world architecture festival
This building by Amanda Levete and Associates is located on the Tagus River, and is a multi-purpose facility designed in such a way that visitors can walk over, under and within the building itself.
world architecture festival
This proposed footbridge uses mirrors to "open a new virtual dimension." The design would be located on a site near the East Side Gallery in Berlin, where two bridges have already been built and destroyed.
world architecture festival
Conceived as a solution to shelters housing growing numbers of refugees, Shelter on the Edge in Aleppo, Syria, is designed to allow for new units to be added onto existing housing units when the need arises.
world architecture festival
This chapel is located within a hospital in Pambujan, a small rural town in the Philippines. The chapel features stained glass in the entry as well as the back of the alter.
world architecture festival
This ferry terminal in Salerno, Italy, features multiple levels, with visitors entering on the ground level, and moving up through internal ramps to the upper levels where they can board and disembark the ferry.

Swipe through the gallery for some of the other buildings to make this year's World Architecture Festival shortlist.
world architecture festival
This pharmacy in Himeji City, Japan, features a minimalist white interior with black accents. The architects hope that the interior will convey a sense of "advanced medical care" that patients would expect.
world architecture festival
Designed as a treatment residence for indigenous people suffering from renal disease, the Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel in Fitzroy Crossing, Australia, allows patients to receive treatment while still being close to their family members and the community. The space features six small houses, and can accommodate a total of 19 people.
world architecture festival
Initially revealed as part of the 2016 London Design Festival, The Smile is constructed using American tulipwood, a material said to be stronger than concrete.
world architecture festival
The Zhuhai Opera House in Zhuhai, China, is built of two shell-like structures, the larger of which sits at 90 meters (295 feet) tall, and the smaller at 60 meters (197 feet) tall. Collectively, both buildings can seat over 2,000 people.
world architecture festival
The Binh House in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, features several spaces -- from the roof to the balconies -- for trees and plants. The architects hope that this will increase the presence of green spaces in cities.
world architecture festival
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates were tasked with renovating the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. One of the renovations included a steel "wrap" around the building's existing framework.
world architecture festival
This Sao Paulo, Brazil, home is built with a triangular floor plan, and maximizes natural light through the use of a skylight and printed glass brise-soleils.
world architecture festival
Conceived as a solution to rising housing prices in major cities, BIG's Urban Rigger is built with re-purposed shipping containers. It is the first floating, carbon neutral housing made from shipping containers.
world architecture festival
Designed by the Thai Landscape Architecture firm PLandscape, the Garden of the Mind is inspired by the country's culture and landscapes.
world architecture festival
Printemps is a Parisian department store that was originally built in 1865. This redesign introduces an atrium to the complex that allows visitors to see multiple levels.
world architecture festival
This hotel's exterior is made using locally-sourced sandstone. Plants help to improve ventilation and provide shade to the building's interior.
world architecture festival
At 162 meters (531 feet) tall this is the tallest moving observation tower in the world. The glass observation pod can hold 200 people and features 360 degree views of Brighton and surrounding areas.
world architecture festival
This chapel in Suzhou, China features a perforated metal facade, and uses multiple windows throughout the space to best utilize natural light.
CNN  — 

Since it first launched in Barcelona nearly a decade ago, the World Architecture Festival (WAF) has showcased some of the most ambitious and impressive new buildings on Earth, and the event’s World Building Of The Year award, has become one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry.

The 10th edition of the festival – which relocated to Berlin in 2016 – promises a full program of events, including seminars and talks from the likes of Archigram founder Sir Peter Cook and Zaha Hadid Architects director Patrik Schumacher.

China unveils plans for world's first pollution-eating 'Forest City'

The buildings nominated for the award are a mixed bunch – the garish Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is up against the contemplative Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel, a facility in the Australian Outback for indigenous residents suffering from end stage renal disease. But, there are clear themes on show, noticeably a growing respect for natural surroundings and the use of locally sourced materials.

The impact of climate change on design

Among the buildings which aim to blur the line between nature and the built environment are Amanda Levette’s design for MAAT – the new Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology in Lisbon – a sweeping structure located on the outskirts of they city that compliments the vast body of water in front of it.

world architecture festival
The Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects

Another example is the Binh House project by Vo Trong Nghia Architects in Ho Chi Minh City, which lets nature take the lead, building homes around trees to stunning effect.

Other standouts include Bjarke Ingels’ Urban Rigger, a floating, carbon neutral housing solution that arranges shipping containers on a hexagonal platform, creating roof terraces and a courtyard in the process. And Tokyo’s Co-op Kyosai Plaza, a plant-covered concrete tower that changes its appearance according to the season.

world architecture festival
The Salerno Maritime Terminal in Salerno, Italy by Zaha Hadid Architects

2017 saw a record number of international entries with architectural practices from 51 different nations and projects based across 68 countries.

According to a statement by WAF program director Paul Finch, “This year’s shortlist has a hugely diverse geographic range. The use of water has been striking and there is evidence of real interest in climate modifications using novel techniques.”

Winners will be announced during the 2017 World Architecture Festival which takes place Nov. 15-17, 2017.