Latest news with #WorldArchitectureFestival
Observer
2 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Muscat Structure Plan competes for global urbanism award
MUSCAT, JULY 13 The Muscat Structure Plan – a blueprint for enhanced governance, future growth, and resilient development of sustainable neighbourhoods across the capital region of the Sultanate of Oman – has been shortlisted among landmark international developments vying for honours at the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF), set to take place in Miami, USA, later this year. The annual World Architecture Festival is the world's largest awards programme and conference dedicated to celebrating excellence in global architecture and urbanism. The 2025 edition, scheduled from November 12–14, marks the first time the event will be hosted in the United States. In an announcement, Broadway Malyan – the UK-based global architecture, urbanism and design practice – revealed that the Muscat Structure Plan is a frontrunner for one of the top accolades. 'We're excited to share that the Muscat Structure Plan is a finalist in the World Architecture Festival's Future Projects – Masterplanning category for the 2025 awards,' the firm noted. The Greater Muscat Structure Plan focuses on compact, connected development by increasing population densities in better-linked areas, aiming to curb urban sprawl. It promotes the creation of well-defined, serviced urban districts with a clear purpose, identity, and strong connection to their surroundings. To underpin economic resilience, the plan proposes the creation of 19 employment clusters, supporting Muscat's projected growth to 890,000 jobs by 2040, while driving a shift to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy. Recognising Muscat's pivotal role in delivering Oman Vision 2040, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning commissioned a technical team led by Broadway Malyan to develop the Greater Muscat Structure Plan — a strategic framework for sustainable growth and urban governance, aligned with the Sultanate's 2050 net-zero emissions target. A key feature of the Plan is the introduction of over 54 km of mass transit lines, enabling higher-density, mixed-use development on underutilised government land. The transit network is designed to bring one-third of Muscat's population within a 20-minute walk of a station or feeder stop, supporting a shift toward low-carbon, accessible urban living. Additionally, the Plan seeks to leverage Muscat's natural and heritage assets — including its dramatic coastline and historic identity — to position the capital as a compelling destination for tourism, investment, and regional talent. The city's 12 wadi systems, which connect the mountains to the coast, form the backbone of a proposed open-space network, reinforcing Muscat's transformation into a lush, green urban oasis amidst its arid surroundings.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Designing Piha's Eye-Catching Bunker House
The bunker house in West Auckland's Piha certainly stands out. Designed by Chris Tate, it looks like a very modern bunker, hence the name. Now it's up for an award at the World Architecture Festival. Chris chatted to Jesse about the challenges making his vision into a reality. Photo: Simon Devitt
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
A koala sanctuary and old beer factory: Australian architects punching above their weight
Australian architects are over-represented in a global short list that includes a New York film studio, a noodle bar, the interior design of a rainforest hotel in Singapore, a plaza in London's Canary Wharf and a wildlife eco-park. Of 468 projects, the US had the most on the shortlist with 52, followed by the UK (50), Australia (37), China (35) and India (23). The World Architecture Festival is the largest and most hyped of international architecture competitions, featuring live judging sessions that could be called 'Architects' Got Talent'. 'Only at WAF are you judged by your peers, your heroes and the industry's power players, all live at the festival,' says the pitch. In contrast with many of the big projects shortlisted, Ken McBryde, design director at the architecture Gensler Australia, said Guulabaa (the place of koala) was 'almost an austere project, bare bones, but made in a grand way'. McBryde said the Forestry Corporation of NSW project near Wauchope included a 'bush chapel' made of seven-metre telegraph poles and fire-resistant Australian hardwoods. It is designed for Indigenous educational programs and can also host weddings. The area was devastated by the 2019-20 bushfires, which killed millions of native animals, including koalas. The work by Gensler includes an Aboriginal cafe and a gallery and is located next to a koala conservation centre by AJC Architects. McBryde said it was the world's first wild koala breeding facility, setting a new global benchmark for conservation-led development. He said the project by Forest Corp would raise awareness that 'koalas and the harvesting of trees can go hand in hand'. Loading Other Australian projects include the new Yellamundie library at Liverpool by fjcstudio, the high-rise One Sydney Harbour by Renzo Piano, the adaptation of Rosebery Engine Yards by Group GSA, Pyrmont Community Centre by Welsh + Major, the interior of Shell House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects and the Sirius Redevelopment by BVN. Two metro stations were also shortlisted, including Martin Place by Grimshaw, and Central by Woods Bagot with John McAslan + Partners.
The Age
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
A koala sanctuary and old beer factory: Australian architects punching above their weight
Australian architects are over-represented in a global short list that includes a New York film studio, a noodle bar, the interior design of a rainforest hotel in Singapore, a plaza in London's Canary Wharf and a wildlife eco-park. Of 468 projects, the US had the most on the shortlist with 52, followed by the UK (50), Australia (37), China (35) and India (23). The World Architecture Festival is the largest and most hyped of international architecture competitions, featuring live judging sessions that could be called 'Architects' Got Talent'. 'Only at WAF are you judged by your peers, your heroes and the industry's power players, all live at the festival,' says the pitch. In contrast with many of the big projects shortlisted, Ken McBryde, design director at the architecture Gensler Australia, said Guulabaa (the place of koala) was 'almost an austere project, bare bones, but made in a grand way'. McBryde said the Forestry Corporation of NSW project near Wauchope included a 'bush chapel' made of seven-metre telegraph poles and fire-resistant Australian hardwoods. It is designed for Indigenous educational programs and can also host weddings. The area was devastated by the 2019-20 bushfires, which killed millions of native animals, including koalas. The work by Gensler includes an Aboriginal cafe and a gallery and is located next to a koala conservation centre by AJC Architects. McBryde said it was the world's first wild koala breeding facility, setting a new global benchmark for conservation-led development. He said the project by Forest Corp would raise awareness that 'koalas and the harvesting of trees can go hand in hand'. Loading Other Australian projects include the new Yellamundie library at Liverpool by fjcstudio, the high-rise One Sydney Harbour by Renzo Piano, the adaptation of Rosebery Engine Yards by Group GSA, Pyrmont Community Centre by Welsh + Major, the interior of Shell House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects and the Sirius Redevelopment by BVN. Two metro stations were also shortlisted, including Martin Place by Grimshaw, and Central by Woods Bagot with John McAslan + Partners.
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
Telegraph Island project shortlisted for World Architecture Festival awards
Muscat: The design for the revitalisation of Maqlab Island (Telegraph Island) has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025, under the Future Projects – Culture category. This international recognition underscores the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of the project and places it among the world's most forward-thinking and visionary designs. The World Architecture Festival is renowned as a global platform for celebrating architectural innovation and excellence. Being shortlisted for this award reflects the project's strong design narrative, cultural sensitivity and commitment to storytelling through architecture. An artist's impression of the project Maqlab Island, located off the coast of Musandam, is steeped in history dating back to 1864 when it served as a telegraph cable repeater station. The ruins of the island have long stood as silent witnesses to its past, nestled in a lagoon surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine waters. The project's vision is to transform Maqlab Island into a culturally rich, environmentally conscious destination — celebrating its unique heritage, attracting ecotourism and promoting educational and recreational experiences. An artist's impression of the project Early design explorations considered reconstructing the island's original features. However, the final concept embraced a more forward-looking approach: blending preservation with minimal yet impactful architectural intervention. The result is a design that overlays the island's existing foundation without altering its structure — introducing a new architectural layer that echoes the island's story through form and materiality. A multifunctional structure will serve as a visitor hub, art installation and event space for exhibitions, gatherings, and cultural programmes. Designed to visually harmonise with the natural landscape, the building blends into its surroundings by day and transforms into a glowing architectural jewel by night. An artist's impression of the project Enhancements include a dedicated arrival jetty, accessible pathways, interpretive signage, viewing platforms, and telescopes — all designed to enrich the visitor experience while respecting the island's scale and serenity. The island will be fully self-sufficient, powered by solar energy and supported by its own RO plant. Measures such as offshore buoys will protect coral ecosystems from boat anchors. The structure is designed to achieve zero carbon emissions, reinforcing H+S's environmental commitment. The project is implemented by Hoehler + al Salmy (H+S), a leading architectural consultancy rooted in a legacy of innovation, cultural sensitivity and international collaboration.
