Events / Voices

WAFX Prize 2023 Winners Revealed

34 WAF future projects exemplifying sustainability, cultural identity, and concern for user well-being win the nod of WAFX 2023’s jury

Words Gabrielle de la Cruz
Images WAFX 2023

The formula of the WAFX Prize awards is simple: If a project qualifies under the World Architecture Festival’s Future Projects category, it is automatically considered. No additional costs or materials are needed. Launched back in 2017 to celebrate WAF’s 10th year, the prize celebrates international proposals “…that best use design and architecture to tackle major world issues,” such as the climate emergency, health, technology, and building community resilience.

This 2023, WAFX comprises eight categories: Ageing and Health; Building Technology; Carbon, Climate, & Energy; Cultural Identity; Ethics and Values; Re-use; Smart Cities; and Water. A total of 34 entries out of 156 future projects were awarded—at least three to four projects under each category, except for the Building Technology category which were awarded to eight entries. This edition’s set of winners is the largest number yet to emerge from this special section of the WAF awards program, a change in format that started last year when multiple winners per category were selected.

**PHRC: Poona Hospital and Research Centre** by Mandviwala Qutub and Associates

Kanto-WAFX 2023-Shortlist — **Jain Cultural Centre** by Mandviwala Qutub and Associates

The ASEAN bloc makes a return to the WAFX Prize with wins for the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, after last year’s no show. Buensalido + Architects gives the Philippines its first win for WAF 2023 with the Pangasinan Barangay Centers project, which received the Ethics and Values category prize. 2018 World Building of the Year winner WOHA Architects represents Singapore with a WAFX win for their Punggol Digital District masterplan, under the Smart Cities category. Thailand-based firm Shma Company Limited makes another WAF appearance with their we!park masterplan, sharing the roof with Buensalido + Architects under WAFX’s Ethics and Values category.

**Taikoo Green Ribbon** by ARUP Hong Kong

**Kinmen County Central Library and Art Museum** by JJP Architects and Planners

Prevailing themes across all WAFX 2023 winning projects include the promotion of green spaces, the integration of a nation’s identity in one’s design, easy to manageable long-term sustenance, and concern for the overall well-being of the users. The 34 winners will be given a chance to expound on such aspects and present their projects live in Singapore where an overall WAFX winner will be feted during the festival.

Below is the full WAFX 2023 shortlist. •

Ageing and Health