The World Architecture Festival (WAF) has revealed the 24 American projects that have been shortlisted for this year’s awards. The American finalists will be competing against 410 other entries to be crowned World Building of the Year and Future Project of the Year. WAF and its co-located event, INSIDE World Festival of Interiors, will welcome more than 2,000 of the world’s leading architects and designers to Berlin for three days of conference programs, awards, exhibitions and fringe events Nov. 15-17. This year’s edition will again be housed in Franz Ahrens’ 1920s former bus depot, Arena Berlin.
The World Architecture Festival celebrates its tenth edition this year, with the 2017 awards program receiving 924 entries. The awards shortlist includes architectural practices from 51 different nations and projects based across 68 countries. Practices from the U.S. that are in the running for an award include Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, Viñoly Architects, Studio Gang, Form4 Architecture, and Marlon Blackwell Architects.
“This year’s shortlist has a hugely diverse geographic range,” said Paul Finch, WAF program director. “The use of water has been striking and there is evidence of real interest in climate modifications using novel techniques. Colourful architecture makes a strong showing and many of the smaller projects we have shortlisted will punch above their weight. We look forward to welcoming shortlisted architects to our tenth edition in Berlin this November.”
In addition to the awards, WAF includes a conference program, based around “Performance.” To mark its tenth anniversary, special awards will also be given to projects which address the WAF10 Manifesto by identifying solutions to key architectural challenges over the next decade, including climate change, ageing populations, and new technologies.
World Architecture Festival has collaborated with MAKE Architects and Sir John Soanes Museum to launch a new prize for architectural drawing. The prize will recognize the continuing importance of hand drawing, while also embracing the creative use of digitally produced renderings. The Architecture Drawing Prize welcomes entries from architects, designers, and students from around the world. The overall winner and a further two category finalists will be announced at World Architecture Festival. The winning and shortlisted entries will then be featured in an exhibition at Sir John Soane’s Museum in London from Feb. 21- April 16, 2018.
For more information, visit www.worldarchitecturefestival.com.
