Cityscape Architectural Review Awards 2006 to focus on environmental & cultural issues

Under the theme "Design For An Emerging World", the awards aim to recognise and promote excellence in architecture and design in the developing world from the Middle East, Africa, Central & Eastern Asia, Australasia (excluding Japan, New Zealand and Australia) and South America.

Eligible entries for the awards ceremony, which takes place on 4 December 2006 at the Nad Al Sheba Club, Dubai, will be separated into two broad categories. Firstly, buildings which have already been completed and secondly, projects that are incomplete or may be even still on the drawing board. The actual awards themselves have been split into five distinct categories: commercial/mixed-use, community, which includes religious and public buildings, leisure, residential and transport.

In addition a number of special awards will be bestowed by the judges which include The Environmental Award, given to the one completed project that above all others, embraces specific environmental issues. The Islamic Architecture Award will be awarded to the project that shows particular empathy and understanding for Islamic values. The Master Planning Award is dedicated to the scheme that the judges feel is the best master-planned community.

<"The Awards will celebrate exceptional works of distinction that can be used as models for future developments. Amongst the criteria adopted this year are contribution to world architectural culture, invention and imagination, respect for humanity and environmental awareness," said Rohan Marwaha, Group Development Director, Cityscape.

Five of the most recognised and highly acclaimed international industry figures have been assembled to judge the entries. The panel consists of Paul Finch, Editor, The Architectural Review; Jack Pringle, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA); Raj Rewal, Director Raj Rewall Associates; the renowned Ken Yeang; Fatih Rifki, American University of Sharjah and Suha Ozkan of the Aga Khan Awards.

The prestigious Cityscape 2006 Architectural Review Awards ceremony is eagerly anticipated. Last year's event drew more than 300 entries from 31 countries, which showcased an astonishing array of talent. Entries ranged from individual houses to large residential complexes, small office premises to commercial skyscrapers, mosques to museums, boutique hotels to complete leisure resorts.

"The Cityscape Architectural Review Awards are now firmly established as a significant event in the global architectural calendar. Furthermore they underscore a commitment to architecture that is both sensitive and complementary to culture and the environment in the developing world. The awards support the delivery of those aspirations by recognising quality of design and promoting it to a wider audience," said Paul Finch, Editor, Architectural Review.

The deadline for all submissions is 6 October 2006 and the event is sponsored by Swarovski, Pacific Controls, Eurolever, Martin Architectural, Hard Precast and Crystal Arc.