As we step into 2025, the architectural landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation. While grand infrastructure projects and feats of engineering continue to captivate our imagination, there is a growing recognition of the value of smaller-scale designs and those with genuine environmental credentials.

This shift is evident in the recognition of architects like Riken Yamamoto, who received the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 2024, and in the acclaim for a small school in suburban Australia at the World Architecture Festival. The year ahead promises to be a celebration of both the monumental and the modest, as architects around the world push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. Here are some of the most anticipated projects set to open in the next 12 months.

Sydney Fish Market Expansion: A Sensory Symphony

The New South Wales government's decision to relocate and expand Sydney's historic fish market is set to redefine the city's culinary and cultural landscape. Designed by 3XN Architects and Australian firm BVN, the new four-floor building promises a "multi-sensory fish market experience." The innovative design balances the functional requirements of a working wholesale market with the appeal of a tourist destination.

The basement houses logistics and operations, while the upper floors feature a bustling market hall and an auction hall where restaurateurs and retailers bid on fresh catches. The project also aims to revitalize the harbor's industrial area with shops, restaurants, a promenade, and an urban park. The undulating roof, adorned with 350 triangular solar panels, symbolizes the integration of sustainability into the fabric of the city.

The Grand Ring, Osaka: A Wooden Wonderland

As Osaka prepares to host Expo 2025, the city is poised to unveil one of the most ambitious architectural projects of the year: The Grand Ring. Designed by renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, this continuous circular wooden structure spans over 1.2 miles in circumference and will serve as the centerpiece of the event.

The use of local cedar, cypress, and Scottish pine reflects a distinctly Japanese approach to modern construction, blending traditional wooden joints with cutting-edge engineering techniques. At nearly 646,000 square feet, The Grand Ring will be among the world's largest wooden buildings, showcasing the potential of timber as a sustainable alternative to carbon-intensive materials. Although intended to be temporary, there is a growing debate about preserving this architectural marvel for future generations.

Life and Mind Building, Oxford: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation

The University of Oxford, known for its grand gothic architecture, is set to unveil the Life and Mind Building, a state-of-the-art life sciences facility. This 270,000-square-foot structure marks the largest construction project in the university's history. Designed by American architecture firm NBBJ, the building aims to foster collaboration between the departments of experimental psychology, plant sciences, and zoology.

Flexible lab spaces accommodate the diverse needs of these disciplines, while a public plaza encourages casual interactions. The design pays homage to Oxford's architectural heritage through stone facades and projected buttresses, creating a timeless yet recognizable appearance that seamlessly integrates modern functionality with traditional aesthetics.

Canadian School in Cholula, Mexico: Blending with the Landscape

In Cholula, Mexico, architecture firm Sordo Madaleno has created a serene campus that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Drawing inspiration from the region's topography, including a nearby pre-Hispanic pyramid and the Popocatépetl volcano, the school features seven circular structures that resemble overlapping hills.

The terraced surfaces provide green spaces for students to explore, and the building itself becomes an extension of the playground. This organic approach to architecture not only minimizes the structure's impact on the environment but also creates a harmonious learning environment that fosters creativity and connection with nature.

Techo International Airport, Cambodia: A Green Gateway

Cambodia is set to open the Techo International Airport, a state-of-the-art facility designed to handle six times as many visitors as its predecessor. Located 12 miles south of Phnom Penh, the terminal building will be one of Southeast Asia's largest. Architects Foster + Partners have incorporated sustainable design elements, including an on-site solar farm, making it one of the greenest airports in the world.

The terminal's design, inspired by traditional Cambodian architecture, features a series of structural timber "trees" supporting the main roof, with real trees rising through a large central void. The gridded steel shell filters daylight, illuminating an interior filled with tropical greenery, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for passengers.

Boston South Station Expansion: A Harmonious Blend of Old and New

The expansion of Boston's South Station, the busiest ground transport hub in New England, is nearing completion. American firm Pelli Clarke & Partners faced the challenge of reimagining the hub's concourse and constructing a soaring 51-story skyscraper above it, all while respecting the original Classical Revival station building, which has stood since 1899.

The resulting contrast between gleaming glass and weathered stone is striking, yet the tower's soft, sculptural form complements its historic counterpart. The expanded, arched concourse offers visitors a more grandiose arrival into the city, enhancing the overall experience for travelers.

Goethe-Institut in Senegal: Celebrating Vernacular Design

Francis Kéré, the first African winner of the Pritzker Prize, is transforming the built environment in his home continent with his vision for the new Senegalese branch of the Goethe-Institut. The 18,300-square-foot building features gentle curves that mirror the surrounding canopies and is constructed primarily from locally sourced bricks made from compacted earth. Arranged in lattice formations, these bricks encourage natural ventilation, showcasing the power of vernacular design. Kéré's use of local materials not only promotes the local economy but also fosters a sense of pride and connection to the community.

Urban Glen in Hangzhou, China: A Cascade of Creativity

Architect Ole Scheeren's firm, Büro Ole Scheeren, is making its mark on Hangzhou with the Urban Glen, a striking pair of stepped towers that house nearly 900,000 square feet of office, hotel, and leisure space. Inspired by the hills surrounding Hangzhou, the two volumes appear to cascade into a manmade valley of roof terraces, shops, and public art. The innovative design creates a dynamic urban landscape that integrates seamlessly with the city's natural environment, offering a refreshing approach to urban development.

Riyadh Metro Stations: A Network of Spectacles

Saudi Arabia's ambitious plan to transform its capital city, Riyadh, with a metro system is nearing completion. Comprising six lines and 85 stations, the network will revolutionize the city's transportation infrastructure. Among the most notable stations is Qasr Al Hokm, designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta. Its striking stainless-steel canopy provides shade and channels natural light into the cavernous interior, creating a visually stunning and functional space. The collaboration between international firms like Zaha Hadid Architects and German firm Gerber Architekten highlights the global nature of this architectural endeavor.

Skypark Business Center, Luxembourg: A Wooden Marvel

Luxembourg is set to welcome one of Europe's largest hybrid wooden buildings with the Skypark Business Center. Spanning over 844,000 square feet, the building was constructed using over 542,000 cubic feet of timber, showcasing the potential of wood as a sustainable building material. The copper facade, made from 80% recycled metal, further emphasizes the project's commitment to sustainability. The unique zig-zagging design creates a series of courtyards and roof spaces, ensuring that occupants are never far from a green terrace. The building's ground-level courtyards will be open to the public, offering a vibrant space for both work and leisure.

Danjiang Bridge, Taiwan: A Legacy of Curves

The Danjiang Bridge, designed by the late Zaha Hadid's firm, will be one of the last projects overseen by the architect herself. Spanning 3,018 feet, the bridge will connect four major highways over the Tamsui River in Taipei. Its slender profile, supported by a single concrete mast, minimizes its visual impact on the surroundings while showcasing Hadid's signature aesthetic. The bridge's rounded edges and gently warped form embody the architect's innovative spirit, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of architecture.

In conclusion, 2025 is poised to be a year of architectural renaissance, where both grand and humble projects find their place in the global spotlight. From the expansive Sydney Fish Market to the innovative wooden structures of The Grand Ring and the Skypark Business Center, these projects reflect a broader shift towards sustainability, innovation, and a deeper connection with the environment. As architects continue to push the boundaries of design, the built environment will become a more vibrant, sustainable, and inspiring space for all.