New Design Competition Launched for Saudi Architects
RIYADH: ROSHN Group, in partnership with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has launched the MUSAHAMA Design Competition, inviting architects to participate in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s housing developments. The competition was officially announced on Tuesday, and registration is open until September 30, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
The MUSAHAMA Design Competition focuses on sourcing innovative designs for key amenities within the SEDRA housing development project, a major initiative in Riyadh. The competition is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to promote local talent and drive sustainable urban development.
Participants will design facilities along the SEDRA Pedestrian Spine, which include a mosque, a neighborhood convenience center, an early education center, and a park. Each entry will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the use of local materials, design innovation, functionality, responsiveness to the urban environment, and sustainability.
The competition is tailored to emerging architects and offers two participation tracks. The first track is open to final-year Saudi architecture students and recent graduates, while the second track targets emerging local architectural firms. To qualify for the second track, firms must be founded in Saudi Arabia, have been in operation for less than 10 years, and employ fewer than 20 people.
In addition to the design competition, participants will gain valuable experience through professional development opportunities, including webinars hosted by industry leaders and an in-person workshop featuring collaborations with top local and international architectural firms.
Designs will be developed over a 14-week period, with the winners scheduled to be announced in February 2025. The top prize for the architectural firms track is SR400,000 ($106,000), with SR300,000 awarded for second place and SR200,000 for third place.
This initiative not only supports the architectural community in Saudi Arabia but also contributes to enhancing the country’s urban landscape by focusing on innovative, sustainable, and culturally relevant designs. The project aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which prioritizes creating thriving, livable cities while empowering local talent and fostering creativity within the architecture and construction sectors.
By encouraging participation from emerging architects and smaller firms, the MUSAHAMA Design Competition seeks to inspire the next generation of designers and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable and visionary urban development.
