20 future projects chosen in 2022 WAFX shortlist for addressing climate change and community resilience

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) awards program celebrates newly-built works, stunning interiors as well as future concepts that "address major architectural issues facing society and the planet." Proposals selected for the 2022 WAFX (Future Projects category) highlight creative schemes that "embrace cutting-edge design approaches to address major world issues ranging from tackling the climate emergency to building community resilience." 

Paul Finch, the WAF's program director shares, "big challenges require big commitment and fresh thinking. These future projects show that architects across the world are responding to complex problems in imaginative ways — with the bonus of some design delight.”

View this year's shortlisted WAFX finalists and a selection of design proposals below. 

• The Tower of Life by BAD - Built by Associative Data
• YTL Arena Complex by Grimshaw
• Muscowpetung Powwow Arbour by Oxbow Architecture Inc. & Richard Kroeke Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation
• Prototype (M5) by Henriquez Partners Architects

• SEEPARK (South Essex Estuary Park) by Alexandra Steed URBAN 
• Shanghai Yangshupu Power Plant Regeneration by BDP
• Holloway Prison by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
• Conceptual Planning and Urban Design in the Coastal Area of Dong Fang City, China by Nanjing Urban Planning & Design Institute of S.E.U Co., Ltd

• Downsview Framework Plan by Henning Larsen (Urban Design), KPMB Architects (Architecture), SLA Architects (Landscape), Urban Strategies (Planning)
• Graduation Hall Sol Plaatje University by Savage+Dodd Architects 
• Limberlost Place by Moriyama & Teshima Architects
• The Forest City Project by BAD - Built by Associative Data + Guallart Architects 

• Oriel by Penoyre & Prasad
• The Atrium - Egypt Post Express Mail Building by Verform & DMI 
• Toronto's Indigenous Hub by Stantec
• The Black & White Building by Waugh Thistleton Architects /The Office Group 

• North East Link by Warren and Mahoney, BKK Architects, and Taylor Cullity Lethlean 
• Farsons Old Brewhouse and Trident Park by ritchie*studio 
• Ħal-Caprat Care Village by Valentino Architects
• Mukwa Waakaa'igan Indigenous Centre for Cultural Excellence by Moriyama & Teshima Architects

View the full list of shortlisted project images here.

The WAF will celebrate this year during an in-person event in Lisbon from November 30 – December 2, 2022. To learn more about the event and awards celebration, click here.