On September 7, the 2nd annual WAFC Design Awards revealed 23 winners out of 102 entries representing the foremost design and creativity within the Greater China regions.

All entries were remotely presented and interviewed through Online Judging that took place July 20-21.

The winners were evaluated and selected by the Jury Panel, comprised of 29 renowned experts from around the world and featuring Paul Finch, Programme Director of the World Architecture Festival, Paul Hyett, Founding Partner of the Vickery Hyett Architects, Sonali Rastogi, Co-founder of the Morphogenesis, Benedetta Tagliabue, Co-Founder & CEO of the Miralles Tagliabue EMBT, and Jeremy Melvin, Curator of the World Architecture Festival.

See the full Jury Panel list HERE

The WAFC 2021 Award Ceremony is scheduled for November 4-7 in Chengdu, China.

WAFC 2021 WINNERS

Completed Building of the Year

Pingjiang Branch of Suzhou Library by Lacime Architects

Jury Comments:

This design revisits the traditional notion of a library as a repository for, and a place to enjoy books. Externally, the block interface contributes to a streetscape open to multiple social activities. The courtyard morphology is carefully considered and shows how it can provide variety both of scale and function. With enticing interior spaces, formed by skillful deployment of the basic elements of roof, floors, walls and staircase, the library exudes respect for its contents and its readers – which should foster beneficial relationships between them. Crisp detailing helps turn a prosaic experience into something special.

Future Project of the Year

Tianmen Primary School by Taikang Healthcare & Li Xiaodong Atelier

Jury Comments:

The architecture for this primary school, for 1,080 pupils, offers a new vision for early  education in China. Using various design devices, it overcomes the need for excessive security and engages its occupants with nature – achieving the first through skillful manipulation of the section, and the second through lavish planting, which includes a small rooftop ‘farm’. Overall, it creates an ambience conducive to learning within a dense city centre site, managing to achieve this by means of horizontal rather than vertical architecture.

Landscape of the Year

Qinglong Lake Park by Sichuan Provincial Architectural Design & Research Institute

Jury Comments:

This landscape design addresses what can be the devastated edges of urban settlements, by providing a form of wild ‘lung’, premiating nature and wildlife rather than people. This welcome development is a good example of long-term phasing; the strategy creates an exemplar which could be adopted in many cities, particularly across Asia.

Interior Design of the Year

The Exchange Bar, Shanghai Blackstone Apartment by NONG STUDIO

Jury Comments:

A clever narrative that evokes the 1924 heritage of the building that houses it. A beautifully crafted well, detailed, and thoughtful interior.

It is definitely a bar that we all agreed we would like to go to.

Outstanding Design Prize

• Fallen Cloud of Hylla Resort by gad G+lab
• TaoCang Art Center by Roarc Renew
• Xi'an Dahua 1935 by Woods Bagot
• TIANHUI · VANKE CITY PLAZA by JZFZ Architectural Design Co.,Ltd
• THE MENGZHUI BAY URBAN RENEWAL by JZFZ Architectural Design Co.,Ltd
• Sunac Yushan Taoyuan Exhibition Center by SHZF Architects
• Huayi Staff Retreat by SHZF Architects
• UAO Power office by UAO Design
• Alibaba Central China Headquarters and Industrial Complex by Benoy Limited
• Robot-3D printed Concrete Book Cabin by XWG STUDIO
• Yulin Gaoxin No.3 Primary School by Architectural Design & Research Institute of Tsinghua University Co., Ltd.
• Headquarters of Huahe Holding Group by gad G+lab
• SOUTH TAIHU HOTEL by gad G+lab
• The ‘church’ in the valley--Mabian Visitor Center by We&Arch-Wuhe Architects
• Nanshan District Science and Technology Union Building by Shenzhen Cube Architectural Design Consulting Co., Ltd & RBS Architectural Engineering Design Associates
• Nantou Old Town Renovation Project by Wancheng Urban Design Research Co., Ltd & vaLue Design and Consultants
• Shanghai Jinguang Road Commercial Complex by Lacime Architects
• The Urban Riverside Forest by TROP: terrains + open space
• AI Future Community by Dplus-studio

About WAFC

WAFC (World Architecture Festival China) is an event exclusively authorized by WAF in Mainland China and the Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions. Through the organization of annual events that integrate awards judging, design forums, exhibitions, networking events, and various kinds of other activities and events, WAFC is dedicated to establishing a professional and diversified platform to strengthen connections between China and the global design industry. WAFC's goal is to create more opportunities for talented designers around the world to share their design ideas.