416 projects from around the world advance to the final stage of the international architecture awards

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) has announced the 2026 shortlist, recognizing 416 projects selected from more than 630 entries across completed buildings, interiors, landscape architecture, and future projects. Finalists will present their work before an international jury at WAF 2026, taking place from 18–20 November at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Saha Casa Boutique Hotel by Ho Khue Architects
Photo credit: © Trieu Chien

Terra House by Atelier Design N Domain LLP (ADND)
Photo credit: © PHX INDIA

The shortlist spans 43 award categories, including housing, education, hotels, healthcare, sports, culture, and adaptive reuse. Among the featured projects are completed works ranging from a tropical clubhouse in Vietnam and Sydney’s new fish market to a waterfront park in Florida, alongside future proposals such as a climate-responsive residence in Mumbai and a children's hospital in Texas.

Modern Mosque by Yodezeen
Photo credit: Yodezeen

Labirint Educational and Community Campus by Quadratum Architecture
Photo credit: © Vlad Pătru

Leading international firms including Foster + Partners, Snøhetta, Herzog & de Meuron, Grimshaw, Perkins&Will, Woods Bagot, and Sanjay Puri Architects appear on the shortlist together with emerging design studios. Practices from the United States account for the largest share of shortlisted entries, followed by firms from China, India, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Stöng - (Re)interpretation by SP(R)INT STUDIO
Photo credit: © Studio CAPN

The Folia by ET Architects
Photo credit: ET Architects

In addition to the live-judged awards, WAF 2026 will feature keynote lectures, exhibitions, workshops, networking events, and architecture tours. Winners of the WAFX Awards, which recognize projects addressing major global challenges, and other Special Prizes will be announced ahead of the festival, while the overall winners—including World Building of the Year, Landscape of the Year, Future Project of the Year, and Interior Project of the Year—will be selected during the event.

The World Architecture Festival（WAF）

WAF is where the world architecture community meets to celebrate, learn, exchange and be inspired. Every year, WAF hosts the world's biggest live-judged architecture awards programme. It celebrates design achievements through presentations by architects to high-profile delegates and international judging panels. The festival is organised by emap, publishers of The Architectural Review and The Architects' Journal.