Cutting-edge Asia Pacific projects
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the winning projects of the inaugural RIBA Asia Pacific Awards.
The 10 projects illustrate a powerful shift in how the built environment across the Asia Pacific is evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
In China, the ambitious transformation of Taoxichuan Ceramic Culture Industrial Park into a thriving cultural district demonstrates the power of adaptive reuse and establishes a new benchmark for contemporary urban public spaces.
In India, House of Memories by Studio Gravitas, in collaboration with Eleemente and Bodh Design Group, reinterprets a traditional courtyard for contemporary and multi-generational living in a compact and suburban plot in Karnataka.
This year’s projects demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability, with designs that reduce environmental impact and foreground long-term stewardship of the natural landscape.
In Bangladesh, BRAC University by WOHA transformed a former landfill site into a vibrant and climate-conscious educational hub, setting a strong precedent for sustainable architecture and design.
In Singapore, a new 51-storey building, CapitaSpring, integrates more than 38,000 plants across sky gardens and communal spaces, creating a breathable, people-centred environment in the heart of the business district, demonstrating how dense cities can prioritise well-being alongside business success.
Innovation sits at the heart of the winning works, with architects embracing emerging technologies and AI-driven design tools to advance creative boundaries.
In China, Rui Xue Multi-Hall by Tongji University combined digital design and robotic fabrication to create an organic timber structure that supports the country’s rural revitalisation efforts, while the Qianhai Museum in Shenzhen stands as a waterfront cultural landmark, blending art, nature, and technology into one cohesive cultural experience.
Spanning across China, India, Singapore and Bangladesh, this year’s winners showcase the remarkable range of design intelligence shaping local communities across the Asia Pacific.
Projects such as the West Wusutu Village Community Center in Hohhot and the Seaside Pavilion on Chai Shan Island demonstrate how architecture can foster a strong sense of belonging and serve as welcoming gateways for both visitors and locals alike.
Varied in ambition, scale, and approach, these works illustrate a dynamic architectural landscape that continues to set new standards on the world stage.
Prof Dennis Ho, RIBA Chapter Chair, Hong Kong, says: “This year’s winners exemplify the depth and diversity of architectural excellence across the Asia Pacific.
“They reflect a shared commitment to design that responds to local culture and environment, setting new benchmarks for innovation and social purpose, and proving that thoughtful, context-driven design can meaningfully shape a more sustainable and vibrant future for the region.”
And Chris Williamson, RIBA President, adds: “RIBA’s Asia Pacific Awards celebrate the extraordinary creativity and leadership of architects across this dynamic region.
“The winning projects are diverse in scale and context but share a common goal: to design for people, place, and planet.
“They exemplify architecture’s power to tackle complex challenges and inspire meaningful change.”
Pic: Qianhai Museum project, courtesy of the Architectural Design and Research Institute of SCUT, SCAD and FCDT