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From unfathomably old structures to mind-bending contemporary designs, there are some seriously impressive buildings dotted all over the world, and a whole load of the absolute best ones have just made the shortlist for this year’s World Architecture Festival.
Set to be held in Fort Lauderdale in Florida this November, the Festival comprises not only the planet’s largest live-judged competition for buildings, but also keynote talks, exhibitions and plenty of fringe events.
The projects – of which there are a whopping 416 in total – will be tasked with presenting their work during the first two days of the festival, before a judging panel of 164 experts from 37 countries makes its decision.
‘The combination of major practices and smaller firms, perhaps entering WAF for the first time, is refreshing, and the shortlisting judges were impressed by the design standards of the selected entries,’ said Paul Finch, WAF programme director, in a press release. ‘We have also shortlisted designs for a host of special prizes, which will make for a stimulating set of presentations.’
Below is a handpicked selection of our 10 favourite buildings, which will be in contention for recognition at the Festival in November. It includes a stunning mosque in Riyadh, a gleaming EcoPark in the Philippines, and a whimsical hotel in Vietnam, as well as Techno International Airport in Cambodia, and Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi.
The World Architecture Festival will take place from November 18-20, 2026. Find out more information on the official website.
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