Cityscape launches global search for architectural excellence

The prestigious Cityscape 2005 Architectural Review Awards (CARA), which will be presented in Dubai in September, is expected to draw entries from around the world. Last year's winners came from such diverse countries as Vietnam, China, India, South Africa, Egypt and the UAE.

The Cityscape Architectural Review Awards have become established as a significant event in the global architectural calendar. The AR is committed to encouraging architecture that is sensitive to, and enhances, both the immediate and wider environment. These awards support the delivery of those aspirations in the developing world, by recognising quality of design, and promoting it to a wide audience. The awards event, and the accompanying exhibition, take place in Dubai - a vibrant location at the crossroads between east and west. Last year the number of award entries nearly doubled, and we expect this year's crop to be larger still. I very much look forward to the judging in July, and the event in September," said Paul Finch, Editor, Architectural Review.

The annual awards are divided into seven categories: commercial, residential, leisure, master planning, mixed use, community and environmental. Each category will be split into buildings already completed and those still in the planning stages.

As in 2004, the judging criteria will include contribution to world architectural culture, invention and imagination, environmental awareness, and respect for people and the planet.

"Cityscape has become the premier event of its kind in the region, said Franck Dailles, project director for the event. "The exhibition itself is a forum for property developers, real estate fund management companies, architects and designers, financial institutions and landscape architects who are primarily associated with projects in the Middle East.

"What's exciting about the awards, however, is the international scope of the competition. In 2004, we received nearly 248 entries from all around the world, with the winners representing nine emerging countries. The Cityscape Architectural Review Awards is quickly gaining an international reputation for recognising great building design."

The Middle East's premier commercial architecture, property investment and development event, Cityscape 2005 takes place from September 17-19 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

Emaar Properties and Dar Al Arkan will be platinum sponsors for the three-day exhibition and conference, which is organised by IIR Middle East. The coveted Cityscape Architectural Review Awards will be distributed at an exclusive gala dinner during the event.