GLA’s project has been shortlisted for the WAF World Architecture Festival finals.

On November 14, 2025, the WAF announced its list of winners for 2025. “Dongmingshan·Forest Whisper,” designed by GLA, was shortlisted as a finalist in the 2025 World Architecture Festival, and GLA partner Mr. Rao Zheng was invited to present the project live in Miami, USA. As one of the world’s most influential architectural awards, the WAF is renowned for its on-site presentations, cross-cultural judging, and intensive professional exchanges; being shortlisted signifies international recognition. In this year’s finals, the Hospitality & Leisure category featured 17 highly competitive entries, including works by globally acclaimed firms such as Studio Gang, BUZZ, and Foster + Partners.

“Dongming Mountain: Forest Voices” presented, during its defense, a design philosophy centered on “light intervention and minimally invasive approaches,” along with the team’s research and practical applications in architecture within natural settings. Meanwhile, GLA gained invaluable insights through exchanges with outstanding teams from around the globe, fostering an open, two-way process of learning and knowledge sharing. By conducting in-depth investigations into topography, materials, and construction techniques, the project seeks to explore new possibilities for architecture in mountainous environments.