Master plan in Willemstad’s UNESCO World Heritage Site nominated for the 2026 World Architecture Festival
WILLEMSTAD – The master plan for Waterfort Plaza in Punda has been nominated for the 2026 World Architecture Festival. The project has been shortlisted in the WAF Future Projects: Masterplanning category. This nomination brings international recognition to a forward-looking master plan from Curaçao at the world’s largest live awards program and festival for architects and designers.
According to the organizers, this year saw a high number of submissions, with the overall standard higher than ever before. WAF therefore considers Waterfort Plaza’s inclusion on the shortlist a significant achievement.
The Future Projects: Masterplanning category recognizes large-scale plans with a medium- to long-term development horizon. These projects must demonstrate not only architectural and technical quality, but also economic, environmental, and social significance. Waterfort Plaza clearly reflects these qualities as a master plan for the future of an important part of Punda.
The nomination is particularly meaningful because Waterfort Plaza is located within Willemstad’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Waterfort area is a place of considerable cultural and historical significance.
For APC Pension Fund, this nomination is important because Waterfort Plaza demonstrates how long-term investment, urban renewal, the revitalization of Punda, and the careful treatment of cultural heritage can come together. The development has been prepared step by step over the past several years through extensive studies, stakeholder consultations, and a Heritage Impact Assessment. In this way, the project contributes to a vibrant, accessible, and future-ready city center.
“This nomination is good news for us, but even more importantly, for Punda and Curaçao,” said APC Pension Fund. “We are especially proud that this master plan is receiving international recognition.”
The master plan was developed in collaboration with Studio Akkerhuis and lyongo architecture. It goes beyond the redevelopment of a single building or site. The plan envisions a multifunctional urban district with space for living, working, leisure, hospitality, amenities, and new public spaces.
The area, which has largely been closed off for many years, will be reconnected with Punda, St. Anna Bay, and the Caribbean Sea. Key priorities include making the historic Waterfort arches more visible and accessible, strengthening routes and sightlines, and creating attractive public spaces.
Studio Akkerhuis and lyongo architecture combine international experience with strong local roots. Studio Akkerhuis previously received international recognition from WAF for the redevelopment of De Meelfabriek in Leiden. Lyongo architecture contributes in-depth knowledge of Curaçao’s architecture and heritage, as well as an understanding of how people on the island live, move, and come together.
The WAF nomination is further strengthened by the international scope of the judging process. According to WAF, the 2026 jury consists of 164 architects, designers, journalists, and experts from 37 countries. The shortlisted projects will be presented live to the professional jury in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November.
The architects are currently developing the master plan further into a concept design. For Curaçao, this nomination represents another moment on the international stage, a Blue Wave for Waterfort Plaza, Punda, and Curaçao.