The 2026 Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) reached a new milestone by staging its Winners’ Night inside Vietnam’s Dragon Pearl Cave, a 150-million-year-old natural landmark in Quang Ninh Province. Organized by the Singapore-based Asia Awards Organization (AAO), the ceremony brought together leading architects, designers, developers, and hospitality professionals from nearly 20 countries and territories across Asia.
Following previous editions at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, SO/ Bangkok, and The Shilla Seoul, this year’s event marked the first time the awards were held within a natural heritage site, reinforcing Vietnam’s growing profile as a destination for international cultural, business, and MICE events.
Under the 2026 theme, “Influential Asia,” the awards recognized projects and organizations advancing architecture and design through innovation, sustainability, cultural identity, and long-term social impact.
Celebrating Architecture That Shapes Communities
Chairman of the Jury Panel Tan Quee Peng said the 2026 submissions reflected an industry increasingly focused on purpose-driven design.
- “Tonight is not only a celebration of excellence in architecture, design, and hospitality, but also a reflection of how Asia’s future is being shaped through innovation, responsibility, and ambition. What impressed the jury most was the long-term impact demonstrated across this year’s winning projects.”
Among the most notable winners was Coastal Quảng Ngãi – A Community by HAUS, recognized for its climate-responsive urban planning and commitment to sustainable community development.
Several projects highlighted adaptive reuse and environmental stewardship. South Korea’s Picture Book Dream Maru transformed an abandoned underground reservoir into a cultural destination, while Japan’s Amami House demonstrated an off-grid residential model designed to coexist with its natural surroundings.
Vietnam also featured prominently through HAUS Da Lat, which integrates hospitality, wellness, and forest conservation, while China’s Jiangnan House Yangzhou Guangling illustrated how contemporary hospitality architecture can preserve and reinterpret historic urban heritage.
Other award-winning projects included WMS House, Bánh Mật House, Vikki Digital Bank, Sola Peninsula, One Central Saigon, and LandProduction by Landco Corporation, reflecting innovation across residential, commercial, financial, and large-scale interior design sectors.
Together, the winners demonstrated Asia’s growing influence in setting new global benchmarks for sustainable architecture, design excellence, and user-centered development.
A Ceremony Inside a Natural Wonder
Dragon Pearl Cave provided an extraordinary backdrop for the ceremony. Formed approximately 150 million years ago, the limestone cave was transformed into an immersive event venue through projection mapping, lighting design, live performances, and contemporary music.
Rather than competing with the natural landscape, the production emphasized the dialogue between ancient geology and modern creativity, creating one of the most distinctive settings ever used for an international architecture awards ceremony.
The event also highlighted Vietnam’s increasing capacity to host world-class cultural and business gatherings in unique destinations.
International Jury Reflects Regional Excellence
The ceremony featured members of the 2026 Jury Panel and Board of Advisors, who presented awards to this year’s winners.
The international panel included Professor Jenchieh Hung, Principal Architect of HAS Design and Research; Korakot Aromdee, Creative Director of Korakot International; Gianfranco Bianchi, Founder and CEO of Italian Atelier SRL; and Karen Barmaki, Founder and Creative Director of Studio Karen B.
Their participation reinforced AAO’s emphasis on independent evaluation by internationally recognized professionals with expertise spanning architecture, interior design, hospitality, and creative industries.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the conclusion of the 2026 season, AAO officially announced the launch of the 2027 Asia Architecture Design Awards under the theme “Visionary Asia.”
Beginning next year, the awards will adopt a rolling evaluation model, allowing projects to be assessed and recognized throughout the year instead of during a single annual judging cycle. According to the organization, the new approach is intended to provide more timely recognition while helping design firms and developers maximize the value of award achievements for branding, communications, and business development.
The 2027 season will culminate in a flagship Winners’ Night in Bangkok, bringing together Asia’s architecture and design community to celebrate the projects and professionals shaping the region’s future.