The 10 biggest building announcements of 2025

From record-breaking skyscrapers and stadiums to stalled projects, here are the 10 most significant architecture announcements of the year as part of our Review of 2025.

Rendering of Jeddah Tower — Image courtesy of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture/Jeddah Economic Company

Jeddah Tower, Saudi Arabia, by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

Formerly known as Kingdom Tower, Jeddah Tower is aiming to become the tallest building in the world, reaching at least a kilometre into the sky.

It was initially supposed to complete in 2020 having been first announced way back in 2011, but construction halted for several years after 63 storeys had been completed amid allegations of corruption.

However, early this year the project's developer announced building works had recommenced, with a new completion date set for 2028.

Find out more about Jeddah Tower ›

One Park Lane by Cottee Parker and BKK Architects — Image courtesy of Tony Goss

One Park Lane, Australia, by BKK Architects and Cottee Parker

In July, proposals were released for a pair of skyscrapers on the Gold Coast, one of which would become Australia's tallest building if constructed.

The residential tower will rise to 382 metres, surpassing a a 356-metres-tall skyscraper proposed by UNStudio and Cox Architects in Melbourne and the 323-metre Q1 Tower also on the Gold Coast.

Designed by BKK Architects with refinement from Cottee Parker, the towers are set to be linked by a curving glass bridge 22 storeys up.

Last month, the Australian Financial Review reported that apartments are being marketed for up to $45 million Australian dollars ($29.7 million US dollars), with 100 already sold.

Find out more about One Park Lane ›

Manchester United stadium, UK, by Foster + Partners

It's been a big year for stadiums, with the most significant announcement coming from Manchester United.

Architecture studio Foster + Partners is designing a new 100,000-seater home for the English football club, which will be enveloped in a huge tent supported by three masts.

Despite being the largest stadium in the UK, Foster + Partners believe it can be completed in just five years by making use of "cutting-edge prefabrication technologies".

"This has to be one of the most exciting projects in the world today," said studio founder Norman Foster, who turned 90 in June.

Find out more about Manchester United's new stadium ›

National Cathedral of Ghana by David Adjaye — Image courtesy of Adjaye Associates

National Cathedral, Ghana, by Adjaye Associates

A different kind of building announcement emerged from Ghana in June, where the government revealed it has taken steps towards abandoning a project for an Adjaye Associates-designed National Cathedral in Accra.

The project had become controversial in Ghana due to its $400 million cost, as well as accusations that Adjaye Assoiciates was hired illegally.

According to the office of Ghanaian president John Dramani Mahama, the decision to row back came after an audit revealed "a litany of financial irregularities, procurement breaches, and a 'general lack of due process'".

Find out more about Ghana's National Cathedral ›

Rendering of the White House State Ballroom — Image courtesy of the White House

White House State Ballroom, USA, by McCrery Architects

No prizes for guessing which president made the most talked-about building announcement of the year.

Donald Trump unveiled plans in July to replace the White House's East Wing with a vast neoclassical ballroom, with demolition work beginning less than three months later.

The speed, scale and funding of the project – paid for by private donors including several large companies – have been controversial.

In a separate announcement, Trump floated plans to build a triumphal arch in Washington DC to mark the USA's 250th birthday in 2026.

Find out more about the White House State Ballroom ›

The Grand Ballroom by MVRDV — Image courtesy of MVRDV

The Grand Ballroom, Albania, by MVRDV

Meanwhile, in Tirana, work on a different kind of ballroom is underway. Dutch studio MVRDV unveiled plans in November for a sports arena held within a 100-metre-diameter sphere.

It represents just one of several ambitious architecture projects unveiled in the Albanian capital this year, by big-name international studios including Bofill Taller de Arquitectura and OMA.

Dezeen spoke exclusively to Albanian prime minister Edi Rama about why he is driving development of a wave of statement buildings.

Find out more about The Grand Ballroom ›

Rendering of Hidden Marina — Image courtesy of Neom

Hidden Marina, Saudi Arabia, by Delugan Meissl Associated Architects and Gensler

It's been a turbulent year for Neom, the gargantuan region-building project championed by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

In February, Neom revealed that construction had begun on the first segment of its centrepiece, The Line. Known as the Hidden Marina, the 2.5-kilometre-long, 500-metres-high segment has been described by Neom officials as "unprecedented" in scale, with 60 times more square meterage than the Burj Khalifa.

It is promised to feature a man-made marina, a stadium for the 2034 World Cup 350 metres above the ground, a 30-storey office building hanging upside-down, and accommodation for more than 200,000 people.

But throughout the year, reports have emerged about difficulties at multiple Neom projects, with a feasibility review underway.

Find out more about the Hidden Marina ›

Queen Elizabeth II memorial by Foster + Partners — Image courtesy of Foster + Partners

Queen Elizabeth II Memorial, UK, by Foster + Partners

In June, Foster + Partners was unveiled as the winner of a high-profile competition to design a memorial for Queen Elizabeth II in London's St James's Park.

The studio was selected above Heatherwick Studio, J&L Gibbons, Tom Stuart-Smith and WilkinsonEyre for its "ambitious and thoughtful" plan.

Its design, which is still to be finalised, will include a translucent glass-balustrade bridge and a statue of the late monarch, as well as two new gates and two new gardens.

Find out more about the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial ›

Rendering of One Third Avenue — Image courtesy of Alloy Development (also top)

One Third Avenue, USA, by Alloy Development

In a relatively quiet year for announcements about new skyscrapers in New York, one noteworthy story came from architecture-studio-slash-developer Alloy Development.

It unveiled plans in February to build the world's tallest Passive House building in Brooklyn, with a target to complete in 2028.

At 220 metres, One Third Avenue will also be the second-tallest skyscraper in the borough. Alloy CEO Jared Della Valle called the project "incredibly challenging".

Find out more about One Third Avenue ›

Gelephu International Airport by BIG — Image by BIG

Gelephu International Airport, Bhutan, by BIG

Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) revealed designs in March for an unusual glued laminated timber airport in southern Bhutan.

Set to open in 2029, it will have a distinctive diagrid structure and be embellished by intricate woodcarvings by local craftspeople depicting dragons.

The airport is part of the wider Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplanned by BIG, and will include spaces dedicated to yoga, gong baths and meditation.

Find out more about Gelephu International Airport ›

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