Top 5 Most Anticipated Projects of 2025

As 2024 comes to an end, the architectural world looks ahead towards 2025. ArchDaily just released the top 25 projects to keep an eye on, and with projects including a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and preserving cultural heritage, next year is shaping up to be huge. Here are my top 5 I’ll be watching.

Grand Ring for Expo 2025

Osaka, Japan / Sou Fujimoto

A 1.25 mile (2km) timber structure on Yumeshima Island. It combines traditional Japanese wooden techniques with modern engineering, reflecting the Expo's theme, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. I want to go to Japan now.

Commercial and Cultural Center in Harajuku

Tokyo, Japan / OMA / Shohei Shigematsu

Another project in Japan of course; a new commercial and cultural hub in Tokyo's Harajuku district. The Harajuku district is known for it’s distinct style and culture, a style that somewhat contrasts with metropolitan Tokyo. The building is just one part of the “With Harajuka” project, aiming to connect the two areas, fostering a seamless flow of people and activities.

Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art

Suzhou, China / BIG

Bjarke Ingels Group is beast when it comes to intentional design. With a combination of tradition, modern, and contemporary architecture, the Suzhou Museum will reimagine the museum's classical garden heritage.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE / Frank Gehry

Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, first announced in 2006, is now set to open in 2025. Fans of Gehry will recognize his distinct (some may say chaotic) style as the building will cement itself as the largest Guggenheim outpost in the world.

Anji Culture and Art Center

Anji, China / MAD Architects

Inspired by the region's bamboo and tea heritage, the design incorporates overlapping roofs shaped like bamboo leaves. Featuring six venues, including a Grand Theater, Conference Center, and Sports Center, MAD Architects always know how to push the boundaries of design.

To see the full list, check out ArchDaily’s Top 25 Most Anticipated Projects of 2025 on their website. They dive into each project and I think each one is worth checking out in the end. Thanks for reading! See you next week.

-edo