The Middle Eastern Architectural Personality of the Year | Mohamed Makiya Prize | Tamayouz Excellence Award 2020

Open call for submissions for individuals or organisations that have contributed to the advancement of architecture across the Middle East and North Africa from 2017 – 2020. Brief and submissions portal can be found here.

Introduction

The Mohamed Makiya Prize is part of Tamayouz Excellence Award's programme that champions and celebrates the best of architecture in the Middle East and North Africa. Every cycle, the prize is presented to the 'Architectural Personality of the Year', or the individual/organisation that has made the greatest contribution towards the advancement of architecture in a specific period. The winner will be celebrated during the annual Tamayouz Excellence Award Ceremony.

The award is named after Dr Mohamed Saleh Makiya, a great Iraqi architect whose influence and importance continues to impact the field of architecture today. The prize was announced in 2014, in celebration of Dr Makiya's 100th birthday.

Eligibility

The Mohamed Makiya Prize is open to both individuals and organisations who promoted, encouraged, campaigned or influenced directly or indirectly the advancement of architecture in the Middle East and North Africa.

The nomination is open to:

1- Organisation of any type: governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, cultural centres, unions and  architectural or non-architectural companies.

2- Individuals of any occupation that have direct or indirect influence, achievement or contribution to the advancement of architecture, including: architects, designers, clients, engineers, educators, journalists, government employees, activists, planners, civil servants, conservation specialists, students, curators and organisation owners/directors.

Aim

The Mohamed Makiya Prize aims to promote the advancement of architecture in the Middle East and North Africa.

Objectives

- Recognise and celebrate contributions made towards the advancement of architecture in the Middle East and North Africa.

- Encourage individuals and organisations to contribute towards the transformation of the built environment and local communities.

- Annually celebrate the work and ideas of Dr Mohamed Saleh Makiya through the prize.

Selection criteria

The winner will be selected by the Mohamed Makiya Prize judging panel. The selection will be based on the achievements or contributions made towards architecture between January 2017 and May 2020. Achievements or contributions include (but are not limited to): the promotion of architectural excellence; research with impact; publication; built projects; winning design competitions; and activity in a certain field, such as conservation, planning, campaigning, building regulations, services to the built environment, education, services/contribution to the community, and institutional excellence for organisations.

The Prize

The winner receives the Mohamed Makiya Medal, which was designed by Dr Makiya himself. This medal is given during Tamayouz's annual ceremony. The winner's flights and accommodation for attending the ceremony are covered by Tamayouz Award. The host city of the ceremony will be announced later in 2020. 

Key Dates

Registration Period: 15 January - 01 June, 2020

Judging period: August 2020

Winner Announcement: September 2020

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More information about the award and previous winners can be found here.