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.

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