Being shortlisted as a Finalist at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2024 in Singapore marked a historic moment for DesignOne—and for Sri Lankan architecture worldwide.
Hosted at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, WAF stands among the world’s most influential architectural forums. It gathers the studios shaping tomorrow’s cities.
This year, DesignOne stood alongside practices such as Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners, and KPF.
The recognition was powerful.
Not for trophies alone.
But for what it represented.
Sri Lanka.
On the global stage.
A Milestone for Sri Lankan Architecture
At the heart of the nomination was Avinya Academy in Bandaragama, developed for the Avinya Foundation during one of the country’s most challenging economic periods.
The project is a place of learning.
Of dignity.
Of possibility.
Its selection confirmed that socially driven architecture from South Asia now commands international attention.
DesignOne became the first Sri Lankan practice shortlisted as a WAF Finalist—a breakthrough moment that signals a shifting global narrative.
Avinya Academy: Design With Purpose
On 6 November 2024, Dan Ameresekere, Chairman of DesignOne, and Senior Architect Sinduja Ashley presented the project to an international jury at Marina Bay Sands.
Their message was clear.
Education infrastructure can transform lives.
Joining them was long-time collaborator Sanjiva Weerawarana of WSO2, whose belief in the project was instrumental to its success.
Together, they told a story of optimism, resilience, and architecture as social infrastructure.
A Global Forum for Exchange
WAF 2024 was more than a presentation platform.
It was a laboratory of ideas.
DesignOne connected with architects from every continent, participated in live critiques, and explored visionary projects redefining the future of the built environment.
Among the most compelling encounters was with John Marx of San Francisco, whose work at the intersection of physical and digital space sparked conversations around future collaboration—including DesignOne’s ambitious City2100 development in Dubai.
This is where tomorrow’s projects begin.
Building What Comes Next
Presenting Avinya Academy at WAF reaffirmed DesignOne’s core belief:
Architecture must respond to reality.
Serve communities.
Advance global dialogue.
The exposure, peer recognition, and intellectual energy of the festival strengthened the studio’s commitment to working at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and social impact.
Carrying the Momentum Forward
DesignOne extends its gratitude to its clients, collaborators, consultants, and Sri Lanka’s architectural community.
Standing on the WAF stage in Singapore was not an endpoint.
It was a signal.
Of where DesignOne has arrived.
And where it is heading next.
DesignOne at the World Architecture Festival 2024 confirms one thing clearly:
Sri Lankan architecture has entered the global conversation.
And DesignOne is helping lead it.
