Architecture and Urbanism

This category explores the design of living spaces, buildings, structures, and urban environments. 

The UAE’s traditional architecture is a mix of historic stone, wood, fabric and palm. The shape of its buildings and housings were adapted to a hot climate, a nomadic way of life and close proximity to both the desert and the sea. It incorporates elements of traditional Islamic architecture and other regional influences. Over time, the rise of glass and steel skyscrapers came to define the modern aesthetic. 

Looking forward, what does parametric design, 3D printing, robotic construction and climate sensitivity look like? What new materials, techniques and designs might be possible in the future? How will our cities change due to self-driving cars, climate change, migration and automation? Will we still have offices? Will we still need roads? How will we design our homes, offices and cities in a way that is both functional responsive and culturally expressive? 

We invite you to submit your designs, drawings, sketches and plans for a future Emirati city. Be as creative as possible as you re-imagine how we may live in the future, incorporating the unique aesthetics, technologies, and materials which define our future. 

What is covered by this category?

Submission can range from façade designs, architectural details and other small-scale interventions, all the way up to entire building, neighborhood and city plans. This is one of the most open categories and we look forward to your interpretation. 

Submission should include the following

• One to three A4 to A0 size files including either 2D/3D renderings, sketches, elevations, plans, drawings or images with a 300dpi resolution
• 100 word paragraph describing your idea, its inspiration and how it reflects an Emirati Futurist aesthetic

Optional

• One to three A4 to A0 size files which includes sketches, mood-board, or images that support your idea.

Submission formats

• Images (.jpg or .pdf)

Judging Criteria

Your idea will be scored according to the following factors:

1. Innovation: How original, creative and clever was the submission? Does it conceptually deliver on the challenge theme?
2. Presentation: How well executed was the submission, from a technical / quality point of view?
3. Values: Does the submission build on, respond to, or reference the heritage and experience of the UAE?

Final Submission date

28 May 2021