urbArAmA’s Blog

The world’s biggest celebration of all things architecture gets underway next week as World Architecture Festival takes centre stage in Barcelona for the third year running from 3rd to 5th November 2010.

The annual Festival continues to build momentum, and this year has already attracted more than 1300 attendees from 85 different countries around the World.

The Festival’s thematic exhibition will be based around the theme of ‘Transformations’ and will relate to the way in which the built environment can be transformed by a combination of client commitment, architectural imagination, technological development and professional teamwork.

As well as providing a platform to meet and celebrate the work, concerns and aspirations of the global architectural community, WAF will feature a packed programme of presentations, three days of interactive seminars, 512 award entries spread over a 1690 sq ft exhibition gallery, Aecom’s URBAN SOS student competition, and inspirational keynote addresses from leading international architects.

At the heart of the festival is the World Architectural Festival Awards (WAF Awards), which will see unsung local buildings will take on internationally acclaimed projects in what is the world’s biggest architecture contest. Over 235 projects from 55 countries will go head to head at the Festival, where unlike other architectural competitions, architects will present their work in front of leading industry judges and a live public audience as they compete for the accolade of ‘World Building of the Year 2010′.

Buildings by internationally renowned architects such as Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, Will Alsop at RMJM, and Terry Farrell & Partners (Farrells), as well as smaller practices are represented among the shortlisted projects.

A star studded super-jury of distinguished architects and renowned industry figures from around the world will again be one of the highlights, led by Arata Isozaki, one of the most influential architects practicing today, whose work blends Eastern architectural style with emerging global trends, will cast the deciding vote during the grand finale.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Festival visit: www.worldarchitecturefestival.com