Two YODEZEEN projects shortlisted for World Architecture Festival Awards 2026
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Two YODEZEEN projects shortlisted for World Architecture Festival Awards 2026
Two YODEZEEN projects have been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards 2026, one of the world's most prestigious architecture awards celebrating excellence in design, innovation, and the built environment. Modern Mosque in Riyadh and Monsoon, a private residence near Mumbai, have been recognised in two distinct categories, reflecting the studio's commitment to creating architecture that is deeply rooted in context, culture, and place.
Shortlisted in the Interiors: Public Buildings category, Modern Mosque is located within a private 12,000-square-metre royal family residence in Riyadh. Conceived as a place for reflection and prayer, the project reinterprets contemporary mosque architecture through a restrained design language that honours cultural and spiritual traditions while embracing modern architectural expression. Rather than relying on ornament, the design creates its atmosphere through proportion, light, and carefully selected materials. Every spatial decision was made to support contemplation, demonstrating how contemporary architecture can respectfully engage with centuries of architectural heritage while responding to the expectations of modern life.
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"Although Modern Mosque and Monsoon belong to completely different typologies, they were shaped by the same design philosophy. We never begin with a visual signature. Instead, we begin by understanding the culture, climate, traditions, and the way people will experience a space. A mosque in Riyadh and a private residence in India each required their own architectural language, yet both demonstrate that meaningful architecture grows from context rather than repetition. Being shortlisted by the World Architecture Festival affirms our belief that the future of architecture lies in creating places that feel authentic to where they belong."
Artur Sharf and Artem Zverev.
YODEZEEN founders
Monsoon has been shortlisted in the Future Project: House category for its context-driven approach to luxury residential architecture near Mumbai, India. Responding to the region's monsoon climate, the design prioritises natural ventilation, shaded outdoor living, and a seamless relationship between interior and exterior spaces. The project reflects YODEZEEN's belief that high-end residential design should emerge from its environment, combining contemporary architecture with regional knowledge to create homes that are both timeless and deeply connected to place.
For YODEZEEN, having two projects recognised across different categories is not only an important milestone, but also a reflection of the studio's broader vision: delivering bespoke architecture and interiors that respond to the unique character of every location, client, and community. The studio congratulates all finalists shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival Awards 2026 and looks forward to joining architects from around the world at this year's festival.
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