The Diriyah Company announced the launch of a Local Mosque Design Competition in Diriyah, the City of Earth. The competition aims to engage Saudi Arabia's talented young architects, offering them a unique opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the architectural landscape of Diriyah.
Scheduled to take place from July 16th to December 31st, 2023, the Local Mosque Competition will be open exclusively to Saudi Architecture students in their junior and senior years of an accredited architecture program, who can participate individually or in a group of three to five members. Aspiring participants can access comprehensive information, including eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, on the competition's dedicated website, where they can also register and submit their entries.
This landmark competition invites participants to design two identical mosques constructed in two locations within the Diriyah. The two mosques will be built using traditional Najdi construction techniques and materials, a unique feature of these mosques that will require participating students to understand and implement the unique architectural style in their designs. Beyond serving the local community and visitors, the mosques will also represent Diriyah's rich cultural, architectural heritage and the region's significance. The competition is part of Diriyah Company's commitment to promoting Najdi architecture and fostering community engagement through the development of Diriyah.
The submission process will involve a review by a specialized committee of the Diriyah Company, aiming to identify the top 10 entries that best encapsulate the spirit of Diriyah. The shortlisted participants will then present their completed plans to a panel of experts from the architectural, construction and design industries. The judges will determine three winning entries and present each of the winners with a cash prize, acknowledging their work and contribution to Diriyah.
Diriyah Company encourages participants to incorporate sustainable building practices into their designs. By integrating elements of sustainability, the competition aims to raise awareness and inspire innovative solutions for eco-friendly architecture. It encourages the Kingdom's future architects to explore new solutions to transform Diriyah into a destination actively dedicated to sustainable practices.
Engaging the youth of Saudi Arabia in the development of Diriyah is a key objective for the company. The competition will foster the talents of future architects and seeks to create a sense of ownership and a sense of pride within the community. Through this initiative, Diriyah Company aims to forge a deeper connection between Diriyah's cultural heritage and the aspirations of the Kingdom's youth.
To register for the Local Mosque Competition from the 16th of July to the 25th of July 2023, please visit the competition's website:
( https://dgda.gov.sa/Pages/The-Diriyah-Mosques-Architectural-Design-Competiti.aspx?lang=en-usandviewmode=0# )
Source: Saudi Press Agency