The 284-strong shortlist of projects competing for prizes at this year’s World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards has been unveiled

Representing over 59 different countries, the shortlist was selected from a record-breaking number of entries to the international awards which celebrate excellence in global architectural design.

With each of the shortlisted projects now vying for the coveted World Building of the Year prize, finalists have to wait until the festival in November to learn who will pick up the awards.

Paul Finch, WAF programme director, said: ‘The WAF Awards celebrate architectural excellence the world over and allow architects to showcase their talent and their unique responses to the ever-changing economic climate.

‘There is now an increasing need for innovative approaches to architecture, inspiring architects and designers to think in new ways about buildings. It’s encouraging that the quality of this year’s entries is the highest we’ve ever seen and we look forward to seeing which projects both the judges select as the winners.’

The WAF super jury, headed by Michael Sorkin who is principal of Michael Sorkin Studio New York, will cast their vote at the festival’s finale to decide which of the 281 shortlisted projects is crowned World Building of the Year 2011.

The festival – which is now in its fourth year – takes place from 2 to 4 November in Barcelona.

South Africa was shortlisted for three different categories under the ‘Completed Buildings’ shortlist:

1. Civic and community

Football Training Centre/Soweto, south Africa, RUFproject.

2. House

Dalrymple Pavillion, South Africa, Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens.

25 Loader Street, South Africa, Kotlowitz Marais Architects.

3. New and old

Maboneng Phase 1- Arts on Main and Main street Life, South Africa, Daffonchio and associates architects, Daffonchio and Associates.

RESOURCE: The Architectural Review Online

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