Dewan Award for Architecture Opens Call for Entries,Encouraging Emerging Architects to Address Homelessness in Iraq

The award invites architects to submit building design proposals that support homeless girls’ health, education, and psychosocial needs

Abu Dhabi — Reinforcing its mission to empower emerging architects and promote design as a tool for social good, architecture and engineering firm Dewan has officially launched its annual architecture award - a global competition focused on tackling pressing societal issues facing Iraq. Now in its fourth year, the Dewan Award for Architecture invites all architects and engineers from around the world to develop a holistic center that provides shelter for homeless girls on a site along the Tigris River that uplifts their education, mental health, and overall well being.

“Year after year, the Dewan Award for Architecture has demonstrated how fresh perspectives across the industry can comprehensively tackle some of Iraq’s most pressing challenges,” said Mohamed Al Assam, Founder & Chairman of Dewan. “Our 2021 contest encapsulates architecture’s power beyond designing physical structures; it is also an essential discipline for developing more equitable, sustainable, and progressive communities. Dewan will continue to hold these values close as we continue to work with partners in the Middle East and across the globe to develop quality and sustainable social infrastructure.”

The Award challenges submission teams to design a project addressing Iraq’s homeless crisis among young girls. Winning proposals will provide shelter, but also showcase how art and creativity can enrich residents' physical and mental health, education, and potential to rise as leaders in their communities. Dewan encourages submissions to engage with the surrounding environment, including the Tigris River, one of the world’s most important natural resources dating back to Mesopotamiuan civilizations.

The Dewan Award for Architecture is sponsored by Tamayouz, an organization that recognizes the world's most innovative architecture and engineering projects through its Excellence Awards –– for which the late Zaha Hadid once chaired the judging panel. This year’s selection jury will be chaired by the University of Cambridge’s Architecture and Urban Studies Professor Wendy Pullan.

First place winners receive $6,000 or a six-month externship at Dewan, renewable for one year; second place winners are awarded with $3,000 and a trip to the 2021 Award Ceremony; and third place submissions are recognized with $1,000 and a trip to the 2021 Award Ceremony (flights and hotel included).

Multidisciplinary teams can submit proposals at www.dewan-award.com. The submission portal will close on November 20, 2021; shortlisted submissions will be revealed in December. The winners will be announced at the Annual Tamayouz Excellence Award Ceremony, which will be held at the end of this year.

About Dewan Architects and Engineers Established in 1984, architecture and engineering firm Dewan has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s booming real estate market for almost three decades. Dewan operates in seven countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, specializing in mixed-use, hospitality, residential, commercial, education, retail, and urban planning. With a dedicated team of over 400 employees, Dewan establishes collaborative relationships with clients to develop multidisciplinary solutions for all of its projects with a focus on sustainability and social cohesion. The firm has contributed to some of the region’s top projects, including The Address Fountain Views and Port de La Mer in Dubai, and Mamsha Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi.

In addition to its projects in the United Arab Emirates, the multidisciplinary firm has also been a key player in Saudi Arabia's growth since 2009, helping to build modern infrastructure, mixed-use communities, and world-class entertainment destinations for nearly a dozen different development groups and private clients across the country. With the new offices set to open in July 2021, Dewan is a key partner in Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious initiative to modernize and diversify the nation’s economy, with a focus on sustainable development. Dewan is also actively expanding its presence across Southeast Asia and Northern Africa.