18 of the world's most extraordinary new buildings

The World Architecture Festival recognizes the world's most extraordinary new architectural projects. Younes Bounhar The World Architecture Festival revealed its 2026 "Building of the Year" shortlist. Hundreds of entrants submitted buildings for recognition in this year's competition. Some are built to disappear into the landscape. Others completely transform historic spaces. The World Architecture Festival celebrates one-of-a-kind buildings from around the world each year. A panel of international architects and experts reviews entries on their way to crowning a "Building of the Year." Each year, WAF releases a shortlist of entries that showcase some of the world's most notable buildings. Many projects were submitted, but only 416 made WAF's 2026 shortlist. There are four major categories: completed buildings, future projects, interiors, and landscape. Once the shortlist is decided, finalists present their projects to judges — this year, they'll do so in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November.