Architecture+ Awards attract public and private sector endorsements

The Awards have been endorsed by prestigious government bodies and sponsored by international and regional blue chip companies located, in a joint attempt to place Dubai at the forefront of recognising and rewarding international talent.

Rashid Taqui, CEO of Inhouse Creative and publisher of Architecture+ magazine, organisers of the event, confirmed that the annual awards have been endorsed and are being supported by prestigious institutions representing various interests: "Our biggest encouragement has come in the guise of support from The Dubai Cultural Council who have officially endorsed Architecture+ Awards 2004, in the footsteps of the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to promote Dubai to the World through culture. We look to their blessings towards making this vision a reality next month."

Taqui said that among other government bodies, TECOM had confirmed their sponsorship of the 'Architecture+ Aspiring Architect Award' for students together with Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK) - ranked among the world's leading design firms. With a cash prize of US$ 10,000, the student award is one of the largest monetary prizes for students of architecture and design around the world.

Dubai Municipality and DDIA are expected to participate in the Architecture+ Awards Exhibition scheduled to be held immediately before the event, as part of the Big 5 Exhibition in Dubai.

The Architecture+ Awards 2004 are sponsored by several corporates including Nakheel, Ahmed Jinahi Architects (AJA), Al Habtoor Engineering, Arabtec and Tensar. While Aigner, Paris Gallery and Media Group Middle East are supporting partners, luxury car brand Infiniti is the official car for this year's Awards. Paris Gallery have offered five Aigner diamond watches for a special auction to be conducted at the Awards dinner.

Wahid Attalla, Executive Director - Commercial and Operations at Nakheel, stated: "We endorse pioneering concepts in novel design, visual aesthetics, maximum functionality, environment friendliness or cost-effectiveness. The Architecture+ Awards have a mission to recognise and reward the world's best professionals who are engaged in creating and building concepts that revolutionise the way we live. And at Nakheel, we are pleased to be associated with this event and exhibition that places Dubai firmly at the forefront of this global revolution."

Speaking on behalf of Infiniti, Takeshi Nakajima, regional director of Nissan Middle East, said: "Good design is not just visual; it is a subtle combination of aesthetics, functionality, and cost-effectiveness - the reason why we have chosen to link the Infiniti with Architecture+. Infiniti epitomises the best of vehicle design and architecture, and by sponsoring this year's awards we are encouraging entrants to aspire to the same high standards in their own respective disciplines."

Intended to reward international architects, landscapers, urban designers and planners, and students for their thematic contributions to 'Design for a New World', Architecture+ Awards has received 170 entries from several countries around the globe. The multi-tier judging process is currently underway, with the selected finalists to be announced next week. The six month long activity will conclude in the gala Dubai event to honour winners and bring industry chieftains together.