A major part of the 2017 World Architecture Festival (WAF) involves taking a look at striking projects that have been proposed or are nearing completion. The best ones enter the running to win prestigious awards at the event held between the 15 and 17 of November.
The shortlist shows where architecture is heading and how architects are pushing the boundaries of design, both in terms of interiors and exteriors. Below we will discuss a few of the most impressive projects. As a forward thinking architect London clients can work closely with, we always love looking at cutting edge designs.

The Maritime Museum in Randaberg, Norway is designed to celebrate an important aspect of the history of the country. The building is designed to provide a beautiful 360 degree view of the coastal landscape. The design is all about contrast, featuring a curve that represents the power of waves with an internal pool that symbolises calm.

1 Undershaft London is an interesting project. The thing that makes the 290 metre tall tower stand out is the unique bracing on the exterior. This supports the core and helps to maximise the floor space inside. The office accommodation will be amongst the most flexible in the capital and there will also be new retail space and a public square at the base of the tower. The highest public viewing gallery in Britain will be created at the top of the building.

The proposed Museum of Military History in Cardiff will provide a new home for a vast collection of artefacts, a huge library and archives too. The design aims to reflect the cultural heritage of the bay area whilst also celebrating the theme of the museum. A unique feature will be a ramp connecting different shaped exhibition spaces.

Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town, South Africa is set to open this September and is already being heralded as the most important cultural attraction in Africa. It will become the first museum to showcase artwork from all across the continent. Refurbishing a historically significant building with no grand internal spaces was a big challenge. The curved galleries overcome this problem and the finished design celebrates the heritage of the property.

The Skelleftea Cultural Centre in Sweden has an astonishing design. It will become the tallest building in the region to be made using wood frame construction. The method of stacking up modules was chosen to celebrate the number of homes in the area built in this way. The setting just south of the Arctic Circle makes the building very special.