World Architecture Festival 2025

WAF 2025 Concludes in Miami with a Global Celebration of Emotion, Purpose, and Design

Author

Yagmur Baydır
November 18, 2025

Dear PA reader,

The 18th World Architecture Festival wrapped its first U.S. edition in Miami Beach with the theme “Hearts & Minds,” spotlighting how architecture can marry rational design with emotional depth. Over 460 shortlisted projects were presented live, from major studios to emerging voices, culminating in top honors for Spain’s Holy Redeemer Church and Austria’s Fractal Chapel. BIG’s Bhutan airport vision won Future Project of the Year, while Turenscape’s sponge city park in China claimed Landscape of the Year. With talks from ZHA, Arquitectonica, and Francis-Jones, WAF 2025 emphasized global responsibility, community engagement, and architecture that resonates far beyond form.

🚀 If you are looking to learn about computational design, PAACADEMY offers everything you need under one Full-Access membership. Be sure to check it out!

World Architecture Festival 2025: Honoring the Projects

World Architecture Festival 2025: Day One Winners

World Architecture Festival 2025: Day Two Winners

WAF 2025 Shortlist: 460+ Projects Shaping Global Architecture

New Workshop! AI & Parametric Negotiation 2.0

This workshop explores how designers can merge parametric design with generative AI to transform animations into site-integrated architectural visuals. The event is scheduled for January 3 & 4, 2026.

This Weekend! AI-Powered Design Ideation: Midjourney, mnml & Nano Banana

This workshop explores AI-powered ideation with Midjourney, mnml, and Nano Banana to create and refine design concepts. The workshop is scheduled for September 27 & 28, 2025.

Gelephu International Airport: BIG’s Take on Sustainable Aviation and Bhutanese Heritage

FENIX Museum by MAD Architects Opens as the World’s First Migration Museum

Seoul Robot & AI Museum by MAA Catalyzes Technological and Scientific Innovation

Populus Hotel: A Landmark Built from Nature by Studio Gang