WAF heads to Miami for the first time as the 2025 shortlist highlights exceptional global projects and future visions

The shortlist for the 2025 World Architecture Festival (WAF) has been announced, showcasing outstanding international architecture, interiors, and future projects. Marking its 17th edition, WAF 2025 will be held in the United States for the first time, taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center from 12 to 14 November. Aoyama Design Forum (ADF) is pleased to support the 2025 edition as an official media partner.

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Wuhan Snow World by CLOU architects
Wuhan, China
Image Credit: Archexist, Shrimp Studio

Best projects

Completed Buildings: 235 entries
  • A film studio in New York
  • Pavilions for Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai
    Future Projects: 157 entries
    • A new airport in Athens
    • A massive telescope enclosure in Chile
    Interiors: 64 entries
    • A rainforest hotel in Singapore
    • A noodle bar in Chongqing
    Landscapes: 12 entries
    • A public plaza in London’s Canary Wharf
    • A wildlife eco park in Bhabua, India

    Studios

    Participating firms range from leading global names to exciting emerging studios, including:

    • Bjarke Ingels Group
    • Foster + Partners
    • Studio Gang
    • Grimshaw
    • Nikken Sekkei
    • Mario Cucinella Architects
    • Perkins&Will

    Countries with the most entries include the USA, China, UK, Australia, India, Canada, Singapore, UAE, Turkey, and Japan.

    Judge

    Judging will be carried out by an international panel of 164 experts from 37 countries. Notable jurors include:

    • Ma Yansong (Founder, MAD Architects)
    • Annette Fisher (Founder, FA Global)
    • Richard Maimon (Senior Principal, KieranTimberlake)
    • Joyce Owens (Principal, Architecture Joyce Owens LLC)
    • Franziska Meisel (Global Director, Henning Larsen)

    All finalists will present their projects live during the festival. On the final day, winners in each category will compete for the top titles such as "World Building of the Year" and "Interior Project of the Year". WAFX and Special Prize winners will also be announced on-site.

    World Architecture Festival

    WAF is the world’s largest live-judged architecture awards event, celebrating excellence in architecture, interiors, and landscape. The event includes keynote speeches, exhibitions, guided architectural tours, networking sessions, and a gala dinner.