Architecture

Miami welcomes the World Architecture Festival: a new hub for global design

In recognition of Miami’s status as a dynamic cultural and economic hub connecting the Americas, the World Architecture Festival has chosen the city to host its next awards ceremony in November.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo
The World Architecture Festival (WAF), one of the world's premier architecture events, will move to the Miami Convention Center this year, November 12-14 / Photo via WAF
The World Architecture Festival (WAF), one of the world's premier architecture events, will move to the Miami Convention Center this year, November 12-14 / Photo via WAF

The World Architecture Festival (WAF), one of the world’s premier architecture events, will move to the Miami Convention Center this year, November 12-14, with its intense awards program featuring renowned architects.

 

Paul Finch, the program director of the World Architecture Festival, emphasized that this shift in location aims to expand the festival’s reach and attract increased interest from Central and South America, the United States, and Canada. 

The city is currently undergoing a significant architectural transformation, with major projects by globally renowned architects reshaping its skyline / Photo via WAF
The city is currently undergoing a significant architectural transformation, with major projects by globally renowned architects reshaping its skyline / Photo via WAF

This move will encourage more entries for the festival’s renowned awards, further solidifying its global influence and prominence in the architectural world.

 

Given its status as a dynamic cultural and economic hub connecting the Americas, Miami is a natural choice for the World Architecture Festival. The city boasts a rich architectural heritage that reflects its unique history and continuous evolution.

 

Miami Beach is particularly renowned for its Art Deco Historic District, which preserves the glamour and elegance of early 20th-century design. Beyond Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival landmarks such as Vizcaya highlight Miami’s diverse architectural influences. Over the years, the city has attracted some of the world’s most celebrated architects, resulting in landmark structures that define its skyline.

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) is a leading global architecture event / Photo via WAF
The World Architecture Festival (WAF) is a leading global architecture event / Photo via WAF

A new architectural epicenter

Among these are Frank Gehry’s striking New World Center, Zaha Hadid’s futuristic One Thousand Museum, Philip Johnson’s Miami Cultural Center, and Herzog & de Meuron’s Pérez Art Museum Miami. Each of these buildings contributes to Miami’s status as an architectural destination where innovation meets tradition.

 

The city is currently undergoing a significant architectural transformation, with major projects by globally renowned architects reshaping its skyline. Kengo Kuma’s Aman Miami Beach and Foster + Partners’ 1201 Brickell Bay Drive are among the high-profile developments that are set to redefine the urban landscape.

Additionally, Miami’s local architecture firms, including Arquitectonica and MOSS, continue to push boundaries, producing cutting-edge designs that contribute to the city’s architectural identity. This ongoing boom in construction and design makes Miami an ideal setting for the World Architecture Festival, providing a firsthand look at the future of global architecture.

A celebration of innovation

As anticipation builds, details regarding ticketing and programming for the WAF will be released soon. In the meantime, submissions for the festival’s prestigious awards are now open, with architects from around the world invited to participate.

Entries can be submitted through worldarchitecturefestival.com until April 25, with the shortlist of finalists set to be announced in July. This edition of the festival promises to be a landmark event, celebrating architectural excellence in one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving cities in the world.

 

What is the World Architecture Festival?

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) is a leading global architecture event, featuring a unique live-judged awards program where architects present their shortlisted projects to esteemed juries. It’s a large-scale gathering that attracts architects, designers, and industry professionals worldwide, offering seminars, networking opportunities, and a platform to showcase architectural excellence and innovation.

As anticipation builds, details regarding ticketing and programming for the World Architecture Festival will be released soon / Photo via WAF
As anticipation builds, details regarding ticketing and programming for the World Architecture Festival will be released soon / Photo via WAF

When is the World Architecture Festival 2025?

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025 will be held in Miami, Florida at the Miami Beach Convention Center from November 12th to 14th, 2025. 

 

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