A Global Vision

E Plus A Atelier unveils sculptural beachfront villa on Palm Jumeirah

Photo courtesy: SFAP, ZHIYI, Suryan//Dang, Grigory Sokolinski, David Franck,

Derek Swalwell, Alberto Cosi, Cesar Bejar Studio, Jin Weiqi, Koji Fujii / TOREAL, Panagiotis Voumvakis, Dave Burk ©SOM, Nic Lehoux, Paul Warchol, Amy Bello, ZHIYI, Ekansh Goel | Studio Recall

Photo credit: SFAP, ZHIYI, Suryan//Dang, Grigory Sokolinski, David Franck, Derek Swalwell, Alberto Cosi, Cesar Bejar Studio, Jin Weiqi, Koji Fujii / TOREAL, Panagiotis Voumvakis, Dave Burk ©SOM, Nic Lehoux, Paul Warchol, Amy Bello, ZHIYI, Ekansh Goel | Studio Recall

This May, Architizer—the world’s largest platform for architecture—revealed the shortlist for the 2025 A+Awards, spotlighting the most compelling architectural work of the past year. From luxury residences and civic centres to sustainable infrastructure and cultural institutions, the shortlist represented an inspiring cross-section of global talent and vision.

The 13th edition of the A+Awards attracted over 4,000 entries from 80+ countries, with 618 projects selected as finalists across more than 120 categories. The judging criteria spanned form, function, innovation, and social and environmental impact—resulting in a shortlist that balanced global relevance with deep-rooted localism.

“In 2025, we saw an extraordinary alignment between cultural specificity and universal problem-solving,” said Kongjian Yu, juror and Principal Designer at Turenscape. “The most powerful projects didn’t just meet a need—they uplifted communities and sparked joy.”

Celebrating context, craft and impact:

This year’s shortlisted projects reflected how architecture continues to evolve in response to the climate crisis, rapid urbanisation, and cultural change. Many entries focused on adaptive reuse, community engagement, and low-impact design—highlighting how buildings can serve both people and planet.

lighting how buildings can serve both people and planet.

Among the standout finalists:

● Apple The Exchange TRX by Foster + Partners (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

● Library in the Earth by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP (Kisarazu, Japan)

● Portland Intl Airport Main Terminal Expansion by ZGF Architects (Portland, USA)

● Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture by MASS Design Group (Gashora, Rwanda)

● Aquifer Recharge Plant – Cape Flats by SALT Architects (Cape Town, South Africa)

Judged by global leaders, chosen by the public

The shortlist was selected by a Jury of over 250 thought leaders, including Philippe Block (ETH Zurich), Evelyn Lee (Practice of Architecture), Amanda Ferber (Architecture Hunter), James Corner (Field Operations), and Ismael Seleit (Foster + Partners). Their expertise ensured a broad and inclusive lens on what excellence means in contemporary architecture.

Complementing the professional jury, the A+Awards once again empowered the public to participate—drawing over 300,000 votes from design lovers, students, and users around the world.

The winners are now live

The winners of the 2025 A+Awards were officially announced on June 9, with results published at awards.architizer.com. All winning projects will be featured in The World’s Best Architecture 2026—Architizer’s signature annual compendium.

Whether it’s a community centre in rural Rwanda or a commercial landmark in Southeast Asia, the A+Awards shortlist reaffirmed one core belief: that great architecture speaks across boundaries, builds connections, and shapes a more thoughtful world.