DEWAN AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE 2024

©TAMAYOUZ+ 2024

AN ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL IDEAS COMPETITION

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Competition Brief Available in | تفاصيل المسابقة متوفرة باللغة العربية

DEWAN AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE

Recipients of the Dewan Award for Architecture at the Tamayouz Ceremony in Oman

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EMPOWERING YOUNG ARCHITECTS AROUND THE WORLD WHILE RESPONDING TO DESIGN CHALLENGES IN IRAQ

CALL FOR ENTRIES

In this brief, participants will find information on everything related to the competition, including the site, competition guidelines, prizes, and award ceremony.

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To register for the award, click here

Embark on a journey where the rich tapestry of Iraq's storied history intertwines with the nation's aspirations for the future, guided by innovation and boundless creativity.

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Tamayouz Excellence Award warmly invites architects, designers, engineers and artists to be a driving force in shaping Iraq's narrative on the global stage and join us in designing Iraq Pavilion for a Global Exposition at the esteemed Baghdad International Fairgrounds.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GLOBAL GATHERINGS

Global gatherings have long served as pivotal moments in history, bringing together people from diverse corners of the world to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and celebrate the richness of human achievement. These gatherings have evolved throughout the centuries, reflecting the dynamic nature of our interconnected global community. Some notable historical events showcase the significance of such gatherings:

EXPOSITIONS

From Joseph Paxton's monumental Great Exhibition at The Crystal Palace's inaugural event in London's Hyde Park in 1851 to Gustave Eiffel's soaring marvel and the innovative architecture of the 2020 Expo in Dubai, the legacy of EXPO pavilions is both magnificent and transformative, reflecting the evolving currents of culture, technology, and diplomacy.

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Initially focused on showcasing trade and technological advancements, Universal Expos shifted towards emphasising cultural exchange to shape humanity’s better future throughout the twentieth century.

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In the era of Contemporary Expos, participating nations and host countries have utilized these events' significant visibility and media influence to bolster the international image of their nations. This has led to the creation of impressive national pavilions that serve as focal points for the convergence of trade, culture, and technological innovations.

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These expositions serve as a global stage where nations reveal their ingenuity, fostering international understanding while proudly displaying the essence of their heritage and national identity through avant-garde pavilions.

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Iraq’s first participation in International Exposition dates back to the Exposition de Paris in 1937.

The Iraq Pavilion - Paris 1937

©Exposition de Paris

BIENNIALS

The first biennial was the Venice Biennale, initiated by the mayor of Venice in 1895. It was the first significant art exhibition not by a collective of artists, a collector or patron, or a cultural institution. The Venice Biennale was developed with an attention towards rising bourgeois tourism.

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In the 1950s, a set of new biennials emerged, which changed the concept and widened the reasons for staging them. In 1951, when the Biennial of Sao Paulo was founded, Brazil attempted to push for an ambitious modernist agenda to reform the state and, more importantly, to form an independent, modern national cultural identity.

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Biennials have had a profound impact on the art world and beyond. They have challenged and sometimes changed local perceptions about the use of space.

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They interact personally with our spatial and political perceptions and imagination through the art they exhibit and often produce.

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While there are more than 100 biennials worldwide, some have been particularly influential. These biennials have played a significant role in shaping the global art scene, providing a platform for cross-cultural exchange, challenging societal norms, and addressing pressing issues facing humanity.

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They continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural understanding, leaving an indelible mark on the global art world and beyond.

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The cover of a Moroccan cultural magazine “Integral” on the occasion of the First Arab Biennial in Baghdad.

OLYMPICS

The narrative of the Olympic Games traces back to ancient Greece and extends into modern times, serving as a prominent force in global culture and society. The ancient Olympic Games originated in Olympia, Greece, dating back to 776 BC. These games held quadrennially, were integral to a religious festival venerating the deity Zeus. The inaugural event featured a single competition, a 192-meter footrace.

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The inaugural modern Olympics occurred in Athens in 1896, featuring participants from 12 nations engaged in 43 events. Subsequently, the Summer and Winter Olympics were established as distinct events, occurring biennially since 1994.

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The Olympic Games have left a profound imprint on global society, emerging as the premier athletic competition worldwide. Beyond its athletic significance, the Games promote peace, nurture a spirit of sportsmanship, and cultivate athletic excellence. Additionally, the Olympics stimulate economic growth through job creation, tourism, trade, and infrastructure development.

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While each iteration of the Olympics holds significance, certain instances stand out for their impact. The 1936 Berlin Olympics witnessed Jesse Owens' historic victories, challenging racial prejudices. The 1968 Mexico City Olympics saw the iconic Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos, symbolising resistance against racial injustice. In 2012 London became the first city to host the Olympics thrice, reaffirming its global stature.

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The Olympic Games have wielded considerable influence, shaping global culture, fostering athletic prowess, promoting international collaboration, and leaving an enduring legacy.

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Montjuïc Communications Tower

Santiago Calatrava - Barcelona Olympics 1992

BAGHDAD

INTERNATIONAL

FAIR

BIF - IRAQ

The Baghdad International Fair has a rich history dating back to 1957 when the first exhibition, known as the Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition, was held on the current site of the Fairgrounds. Iraqi national products were prominently showcased during this event, organized by the Baghdad Governorate.

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Subsequently, in 1959, the Iraqi Exhibitions Authority was established, and the exhibition was renamed the "July 14 Exhibition," managed by the Ministry of Economy.

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However, the true inception of the Baghdad International Fair occurred in 1964 when it became an international venue, attracting participation from five Arab countries.

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Over time, the Fair evolved into one of the largest economic and trade events in the region, leading to its affiliation with the Union Internationale des Expositions (UFI) in Paris in 1971.

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Iraq's membership in UFI positioned it as a representative of Arab countries within the organization.

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The Baghdad International Fair stands as a symbol of Iraq's commitment to fostering international trade, economic development and architectural thinking.

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In this competition participants are asked to design the Iraq Pavilion for global gatherings at the Baghdad International Fair.

BAGHDAD

Despite its storied past, Baghdad has faced significant challenges in recent decades, including wars, conflict, and political instability. However, the city continues to endure and rebuild, with resilient residents striving to preserve its cultural heritage and rebuild its future.

CONTEXT

Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, covers an area of 204.2 square kilometers and is home to a population soon approaching 10 million, making it the largest city in Iraq. Additionally, it ranks as the second largest city in the Arab world, after Cairo, Egypt.

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Split in two by the Tigris River, Baghdad sits approximately 300 miles from the northern, southern and western borders of the country. Its eastern part is called Al-Rusafa, while its western part is called Al-Karkh. Temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C in winter and maintain an average of 47°C in summer.

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Establishing its capital in Baghdad in 762CE, the Abbasid Caliphate laid the foundation for the flourishing of Islamic culture in the city, which occurred over the following five centuries.

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Baghdad became synonymous with tolerance and education, as it served as a regional hub for intellectual advancements in fields such as science, medicine, philosophy and engineering. And further marking the ‘Golden Age of Islam’.

COMPETITION

SITE

The Baghdad International Fairgrounds, situated in the Al-Mansour District on Damascus Street, right across from Baghdad Mall, the fairgrounds is a hub for various events.

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Every October, the place comes alive with the Baghdad International Fair, where countries from around the world gather to showcase their goods and services. Alongside the exhibitions, visitors can enjoy cultural performances and artistic displays.

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Al-Mansour district is considered a model for the expansion of Baghdad. Beginning in the early 1950s, the district became home to many of Baghdad's clubs, housing, employment, cultural activities, markets, private companies, and restaurants.

BAGHDAD

INTERNATIONAL

FAIRGROUNDS

OUR SITE

DATA

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BAGHDAD

INTERNATIONAL

FAIRGROUNDS

VISION

The Iraq Pavilion, drawing inspiration from Mesopotamia's rich legacy, is designed to be a testament to art, architecture, and ambition. It embodies the spirit of a nation that has withstood the test of time, celebrating ancient civilisations and their contributions to humanity while also looking forward to a promising future. ��This Pavilion serves not just as a symbol of identity but as a beacon of resilience and innovation, showcasing Iraq's achievements and its commitment to forging global relationships. ��In an era where diplomacy and cultural exchange are crucial, the Pavilion stands as a platform for Iraq to share its narrative and connect with the world. ��We invite innovative ideas that reflect a deep understanding of Iraq's cultural heritage and current aspirations.

THE CHALLENGE

Iraq has reemerged on the global stage in recent years, participating in international gatherings through National Pavilions.

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However, these pavilions often fail to adequately represent the significance of Iraq, its rich history and culture, the aspirations of its people, or the challenges they have overcome.

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Moreover, Iraq's diverse cultural heritage offers a wealth of inspiration that, when refined and thoughtfully curated, could lead to a pavilion design that elegantly showcases this diversity rather than overwhelming it.

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Furthermore, to ensure the pavilion's effectiveness, its design must also be contextualised to the designated plot at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds.

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Participants are encouraged to address this challenge contextually, by creating a work of art and architecture that would defy superficiality, and would capture the cultural richness and aspirations of the Iraqi people.

The Iraq Pavilion - Paris 1937

©Exposition de Paris

RESPONSE

Participants are invited to design the Iraq Pavilion and the main plaza around it for a global exposition at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds.

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The design must adhere to certain parameters: the maximum footprint should not exceed 5000 sqm of the plot area (area is 23,250 sqm), with a maximum height of 25m above ground and 10m below ground.

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Participants are asked to redesign the whole project site, this includes the removal of the current VIP Hall.

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The pavilion will be the permanent Iraq Pavilion for global gatherings at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds.

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Project

Site

THEME

The evolution of global gatherings and pavilions has been marked by themes tailored to their respective eras, each with a unique focus relevant to its time. From celebrating industry and arts to exploring culture, education, technological advancements, sustainability, mobility, and the future of the planet, these gatherings have influenced our understanding of progress and innovation.

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Participants are encouraged to select their pavilion themes with creative freedom, allowing them to design accordingly.

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Left: The Great Exhibition (1851) in London, United Kingdom, focused on “Industry of all Nations” and was held at the iconic Crystal Palace.

Inside Crystal Palace

The Great Exhibition 1851

PROGRAMME

The Programme for a permanent national pavilion would typically include a variety of spaces and features designed to represent the country’s culture, innovations, and vision for the future. Here are some elements that might be included:

1. Exhibition Areas: These spaces are used to display artifacts, artworks, or interactive exhibits that represent the country’s culture, history, and future aspirations.
2. VIP or Hospitality Lounges: These spaces are used to host special guests or events.
3. Auditoriums or Performance Spaces: These areas can be used for live performances, presentations, or film screenings.
4. Educational Spaces: These could include classrooms or workshop areas for educational programs or cultural demonstrations.
5. Retail Spaces: These might include gift shops selling items representative of the country’s culture.
6. Food and Beverage Outlets: These spaces provide visitors with the opportunity to taste the country’s cuisine.
7. Administrative Spaces: These are necessary for the management and operation of the pavilion.
8. Storage and Maintenance Areas: These spaces are used for storing exhibits, cleaning supplies, and other operational necessities.
9. Outdoor Spaces: Depending on the design of the pavilion, there might be outdoor spaces for exhibits, performances, or relaxation areas.
10. Accessibility Features: The pavilion should be designed to be accessible to all, including those with disabilities. This might include ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, etc.

The programme would also depend on theme of the pavilion. Participants are asked to devising their design programme based on the chosen theme, ensuring a positive user experience.

It is essential to prioritise accessibility, functionality, and smooth flow to guarantee visitors have the best possible experience exploring the pavilion.

By carefully considering these aspects, you will enhance visitors' experience to the Iraq Pavilion and leave a lasting impression.

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ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

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RESOLUTION

RESPONSE

RELEVANCE

A clear declaration of conditions that set the urban and cultural contextual parameters of the project. Clarity in demonstrating thorough research and understanding of contextual parameters.

Aspirational transformative and original ideas with a programmatic response to existing local urban, environmental, and social conditions and challenges. Clarity of the design process.

A clearly declared spatial and technical justification, accessibility, safety, security, durability, and environmental impact, with a strong emphasis on buildability.

SCHEDULE

• Early Registration: $75 from Feb to 30/Apr
• Standard Registration: $90 from 01/May to 31/Aug.
• Last Chance Registration: $100 from 01/Sep to 01/Oct.

Registration

This option is open for institutions interested in sponsoring their students to participate in International competitions and showcase their students’ work on a global platform.

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For $500, your university can sponsor all its students and staff who wish to participate in the International Graduation Projects Award and Dewan Award for Architecture and its annual competition.

Institutional Registration

Architects, students, engineers, and designers are invited to participate in this competition. Participation can be on an individual or team basis (maximum of 8 members per team). We encourage the participation of multidisciplinary teams

Eligibility

Teams led by students receive a 50% discount on their registration fees.

To qualify for this discount, the student must be the genuine leader of the team. During registration, a valid student ID will be required to confirm eligibility for the discount.

Student Registration

REGULATIONS

1. This is an anonymous competition and the Unique Registration Number is the only means of identification.

2. The official language of the award is English.

3. The registration fee for this award is non-refundable.

4. Contacting the jury is prohibited.

5. As the award organiser, Tamayouz Excellence Award reserves the right to modify the award schedule if deemed necessary.

6. Entries will not be reviewed if rules or submission requirements are not followed.

7. Participation assumes acceptance of competition regulations.

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SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Participants required to submit the following (In one Zip file named after the unique registration number):

1. One - A0 board in JPEG format. Every team is encouraged to submit all the information they consider necessary to explain their proposal. Content may include but is not limited to plans, sections, elevations, visualisations and diagrams. The resolution of the boards must be 300dpi with the unique registration number placed in the upper left corner of the board in 22pt font.

2. Word document file containing the project statement (250 Words Max) explaining the design proposal.

3. One 16:9 Main Image of the Entry in a JPEG Format (Preferably a bird's eye view of the Pavilion and the main plaza ).

4. Submit your entry by using the upload link in your registration confirmation email.

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NOTE: All files must be named after the unique registration number

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A0 JPEG

A0 JPEG

A zip file should contain:

1 X A0 (JPEG - 300 dpi)

1 X Word DOC (250) Words

1 X 16:9 Main Image of the Project (JPEG - 300 dpi).

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Poster Layout:

Posters can be in whichever layout the participant finds suitable; Portrait or landscape.

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The winners of the Dewan Award 2024 will receive the following prizes

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PRIZES

JUDGING PANEL

• Professor Wendy Pullan – Cambridge – Cambridge University
• Professor Jala Makhzoumi – Beirut – UNIT 44
• Dr Mohamed Al-Assam – Dubai – Founder of Dewan Architects and Engineers
• Dr Davide Ponzini – Milan - Politecnico di Milano
• Dr Ahmadreza Hakiminejad - Leeds - Leeds Beckett University
• Fuad AL Kindi - Muscat - President of Oman Society of Engineers.
• Nadia Habash - Ramallah - Head Engineering Association in Palestine
• Fernando Olba - Valencia - Fernando Olba Arquitectura y urbanism
• Sebastian Hicks - Oxford - Oxford Brookes University
• ٍSerwan Baran - Cairo - Artist and Solo Artist for Iraq Pavilion: 58th Venice Biennale
• Ahmed Al-Azzawi – Milton Keynes – Barratt Developments
• Ahmed Al-Mallak - Founding Director - Tamayouz Excellence Award

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The judging panels of Tamayouz Excellence Award always comprises world class architects, engineers, planners, designers and academics. This year’s Dewan Award’s panel is made of:

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TAMAYOUZ CEREMONIES

For ceremony videos see: 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2022

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The Dewan Award For Architecture (established in 2018) is one of Tamayouz Excellence Award competitions programme , which champions and celebrates the best of architecture in Iraq, the Middle East and around the world.

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The award is named after Dewan Architects + Engineers, one of the leading architecture firms in the world and one of the most established firms in the Middle East. The Dewan Award is an international award that addresses and responds to local challenges in Iraq, inviting architects to submit their ideas and establish an uncompromising open source of ideas tackling social issues in Iraq through design to present to responsible authorities.

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This award was established through a fund allocated by Dr. Mohammed Al Assam, the founder Of Dewan, after being involved for several years with Tamayouz Excellence Award.

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Dewan’s generous sponsorship of Tamayouz Excellence Award in 10 years has thus far amounted to 26 student internships, 63 months of experience and more than $250k invested in the training of young architects and more to come.

ABOUT THE AWARD

DEWAN ARCHITECTS + ENGINEERS

"Dewan Architects + Engineers has been a pioneering force in the Middle East's architectural and engineering design sector for nearly four decades. Established by Dr. Mohamed Al-Assam in Abu Dhabi in 1984, the firm achieved a significant milestone with the completion of its inaugural high-rise commercial project, Baniyas Tower, in 1988. This project solidified Dewan's reputation as a major player in the regional architectural landscape.

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In 1999, Dewan expanded its footprint with the opening of a design studio in Dubai, quickly establishing itself as a prominent contributor to the emirate's iconic skyline. Over the years, Dewan has further strengthened its market leadership by establishing offices in Iraq, the UAE, KSA, Egypt, Spain, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Plans for future expansion include venturing into Southeast Asia and Africa within the next 2-3 years.

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Today, Dewan is widely recognized as a global multi-disciplinary practice, consistently ranked among the top three firms regionally and in the top 50 globally by leading industry publications and its peers."

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