We thought buildings were simply a matter of four walls and a roof, with an assortment of doors and windows thrown in for good measure. How wrong we were.
The following collection of bold curves, stark lines and camera-grabbing spectacles make up just some of those buildings shortlisted for this year's World Architecture Festival awards. The winners of all 29 categories (including Housing, New and Old, and Religion) will be announced over the course of the festival, held in Singapore between 2-4 October.
For a closer look, click on the images below:
Heydar Aliyev Centre
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Location: Azerbaijan
Award category: Culture
L'Avenue Shanghai
Architect: Leigh & Orange
Location: China
Award category: Shopping
Fazenda Boa Vista
Architect: Isay Weinfeld
Location: Brazil
Award category: Hotel/Leisure
Bethel Assembly of God Church
Architect: LAUD Architects Pte
Location: Singapore
Award category: Religious Buildings
The Blue Planet
Architect: 3XN
Location: Denmark
Award category: Display
Kontum Indochine Cafe
Architect: Vo Trong Nghia Architects
Location: Vietnam
Award category: Hotel/Leisure
Kaap Skil, Maritime & Beachcombers Museum
Architect: Mecanoo
Location: Netherlands
Award category: Culture
Emporia
Architect: Wingardh Arkitktkontor AB
Location: Sweden
Award category: Shopping
Benson Radiology
Architect: Tridente Architects
Location: Austrialia
Award category: New and Old
Al Bahr
Architect: Aedas Ltd
Location: UAE
Award category: Office
Rush University Medical Center New Hospital Tower
Architect: Perkins+Will
Location: USA
Award category: Health
Diamond House
Architect: formwerkz architects
Location: Singapore
Award category: House
Chesapeake Building 12
Architect: Elliott + Associates Architects
Location: USA
Award category: Office
