Dubai-Sharjah 2012

The challenge of the competition is to give an architectural form and function to a site which, given its prime location, has the potential to redefine the entire perception of the area.

Description
Sharjah’s lagoons are the most prominent man-made landscape feature of the city. With the objective of increasing the waterfront area, the project aims to bring “water to the desert”. This is a clear attempt to repeat the success of other projects, such as the marina or festival city in Dubai, where waterside promenades have become the catalysts for public activities, increasing the value of neighboring properties. Unlike Dubai, where private developers were quick to see the potential of these prime locations, the more government-based attitude of the Sharjah real estate market is working to carefully plan the urban areas around the lakes and waterfront. Paradoxically, one of the most sought after locations for residential and commercial developments in the city remains almost completely undeveloped, awaiting future public intervention. At the time of writing, a general master plan for the area has been approved and in coming years development is expected to continue apace.

Jury
CRISTIANO LUCHETTI (Visiting Assistant Professor of Architecture at the American University of Sharjah)
GEORGE KATODRYTIS (Associate Professor of Architecture at the American University of Sharjah)
THOM FAULDERS (Associate Professor in Architecture at CCA / California College of the Arts in San Francisco)
STEVEN VELEGRINIS (Senior Associate and Urban Design Practice Leader at Woods Bagot in Dubai)

Prize
1st PRIZE: US$ 3,000
2nd PRIZE: US$ 1,000
3rd PRIZE: US$ 500
9 HONORABLE MENTIONS

Entry Fee
Special Registration: from June 7th until June 25th, 2012: US $ 75
Early Registration: from June 26th until July 23rd, 2012: US $ 100
Late Registration: from July 24th until August 20th, 2012: US $ 150

Entries
Two (2) digital images (2480* 3510 px)

Timetable
JURY EVALUATION: from August 28th until September 17th, 2012
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNING PROPOSAL: September 18th, 2012

Links
Past winners

Organizer
ARQUITECTUM

Official Website
http://www.arquitectum.com/index.php