The shortlist for the World Architecture Awards has been released, and the nominees are looking pretty amazing.

In a week where The Shaker is examining all aspects of sustainability, these buildings and structures from around the world definitely demonstrate effective use of natural materials and, importantly, the ability to reflect an enhance their surrounding environments.

As something of a purest, I can’t help but be amazed by The Cutting Edge Pharmacy (Matsuya Art Works and KTX archiLAB) in Himeji City, Japan. For a more natural look, Design and More’s future project for Syrian Refugees and London’s ‘The Smile’ (Alison Brooks Architects) are will have you moved and charmed.

Atlas Hotel Hoi An, Hoi An, Vietnam, by Vo Trong Nghia Architects

People's Architecture Office, Mrs. Fan's Plugin House, Beijing, China

The Palestinian Museum, Birzeit, Palestine, by Heneghan Peng Architects

​Shelter on the Edge, Aleppo, Syria, by Design and More International

Suzhou Chapel, Suzhou, China, by Neri&Hu Design and Research Office

The Smile, London, United Kingdom, by Alison Brooks Architects

Urban Rigger, Copenhagen, Denmark, by BIG

The winners will be announced at the World Architecture Festival in Berlin this November.

The full list can be found here.