The eighth annual World Architecture Festival shortlist consists of 338 projects across 31 categories, ranging from small family homes to large commercial developments and landscape projects.

A substantial rise in entry numbers mirrors the global economic upturn in development and construction. The country boasting the largest number of shortlisted projects is Australia, followed by the UK and then Turkey – all of which have seen significant social and economic resurgence in the last few years.

Major world architects shortlisted include Foster & Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, Herzog & de Meuron, OMA/Ole Scheeren, Rogers Stirk Harbour, Rafael Vinoly Architects, BIG, Grimshaw, Heatherwick Studio and Carlos Ott.

As usual a host of small practices unknown outside their own countries will pitch against the big names, presenting the shortlisted work to a 50-strong global awards jury. From small projects making a local contribution, such as a school in Burkina Faso

designed for the architectural charity Article 25, through to large scale Olympic stadia transformations by US sports giant Populous, all manner of architectural interventions are celebrated.

Regardless of their practice size and reputation, all shortlisted entrants will this year gain double exposure, having their projects exhibited across two continents. The shortlist can first be seen this week at the new satellite WAF London 24-27 June, before arriving at the annual World Architecture Festival 2015 in Singapore this November. All shortlisted practices will be vying to win not only their individual categories, but the ultimate accolade of ‘World Building of the Year 2015’.

Singapore will present an opportunity for shortlisted architects to network and discuss the big conversations affecting the industry, as well also providing a chance for professional critiques from this years WAF ‘super jurors’: Royal Gold Medallist Sir Peter Cook (UK), Sou Fujimoto (Japan), Benedetta Tagliabue (Spain), Charles Jencks (UK/US), Kerry Hill (Singapore) and Manuelle Gautrand (France).

Running concurrently with WAF, INSIDE comprises of the most original and exciting interiors from the last 12 months. Nominations have poured in from 16 countries spanning four continents across the nine diverse categories that make up the awards. Among those competing are two dentistries, a music arena, two cinemas and a global TV studio.

Shortlisted designers include Benoy, Hassell and Woods Bagot. Chinese practice One Plus Partnership cap off a successful year with three nominations and make up some of the 12 projects that have been shortlisted from China and Hong Kong. Host nation

Singapore have eight projects nominated, Australia seven and the UK have five. Again all nominees will compete in the form of live presentations and debates to a distinguished jury during the festival in November.

WAF programme director Paul Finch commented: “We are delighted with the diversity and exemplar quality of submissions this year. Our international juries are in for a tough time deliberating on the category winners. We look forward to another inspirational event in Singapore this November.”

WAF and its sister event, INSIDE World Festival of Interiors, are supported by sponsors including Grohe and Akzo Nobel. Media partners include the Architectural Review, the Architects’ Journal, and Dezeen, the leading online design hub.

Images from our selection of 18 projects of the key shortlisted entries can also be downloaded via Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ctgebg0hym0bby0/AAAQovEXk66uXA9YOPx5KpFua?dl=0

All images, press releases and highlighted projects for the shortlist can be downloaded via Dropbox here: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d61kovkktsgvwxx/AABUfVEEDle1xv0b2ktXpuF8a?dl=0

For more information visit https://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/ and

https://www.insidefestival.com

Ends

Notes to Editors

Press, image and interview requests:

Caro Communications: 020 7713 9388; @carocomms

Laura Diggens – laurad@carocommunications.com

Lizzie Colville – Lizzie@carocommunications.com

Anna Robinson – Annar@carocommunications.com

Jordan Lewis – Jordan@carocommunications.com

For more details on how to enter the WAF award please visit www.worldarchitecturefestival.com

@worldarchfest #WAF2015

Why get involved in World Architecture Festival?

The gateway to global recognition, WAF is where the world architecture community meets to celebrate, learn, exchange and be inspired. World Architecture Festival is now the world’s largest international architectural event. It includes the biggest architectural awards programme in the world, dedicated to celebrating excellence via live presentations to an audience of high-profile

delegates and international juries

The 2015 World Architecture Festival (WAF) comprises 5 key elements:

- The WAF Awards;

- A thematic conference programme entitled ‘50:50 – Looking forward, looking back’ (marking the 50th anniversary of

Singapore’s independence);

- An exhibition of Award entries;

- Sponsor and exhibitor stands;

- A series of networking/social events, as well as WAF fringe activities.

INSIDE World Festival of Interiors runs alongside WAF, with its own Awards and conference programme.

Delegates have access to both events.

WAF and INSIDE are organized by EMAP, publishers of The Architectural Review and The Architects’ Journal.

Entry information:

Shortlisted entrants will compete for category prizes on the first two days of the three-day Festival, which will take place in Singapore on 4, 5 and 6 November 2015. On the final day, category winners will present again to ‘super-juries’ of experienced and respected judges, who will decide on the World Landscape, Future Project and Completed Building of

the Year Awards.