Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens named architecture project of the year at Dezeen Awards 2024

The Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens has been revealed as Dezeen Awards 2024 architecture project of the year following the announcement of all 15 architecture category winners at a party in London.

The 15 winners awarded at the eighth annual Dezeen Awards ceremony are located in 14 different countries including Turkey, Rwanda, Morocco, Scotland, Canada and Finland.

The Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens crowned architecture project of the year

The Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens, which was designed by students from Bilkent University in collaboration with their professor Chen-Yu Chiu and his architecture firm Studio Cho, won the prestigious architecture project of the year award as well as being named civic project of the year.

The architecture master jury, which included architects Keiji Ashizawa and Francine Houben, hailed the centre for Syrian refugees in Hatay, in Turkey for fostering “unity while celebrating diversity”.

“Using simple, inexpensive materials, the project creates a monumental yet accessible design that has had a transformative effect on the city and the people who live there,” said the jury.

“Its bold, repetitive shape serves as a landmark and delivers a powerful architectural statement, seamlessly integrating with the city’s geometry making it an outstanding contribution to the community.”

Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens by Studio Cho. Photo by Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens

The winning Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre was up against the other 14 category winners that included a spherical dome extension using cross-laminated timber in Stockholm, an office building with exposed timber frame in Paris and a restored fortress using timber in Turkey.

An extension of a 1900s cottage using charred-timber extension and a compact house with plywood roof curves were two winning projects located in Australia.

View the winning architecture projects on the Dezeen Awards website or read below:

Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens by Studio Cho. Photo by Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens

Architecture project of the year and civic project of the year: The Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens by Studio Cho

This community centre for refugees and residents affected by the 13-year Syrian civil war and 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake was named architecture project of the year.

Completed by students from Bilkent University, Chiu and architecture firm Studio Cho, the project intends to encourage integration and alleviate tensions between these two communities.

The hub, which is both earthquake-proof and bomb-proof, was built from concrete walls crowned with a curved roof made of corrugated steel sheets.

According to the architecture master jury, “the Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens exemplifies the true role of architecture – to improve lives and uplift communities”.

“This project utilises minimal materials for maximum impact, embodying the essence of a community centre,” continued the judges.

“A masterful, creative solution that deserves to be celebrated, delivering maximum impact with minimal resources.”

Northcote House by LLDS. Photo by Tom Ross

Urban house of the year: Northcote House by LLDS

A self-designed home with a curved plywood roof in Melbourne, Australia, by local practice LLDS Architects won urban house of the year.

Built on a former car park measuring 4.6 metres wide, the compact home was informed by the narrow urban plot on which it sits and features bespoke elements such as a sculptural plywood staircase, textured concrete surfaces and bent trellis facade.

“Northcote House reinvents the townhouse concept with innovative design and sustainability,” the master jury said.

“The project harmonises diverse materials, striking a balance between sculptural and functional elements,” they continued. “Its interior spaces are beautifully designed to enhance natural light and comfort.”

“It serves as a model for future developments, demonstrating that thoughtful design can create inviting, modern living spaces.”

Caochan na Creige by Izat Arundell. Photo by Richard Gaston

Rural house of the year: Caochan na Creige by Izat Arundell

Local practice Izat Arundell won rural house of the year for its remote house in the Outer Hebrides designed to “sit respectfully in the landscape” using local stone to clade the exterior.

The single-storey timber frame home in Scotland features an irregular, angled plan and minimalist materials to blend with the dramatic landscape.

“This project masterfully embodies the shapes of its landscape, with a design that thoughtfully responds to various views and integrates seamlessly with its surroundings,” said the jury.

“The combination of materials showcases a crafted home that exudes warmth and connection, reflecting a deep care in its construction,” they added.

“A compact yet spacious layout, Caochan na Creige exemplifies sustainable living, capturing the spirit of its creators and their appreciation for the landscape.”

The Residences at Sandford Lodge by Shay Cleary Architects. Photo by Hackett Photography

Housing project of the year: The Residences at Sandford Lodge by Shay Cleary Architects

A low-rise residential complex organised around a communal courtyard in Dublin won housing project of the year.

The development of low-rise apartments and duplexes designed by Shay Cleary Architects draws on its research into sustainable urban housing typologies.

“This development is elegantly designed, achieving high sustainability standards while fitting seamlessly into its context as a modern interpretation of traditional brick houses,” said the judges.

“The courtyard transforms the typical use of space by prioritising children’s play,” they continued. “Its thoughtful approach enhances both community interaction and safety, making it a commendable example of contemporary residential design.”

Shadow House by Grotto Studio. Photo by Jack Lovel

House renovation of the year: Shadow House by Grotto Studio

Australian practice Grotto Studio won house renovation of the year for its charred-timber extension in Perth.

Inspired by shadows, the sensitively restored cottage uses a blend of traditional and modern material to preserve the building’s original elements.

“This project beautifully contrasts the existing building with new elements, showcasing a rich character through warm, reclaimed materials such as burned wood,” said the master jury.

“The design respects the historic home while introducing contemporary features, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.”

Wisdome Stockholm by Elding Oscarson. Photo by Mikael Olsson

Cultural project of the year: Wisdome Stockholm by Elding Oscarson

A timber theatre extension for the National Swedish Museum of Technology by Elding Oscarson won cultural project of the year.

Located in Stockholm, the spherical dome uses 277 pieces of cross-laminated timber to encase a series of 3D screens and teared seating.

According to the judges, the building seamlessly integrated with its context and “beautifully balances boldness and subtlety, achieving a remarkably inviting atmosphere”.

“By redefining expectations for planetarium design, it creates a welcoming presence at street level while maintaining an impressive interior volume,” they added.

Pavillon Jardins by Atelier du Pont. Photo by Charly Broyez

Workplace project of the year: Pavillon Jardins by Atelier du Pont

French studio Atelier du Pont was crowned workplace project of the year for Pavillon Jardins, a timber office building in Paris.

The 3,000-square-metre structure was encased in a timber frame centred around a large central atrium providing a core social space, whilst the workspaces organised around it look out towards the surrounding landscape.

“Pavillon Jardins exemplifies sophisticated design through its innovative use of modular elements, with the interplay between interior and exterior modules creating a vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by natural light and thoughtful acoustics,” said the judges.

“The project demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility, including the impressive reuse of tons of waste from demolition,” they continued.

“This refreshing approach to workplace design sets a new standard for functionality and sustainability in contemporary architecture.”

Churchill Meadows Community Centre and Sports Park by MJMA Architecture & Design. Photo by Scott Norsworthy

Health and wellbeing project of the year: Churchill Meadows Community Centre and Sports Park by MJMA Architecture & Design

A sports and community centre in Mississauga, Canada, featuring timber columns and a mesh facade to emulate “a screen of trees” won health and wellbeing project of the year.

Designed by Toronto studio MJMA Architecture & Design, the 6,875-square metre sports centre houses an aquatic hall and sports courts that overlook outdoor playing fields, a skate park and walking trails.

“This project transforms a typically mundane building type by embracing light in a sophisticated and thoughtful way, creating spaces that elevate communal wellbeing,” said the master jury.

“Its integration with the surrounding park amplifies its connection to nature, while the use of mass timber construction highlights its sustainability,” they said.

“Overall, this project masterfully combines form, function and environment to create a healthier, more uplifting space.”

Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) by MASS Design Group. Photo by Iwan Baan

Education project of the year: Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) by MASS Design Group

US architecture firm MASS Design Group won education project of the year for its climate-positive campus built with local materials.

Integrating seamlessly in the surrounding context of Gashora, Rwanda, the project aims to restore native biodiversity and train future generations of leaders in conservation agriculture.

“This project stands out as an ambitious and inspiring example of educational architecture using vernacular construction methods, the project not only preserves local heritage but also elevates it, instilling pride within the community,” said the jury.

“It is a thoughtful, gimmick-free approach that showcases the profound influence architecture can have on shaping young minds and their learning environments.”

High commended: Bloomingdale International School pre-primary extension by Andblack Design Studio

Architecture firm Andblack Design Studio was highly commended for its preschool extension featuring an undulated roof topped with artificial grass in Andhra Pradesh, India.

The 4,000-square-foot structure challenges the traditional school model, utilising curved forms and non-linear spaces to foster creativity and play.

The judges said: “Andblack Design Studio has ditched conventional school design to create a series of generous and free-flowing spaces for learning, which are topped with a striking undulating roof.”

Seddülbahir Fortress by KOOP Architects. Photo by Egemen Karakaya

Heritage project of the year: Seddülbahir Fortress by KOOP Architects

Turkish studio KOOP Architects won heritage project of the year for revitalising a 17th-century Ottoman fortress into an open air museum in the village of Sedd el Bahr, Turkey.

The Seddülbahir Fortress has been restored using timber to outline how the stone ruin would have previously looked.

“This project masterfully balances the memory of the past with contemporary design, creating a light yet impactful intervention that celebrates both the old and the new,” said the jury.

“The subtle, respectful integration of new elements enhances the existing structure without overpowering it, offering a beautiful, harmonious result,” they continued.

“Its ability to honour history while embracing the present makes it a clear winner in this category.”

Maison Brummell Majorelle by Bergendy Cooke. Photo by Emily Andrews

Hospitality project of the year: Maison Brummell Majorelle by Bergendy Cooke

New Zealand studio Bergendy Cooke was named hospitality project of the year for its sculptural earth-clad hotel in Marrakech.

Coated in a pink-toned mixture of earth and quicklime, the boutique hotel located next to Marrakech’s famous Majorelle Gardens features arched recesses and u-shaped balconies designed to reference local architecture.

“This project exemplifies how to create contemporary architecture that is deeply rooted in its place, utilising local materials, craftsmanship and building techniques in a modern and innovative way,” said the master jury.

“It masterfully reinterprets vernacular architecture, bringing it to a contemporary level while maintaining a focus on sustainability and simplicity, to create inviting spaces that people will love to stay in.”

The Land Bridge & Prairie at Memorial Park by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects. Photo by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects

Infrastructure and transport project of the year: The Land Bridge & Prairie at Memorial Park by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects

A six-lane highway with a sprawling land bridge and park in Houston was awarded infrastructure and transport project of the year.

US studio Nelson Byrd Woltz built two tunnels covered with soil and native grasses to create a land bridge that links two sides of the 1,464-acre park offering new animal habitats and cleaner air for humans.

“This is exactly the kind of intervention we should be aiming for in efforts to heal our planet,” said the master jury.

“Using landscape architecture to restore ecological balance, the project demonstrates a thoughtful, impactful approach to environmental stewardship.”

Highly commended: FW JI-Covered Bridge on Aqueduct by IARA

Beijing-based architecture studio IARA was highly commenced in the infrastructure and transport project category for a sheltered timber bridge addition to an aqueduct in Huangshan, China.

Named FW JI-Covered Bridge on Aqueduct, the project in Fengwu Village is built from timber covered in a corrugated aluminium roof, which doubles as a sheltered community space for gathering.

“This elegant project demonstrates that you don’t need a huge budget to create something impactful,” said the judges.

“The beautifully designed and meticulously detailed timber structure has reinvigorated an abandoned aqueduct, transforming it into a functional and beautiful piece of infrastructure.”

Majamaja Off-Grid Village by Littow Architectes and Majamaja. Photo by Joonas Linkola

Small project of the year: Majamaja Off-Grid Village by Littow Architectes and Majamaja

Littow Architectes and Majamaja won small project of the year for a collection of micro-homes perched on a rocky landscape by the sea in Helsinki, Finland.

Named Majamaja Off-Grid Village, the spruce and birch plywood micro-homes operate off the main electricity grid, with solar panels on the roof to provide electricity.

“This off-grid project stands out for its innovative design, optimising space while maintaining a sense of openness and serenity,” said the jury.

“Thoughtfully designed with multifunctional spaces and flexible modules, it maximises efficiency without sacrificing comfort,” they added. “The project’s connection to the natural landscape further enhances its appeal, offering a sustainable, harmonious living environment.”

Nantou Hybrid Building by Urbanus. Photo by Zhang Chao

Mixed-use project of the year: Nantou Hybrid Building by Urbanus

An adaptive reuse project showcasing a diverse palette of materials in Shenzhen, China by Urbanus won mixed-use project of the year.

The Nantou Hybrid Building combines five individual buildings removing partitions to create a central void whilst retaining the existing facade, and uses colourful paints to distinguish new exterior elements.

“This project exemplifies the power of thoughtful design to capture and enhance the spirit of a place, embracing the existing structure and respectfully adding to it, the project balances creativity, innovation and sustainability,” said the jury.

“Its bold yet humble approach preserves each building’s original character while making playful additions, resulting in a vibrant transformation that breathes new life into the surrounding neighbourhood.”

Highly commended: Calwer Passage by Ingenhoven Associates

German studio Ingenhoven Associates was highly commended for redesigning a former shopping centre with a tree-planted roof terrace and trailing plant facade in Stuttgart.

The studio extended the 1970s shopping arcade with a mix of offices and apartments, whilst the lower portion of the structure contains shops, restaurants and subway station in its basement.

“This project is an innovative example of how an existing building can be adapted to create a healthier and more appealing environment for its occupants and those who pass by,” said the master jury.

The Opera Park by Cobe. Photo by Cobe

Landscape and urban design project of the year: The Opera Park by Cobe

A 21,500-square-metre landscaped island in Copenhagen’s inner harbour that features six gardens won landscape and urban design project of the year.

Designed by Danish studio Cobe, the island sits on a former industrial site adjacent to The Royal Danish Opera House and features a flower-shaped greenhouse with subtropical gardens and cafe.

“This project is an exceptionally well-designed public space that delivers both environmental and social benefits,” said the judges.

“The design offers a rich, diverse experience, from the varied plant life to the interplay of materials,” they continued.

“It is a high-quality, thoughtful contribution to urban space, becoming a highly popular public attraction.”

Highly commended: A Breathing Sea Wall: Haikou Jiangdong Beach Park by Turenscape

A concrete sea wall renovated into a public space in Haikou City by landscape architecture studio Turenscape has been highly commended.

Formerly a fish farm, the studio converted the sea wall into a terraced structure incorporating plants to help mitigate the local threat of rising sea levels while providing locals with an accessible public space with pedestrian pathways, bike lanes and boardwalks.

“Turenscape has transformed an ugly but essential sea wall into a fantastic new public space for people, animals and plants to enjoy,” said the jury.

Dezeen Awards 2024 in partnership with Bentley

Dezeen Awards is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across the globe. The seventh edition of the annual awards programme is in partnership with Bentley as part of a wider collaboration to inspire, support and champion design excellence and showcase innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This ambition complements Bentley’s architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home range of furnishings and real estate projects around the world.

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