainforest hotel in Singapore
• Examples of different scales, such as a noodle bar in Chongqing, China

Landscape Projects:

• A public plaza in Canary Wharf, London
• A wildlife eco-park in Bhabua, India

In Miami, USA, from November 12th to 14th, it is the first time the festival is held in the United States, bringing a new energy and atmosphere to the event. You can book your tickets for this year’s festival here.