World Architecture Festival 2025 Names Global Winners in Architecture, Interiors, Future Projects, and Landscape Design

The World Architecture Festival announced its 2025 winners during a final gala at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where architects from around the world gathered for the festival’s eighteenth edition.

The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Centre of Las Chumberas by Fernando Menis

Major honors included World Building of the Year, World Interior of the Year, Future Project of the Year, and Landscape of the Year, alongside an expanded group of Special Prizes.

World Building of the Year

The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Centre of Las Chumberas by Fernando Menis

The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Centre of Las Chumberas in La Laguna, Spain, designed by Fernando Menis, was named World Building of the Year. The project anchors a once-neglected neighborhood, combining a church, community center, and public square into a civic landmark.

Its phased construction stemmed from a donation-based funding model, resulting in four independent volumes completed over 16 years. Inspired by volcanic terrain, the structure uses rough-textured masses punctuated by narrow openings that channel daylight through sculptural metal and glass. The interior relies on an unglazed cross and zenithal light rather than windows, producing a stark, contemplative atmosphere.

Concrete defines both structure and experience. Locally produced and thermally efficient, it provides acoustic performance through a mix of chipped concrete and volcanic stone, enabling sound control comparable to a performance venue. Judges cited the project’s intensity, mastery of light, and its dual role as a symbolic and everyday anchor for the community.

The Super Jury was chaired by Mohsen Mostafavi and included Laurinda Spear of Arquitectonica, Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, and Sir Peter Cook of Studio Crablab.

World Interior of the Year

FRACTAL CHAPEL at State Hospital Graz by INNOCAD architecture

The World Interior of the Year went to FRACTAL CHAPEL by INNOCAD architecture in Graz, Austria. Located at a state hospital and overseen by the Protestant Church, the chapel uses fractal geometry and biophilic design—developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Oregon / Fractals Research—to create a restorative environment.

Wood dominates the material palette, supporting the play of light across double-height interiors and a full-height glass façade. A sculpted walnut-root altar stands at the center, framed by pattern, texture, and controlled illumination to shape a calm, introspective experience.

Future Project of the Year

Gelephu International Airport by BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group

The Future Project of the Year was awarded to Gelephu International Airport by BIG–Bjarke Ingels Group in Bhutan. Scheduled to open in 2029, the airport blends regional craftsmanship with modern engineering, featuring a triple-height entry hall, timber diagrid structure, traditional carving, and natural ventilation strategies.

Designed as a mobility hub, the terminal organizes gates, retail, and dining on an upper level with views toward the Himalayas. Space for yoga, meditation, and gong baths reflects Bhutan’s emphasis on well-being.

Landscape of the Year

Embracing Flood: Xinjiang River Ecological Corridor by Turenscape

The Landscape of the Year honor went to Embracing Flood: Xinjiang River Ecological Corridor by Turenscape in Jiangxi Province, China. The project revitalizes 102 hectares of floodplain using sponge city principles to bolster resilience, restore habitat, and maintain public access. By embracing seasonal flooding rather than resisting it, the corridor provides a low-maintenance model for climate adaptation. Eden Dock in London, Taikoo Place in Hong Kong, and The Osona Viewpoint Network in Spain received high commendations.

Special Prizes

Alibaba Xixi Tech Campus Landscape by ASPECT Studios

The festival also recognized projects across focused categories:

• American Beauty Prize: Isla Intersections Supportive Housing & Paseo by Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects

• Best Use of Colour: Alibaba Xixi Tech Campus Landscape by ASPECT Studios

• Best Use of Natural Light: Redhill Early Learning Center by Hubo Studio

• Best Use of Stone: Dialogue with Nature – Commune Store by Atelier Global Limited

• Best Use of Timber: Quinta De Adorigo Winery by Atelier Sergio Rebelo

• Small Project of the Year: The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Centre of Las Chumberas by Fernando Menis

• Student Charette Prize: SPONGE OF THE KEYS by the University of Manitoba

• Sustainability Prize: 1265 Borregas by MGA | Michael Green Architecture and SERA Architects

• GROHE Water Prize: waterspaces by Rizoma del agua

Additionally, the festival launched the 40 Under 40 North America initiative in partnership with The Architect’s Newspaper to spotlight architects across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Jason Wang received a special hand-drawing award in the Architecture Drawing Prize.

WAFX Prize

Regenerative Tree by NIKKEN SEKKEI LTD

The overall WAFX Prize, which highlights future-focused responses to global challenges, went to Regenerative Tree by Nikken Sekkei. The project proposes a next-generation skyscraper aimed at reducing whole-life carbon by 40% through structural optimization, biomimetic systems, flexible floor plans, and reimagined vertical mobility.

For more information on the 2025 winners, visit the World Architecture Festival and follow the festival on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

By ML Staff.