Mimaria Studio, in partnership with the NGO Molham Team, is launching a competition to redesign a housing quarter for Earthquake and displaced Victims in Northern Syria.
Participants are invited to design a housing quarter that not only provides shelter but also nurtures a sense of home, community, and belonging. The competition seeks solutions that go beyond temporary relief, aiming for sustainable, culturally sensitive housing that integrates public and commercial spaces, educational facilities, and places of worship to foster a vibrant, inclusive community life.
· The challenge ·
The Syrian conflict, now in its thirteen years, has resulted in one of the most significant displacements in recent history. Over 12.5 million people have been forced from their homes, leaving a vast majority in dire need of shelter, security, and a sense of belonging. The socio-cultural fabric of Syria has been deeply scarred, with buildings and infrastructure severely damaged. This crisis, compounded by the latest Earthquake, has left millions homeless and eroded the essence of ‘dwelling’ – a space beyond the physical that fosters a sense of identity, community, and security.
1. City Challenges: Azaz faces overcrowding due to an influx of 2.9 million refugees. The emergency housing need has led to repurposing agricultural land, posing risks to local food security and the environment. As a result of rapid development, the area’s natural environment and lack of public spaces have been negatively impacted.
2. IDP Challenges: The majority of IDPs live in harsh conditions with insufficient space and privacy, struggling to establish a new sense of belonging amid affordable housing shortages.
3. NGO Challenges: Despite being at the forefront of relief, NGOs face resource constraints and the challenge of rapidly building quality, low-cost housing.
· The Response ·
We invite the international architectural community to rise to the challenge of designing innovative, sustainable, and culturally sensitive housing solutions for the Earthquake and displaced victims of Syria. This competition seeks to address the complex crisis in Azaz by creating a new urban quarter that provides shelter and recreates a sense of home, community, and belonging.
. Design a Housing Complex: Participants are tasked with designing a housing complex that accommodates 450 families, incorporating cultural, commercial, educational, and public functions.
. Balance Social Responsibility and Community Diversity: The design must harmoniously balance social responsibility, community diversity, and vibrant public spaces, curating spaces that spark interactions and nurture a sense of community.
. Create Resilient and Adaptable Spaces: The design must be Earthquake resilient and adaptable, considering future scenarios, changing community needs, and integrating public and private functions to foster a cohesive community fabric.
. Consider Cost Efficiency and Construction Feasibility: The design must be realistic, feasible, and cost-efficient, considering local resources, available skills, and budget constraints.
· Prizes ·
1st Prize - $2000 + Implementation possibility - 2nd Prize - $1500 - 3rd Prize - $1000 - 20 Honourable Mentions + Certificate + Published work in publications, our website, social media pages, and exhibitions.
· Schedule ·
March 15, 2024: Competition launch
April 25, 2024: Deadline for Receiving Questions
May 2024: Molham Projects seminar
July 30, 2024: Registration deadline
July 31, 2024: Submission deadline
August 2024: Shortlist announcement
August 2024: Winner announcement
All Deadlines are 11:59 pm GMT (London).
Registrations are open! Get all the information on our website.
Download the information related to this competition here.
Title
Call for Entries: Architects for Humanity; an International Competition to Redesign a Housing Quarter for Earthquake Victims in Northern Syria.Type
Competition Announcement (Built Projects & Masterplans)Website
Organizers
Registration Deadline
July 30, 2024 11:59 PMSubmission Deadline
July 31, 2024 11:59 PMVenue
Azaz, Northern SyriaPrice
Students Early Registration: $30 until 25/04/2024 Standard Registration: $40 until 25/06/2024 Late Registration: $60 Students who qualify for the shortlist will receive a refund of their registration fee. Architects / Experts / Offices Early Registration: $50 until 25/04/2024 Standard Registration: $60 until 25/06/2024 Late Registration: $80