Australian projects shortlisted in RIBA Asia Pacific Awards 2025

Three Australian projects have been shortlisted in the Royal Institute of British Architects' (RIBA) Asia Pacific Awards 2025.

John McAslan and Partners (JMP) earned recognition for two projects on the shortlist. The Sydney Metro Central Station Upgrade, designed with Woods Bagot, was shortlisted in three categories: Adaptive Reuse, RIBA Member and Sustainability and Resilience. The Waterloo Metro Station in Sydney, also designed by JMP, was shortlisted in the Urban Regeneration category.

In shortlisting the Waterloo Metro Station, the jury noted that its design was informed by consultation with Indigenous advisor Yerrabingin, whose input helped shaped the station's connection to place and history. "Unified by locally inspired materials, colours and textures, it [the station] creates a safe, accessible and inclusive public hub that signals a bright future for inner-city Waterloo," they commented.

Melbourne's Northcote House by LLDS was shortlisted in the AI Powered Design category. According to a communique from RIBA, the project reimagines the Victorian terrace in response to its urban context, "combining sustainable design with local character and merging ecological sensitivity with architectural innovation." The project involved the use of advanced robotic fabrication processes, with most components locally pre-fabricated within five kilometres of site.

The shortlist represents projects from 13 countries.

"The shortlisted projects reflect architecture that is deeply embedded in the distinctive cultures and character of the Asia Pacific. As a region on the frontline of complex challenges from climate change to rapid urbanisation, the projects demonstrate how the region is responding, introducing innovative new approaches to living and highlighting how architecture can make a meaningful difference to people's lives," the communique states.

The winners of the Asia Pacific Awards will be announced at the RIBA Architecture Festival Asia on 17 December 2025.