Top image: Singapore Sports Hub by Arup, DP Architects and Aecom – Sport category (completed buildings). See our story here. The project also took home ‘Best Future Projects Leisure-Led Development Building’ at WAF 2013.

Aula Medica, Sweden, by Wing̴rdh Arkitektkontor AB РHigher Education and Research category (completed buildings)

Now in its seventh year, the 2014 World Architecture Festival Awards has attracted entries from more than 50 countries, with a significant increase in submissions coming out of Asia. And once again, the submissions are diverse, from a Buddhist temple in Singapore to a library in the UK and a museum in South Korea.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza, South Korea, by Zaha Hadid Architects – Culture category (completed buildings)

The shortlisted firms will be competing across 27 award categories, spanning completed buildings, landscape projects and future projects at the World Architecture Festival, which will be held from 1 to 3 October at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands.

Library of Birmingham integrated with the Repertory Theatre, the UK, by Mecanoo. Culture category (completed buildings)

The firms will be making their case to a live international judging panel and the festival delegates, and for the first time, this year’s awards will include a separate ‘small projects’ category to recognise the exceptional design skills that have gone into projects of a smaller scale.

Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple, Singapore, by Czarl Architects – Religion category (completed buildings). See our story here

Oxley, Singapore, by LAUD Architects – Housing category (completed buildings)

Paul Finch, WAF Programme Director, says: “From small structures to industrial complexes, the breadth of projects shortlisted this year reveals the diversity and strength of global architectural design. It also demonstrates the creativity and tenacity of the international architectural community in creating these truly remarkable schemes.”

Stamp House, Australia, by Charles Wright Architects. House category (completed buildings)

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Centre, New Zealand, by Patterson Associates Limited. Display category (completed buildings)

The winners of each future project and completed building category will go on to compete for the World Building or Future Project of the Year award, presided over by the festival’s ‘super-jury’. Led by renowned British architect Lord Richard Rogers, the super jury will include Rocco Yim (Hong Kong), Julie Eizenberg (USA), Enric Ruiz Geli (Spain) and Peter Rich (South Africa).

Garangula Gallery, Australia, by Fender Katsalidis Mirams Architects. Culture category (completed buildings)

World Architecture Festival (WAF) will be held from 1 – 3 October 2014. For more information and the full shortlist, visit worldarchitecturefestival.com. WAF is colocated with INSIDE World Festival of Interiors.