WAF 2026 Shortlist Announced

The shortlist for the 2026 World Architecture Festival (WAF) has been revealed, once again bringing together a broad selection of leading architecture and interior design projects from around the world. A total of 416 projects were selected from more than 630 submissions across categories including residential buildings, adaptive reuse, education, hospitality, and culture.

The list combines work from internationally established firms (pictured: Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, by Foster + Partners) with that of emerging practices, resulting in a representative snapshot of current design approaches. The shortlist includes 205 completed buildings, 48 interior projects, and a strong range of future projects that address themes such as climate, context, and new models of use.

Fort Lauderdale, November 18–20

This year’s festival will take place from November 18 to 20 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, USA. There, all finalists will present their projects live to an international jury of 164 experts.

In addition to the awards program, the festival features lectures, exhibitions, and networking events. According to the organizers, the event serves as an important reference point for architects and interior designers seeking to understand international trends and translate them into their own professional practice.

A complete and up-to-date overview of all selected projects and participants can be found on the official festival website: