WAF Awards 2023, World's Best New Buildings Unveiled
by P Nandhini
Updated Jul 11, 2023
World's Best New Buildings Unveiled
The World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards has unveiled its selection of the world's best new buildings, showcasing stunning architectural marvels from around the globe. Among the noteworthy structures are a serene mosque in Dubai, a Singapore skyscraper adorned with lush greenery, and a panda breeding research facility in Chengdu, China.
With nearly 250 completed projects shortlisted, the WAF Awards will honor excellence in 18 categories, encompassing residential, commercial, and cultural architecture. The ultimate accolade, "World Building of the Year," will be bestowed upon one exceptional project in December. In addition to this prestigious title, other prizes will celebrate outstanding achievements in landscape architecture, proposed future projects, and interior design.
WAF Awards 2023
The WAF Awards 2023, set to take place in Singapore at the end of November, will witness a live judging process conducted by a distinguished panel of 140 experts. Among the remarkable buildings shortlisted for recognition are Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport, a significant addition to Australia's Holocaust Museum in Melbourne, and the newly constructed national stadiums of Cambodia and Senegal.
In the previous year, the prestigious World Building of the Year award was bestowed upon Australia's Quay Quarter Tower, a pioneering office building known as the world's first "upcycled" skyscraper. This innovative structure incorporated more than two-thirds of an existing 1970s building, showcasing the architectural prowess of Danish firm 3XN. Past winners have included a public library in the Netherlands and a Danish waste-to-energy power plant that doubles as an artificial ski and snowboard slope.
Paul Finch, the program director of WAF, emphasized that this year's shortlist serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of architects in addressing both everyday and extraordinary challenges faced by the world. In a time marked by various crises, the WAF Awards highlight the ability of architects to tackle these issues with skill and imagination.
WAF Awards
The WAF Awards is an esteemed annual festival and awards ceremony dedicated to the architecture and development industry. It has gained recognition as one of the most prestigious events in the field. Initially held in Barcelona from 2008 to 2011, the festival later found its home in Singapore for four years. Since 2016, it has expanded to include host cities such as Berlin and Amsterdam.
What sets the WAF Awards apart is its unique format, where approximately 550 shortlisted architects present their projects live to a judging panel in crit rooms. Among these exceptional projects, one is honored with the prestigious title of World Building of the Year. The festival serves as a platform for architects to showcase their innovative designs and gain recognition for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Each year, the World Architecture Festival publishes a list of the award winners on its official website, allowing industry professionals and enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the exceptional architectural achievements celebrated at the event. The WAF Awards continue to inspire and recognize the exceptional talent and creativity within the global architecture community.
WAF Awards History
The history of the WAF Awards dates back to 2008 when it was first established as a vibrant festival and live awards competition dedicated to celebrating and promoting architectural excellence worldwide. The inaugural festivals took place in Barcelona, setting the stage for a remarkable showcase of architectural talent. From 2012 onwards, the festival found new homes in Singapore, Berlin, and Amsterdam, attracting architects and enthusiasts from around the globe.
The competition for the WAF Awards is highly competitive, with over a thousand projects submitted annually. From this pool of entries, more than 550 projects are shortlisted for live presentations at the festival. Architects pay a submission fee to enter their Future Project or Completed Building projects, and if shortlisted, they travel to the festival venue to present their work to a jury panel. The live presentations offer a unique opportunity for architects to convey the essence and intricacies of their projects directly to the esteemed panel of judges.
It's important to note that participation in the awards is voluntary, and the festival does not dictate which projects can be submitted. Architects have the freedom to showcase their finest works, adding to the diversity and richness of the competition. In 2011, the festival expanded its offerings by introducing the INSIDE Festival, a parallel event focused on interior architecture and design. This addition further enhanced the festival's comprehensive celebration of architectural creativity.
Throughout its history, the WAF Awards have remained a prominent platform for architects to gain recognition, share ideas, and foster a sense of community within the industry. The festival continues to evolve and inspire, driving the advancement of architectural excellence on a global scale.
WAF Awards 2023 - FAQs
The WAF Awards is an annual festival and awards ceremony that celebrates architectural excellence and showcases the world's best new buildings.
The WAF Awards have been held in various cities, including Barcelona, Singapore, Berlin, and Amsterdam.
The awards are judged by a panel of 140 experts who evaluate the shortlisted projects live during the festival.
The World Building of the Year is the most prestigious accolade at the WAF Awards, given to one exceptional project that demonstrates outstanding architectural achievements.
The WAF Awards encompass 18 categories, including residential, commercial, and cultural architecture.
Architects can voluntarily submit their projects to the WAF Awards. The festival does not control who submits projects.