Top image: NTU Learning Hub, Singapore, by Heatherwick Studio

A truly international event, this year sees a total of 46 countries competing to win a World Architecture Festival Award. To be held once again in Singapore in November, the 8th cycle includes 338 shortlisted projects across 31 categories, ranging from small family homes to large commercial developments and landscape projects.

NTU Learning Hub, Singapore, by Heatherwick Studio

In Singapore, it perhaps hardly comes as a surprise to see the much talked about NTU Learning Hub making the list. Designed by Heatherwick Studio and executed by lead architect CPG Consultants, the project is a multi-use educational building that weaves social and learning zones to create a space more conducive to casual interaction between students and professors. Each room has no corners and no obvious front or back, but opens onto a shared circulation space, allowing students to be visually connected to each other and the different activities occurring in the building (more on that story here).

Glowing Lantern Building, Singapore, by Robert Greg Shand Architects

Another notable Singaporean project to make the selection, the Glowing Lantern Building by Robert Greg Shand Architects is the country’s first Indian Heritage Centre, and sensitively marries a contemporary architectural language with contextual design solutions. The building features small-scale museum facilities, as well as community and educational spaces (see story here).

Other shortlisted entries: The Interlace, Singapore, by OMA/Buro Ole Scheeren

100pp, Singapore, by Ministry of Design (see story here)

This year’s WAF jury panel includes such illustrious names as Sir Peter Cook (UK), Sou Fujimoto, (Japan) and Kerry Hill (Singapore).

Ribbon Chapel for Weddings, Japan, by Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP

Yanweichou wetlands park, China, by Turenscapes

Apart from vying for the top spot in their individual categories, all shortlisted practices will also be competing to take home the title of “World Building of the Year”.

Gammel Hellerup High School, Denmark, by Bjarke Ingels Group

Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Institute & Cultural Centre, Australia, by Woods Bagot

The World Architecture Festival 2015 will be held from 4 to 6 November at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Visit worldarchitecturefestival.com for more information.