www.dewan-award.

com
Dewan Award for
Architecture 2021

Girls
Sanctuary
A competition to design a care home for girls in Iraq

AN ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL IDEAS COMPETITION

Photo credit: UNICEF / Anmar
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Empowering young architects around the world while responding to design challenges in Iraq.

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 Call for Entries
Tamayouz Excellence Award invites architects and designers to submit their ideas for a safe and comfortable space
for homeless girls that supports their health, educational and psychosocial needs and helps them to achieve their
own potential.

In this brief, participants will find information on all things related to the competition, including the site, competition
guidelines, prizes and award ceremony.

To register for the award, click here.

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 Contents

5 Al-Mada’in 15 Objectives & Management

6 Tigris River 16 Eligibility & Important dates

7 Competition Site 17 Regulations & Evaluation

8 Historical Context 18 Submission Requirements

9 The Challenge 19 Prizes

10 Response 20 Jury Panels

11 Limitation 21 Tamayouz Annual Ceremony

12 Design Programme 26 Dewan

13 Beneficiaries 27 Tamayouz’s Other Awards

14 Sanctuary Components 28 More Information

31 Media Coverage

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Al-Mada'in

Al-Mada’in was an ancient

metropolis on the Tigris River
between the ancient royal
centres of Ctesiphon and
Seleucia, and later the Abbasid
capital of Baghdad. The name
‘Al-Mada’in’ means ‘The Cities’.

Al-Mada’in was founded during

the Sasanian era, and was used
as a synonym for Ctesiphon by
the Arabs, and later the Muslims.
Al-Mada'in has received
considerable interest from
archaeologists since the 18th
century, who are drawn to the
most famous landmark there:
the Arch of Ctesiphon (Taq Kisra).

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Tigris River
Tigris River is the eastern waterway of the two great rivers that define Mesopotamia (the other being the Euphrates). The river flows south from
the mountains of the Armenian Highlands through the Syrian and Arabian deserts, and meets the Euphrates River in the Iraqi city of Basra,
forming the Shatt Al-Arab. The Tigris River is an important source of both travel and irrigation.

The Tigris River also has a rich history that dates back to the earliest known civilisations, where several kingdoms were established on its banks
because of its importance in a largely arid region. Our competition site is on the bank of the Tigris.

The competition site sits on the eastern bank of the Tigris river.
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Our Competition Site
Location: 15,000m2 plot, situated in a green agricultural/rural
area on the eastern bank of the Tigris river, offering the
opportunity to raise the girls in a serene and healthy
environment.

- The maximum water level during spring is -2m

- The minimum water level during summer is -4m

Location Animation Click for Location Full information package:

Site Images, videos and CAD

Section and Levels

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Historical Context
The modern history of Iraq tells a dejected story of endless
humanitarian crises particularly after the 1990 UN sanctions, which
were then followed by the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The war had
grave consequences and negative impacts on the Iraqi community
and economy. It created an environment of turmoil, lacking the very
fundamentals of human rights and infrastructure.
It is estimated that since 2003, there have been over 335 billion
dollars in financial losses related to conflict in terms of weapon
purchases, human casualty and disability. Human loss is even more
grim: it is estimated that 151,000 to 1,033,000 lost their lives in the
first three to four years of the war and the following instability. As a
result, many children have grown up without parents, and in
particular, their fathers due to the militarisation.
In addition, the phenomenon of rural migration spiked as many
families were driven away from their homes due to the deteriorating
economic and political climate. They sought refuge and better
opportunities elsewhere in the country, leading to a massive
imbalance and rise in unemployment. Professional careers further
turned into rural occupations, trades and crafts.
Recent statistics conducted by the Iraqi Ministry of Planning and
Development reveal that “the number of orphaned Iraqi children
has increased significantly in recent years and that there are some
500,000 living on the streets”.
Government statistics indicate that up to five million children live in
difficult social conditions. And up to 25,000 children are leaving their
homes either to go elsewhere in Iraq or abroad – per month.
Officials from Childhood Voices Association, a children’s
non-governmental organisation, say that “there are 11,000 children
addicted to drugs in Baghdad alone, that many girls aged 12 to 16
years old have been victims of abuse, and that many girls aged 12
years and above have endured harassment.”
The organisation also quotes international reports stressing that
“more dy
re than 1 million Iraqi children have entered the labor market
M
with
u q the increase in the rate of poverty (one third of Iraq’s population
So
live under the poverty line) and that they suffer violence and abuse.”
According to its report, 1.3 million children aged 8 to 16 years old,
equal to 6.1% of the population, have become workers.
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The Challenge
A quarter of Iraq’s children live in poverty, and a third of all children
in Iraq are unable to access their basic human rights. Child poverty
is a persistent issue in Iraq, which limits the potential of a large
percentage of Iraq’s youth, curbs educational attainment,
generates poor health in the individuals, and prevents children
from realising their basic rights.

There are many organisations dedicated to such matters; however,

only a few of them are devoted to girls only. Girls are particularly at
risk and suffer specifically from personal and societal
stigmatisation in ways that boys do not. In the past it has been
more difficult to find official support for girls shelters. For this
reason, the idea of a girls sanctuary emerged.

The sanctuary will be committed to the welfare of children

throughout the whole of their childhood as a preventive measure
in the fight against abandonment and social ostracism.

The sanctuary should aim to restore the balance in life for the
abandoned, destitute, and spiritually and physically traumatised
children, and help in establishing a new environment where
awareness of such issues is spread. It should also inspire NGOs to
start taking control and contributing more to the community.
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Response Independent and government reports have confirmed an increase in the number of

Participants are asked to design a orphaned and abused children, as well as a rise in the number of those dropping out of

sanctuary for homeless underage girls, as school, 760,000 children were not able to resume primary school in 2008.

well as older female teens (4-18 yrs old).

The sanctuary should provide security and

a sense of community for the young girls,
while presenting opportunities for them to
stand out and contribute positively
towards their community.

The environment of the sanctuary should

not only be a shelter, but it should reflect
the possibilities of the built environment
for supporting health, psychological,
educational and cultural needs while
harnessing the power of art and creativity
to encourage young girls to express
themselves, and be brought back into the
culture of the country in a way that is
open, progressive and nourishing for them.
The ancient river site might play a major
role.

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Limitation
Participants are asked to
conserve and build
around the 21 palm trees
on site. A maximum of 3
palm trees can be
relocated to somewhere
else on site.

Planting more palm trees

is welcomed.

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Design Programme 5. Development space: Study rooms, workshop spaces (for

The sanctuary will be an alternative family/home for homeless girls crafts) and a library.

that supports their health, psychosocial, educational and cultural

6. Activity spaces: TV room, sports hall, communal areas and a
needs. The following are the suggested zones to be included in the
hobbies room.
project (other facilities the participants find necessary can be added
to the programme):
7. School: Elementary stage classes only (6 classes) and

1. Access: The shelter should have two accesses: a public one associated services, toilets, storage, etc.

that leads to administration and a private one that offers

residents direct access to their residences and communal 8. Dining Hall: Central kitchen and dining area for daily lunch

areas. and which can accommodate special occassions.

2. Administration: The main lobby and information desk, offices, The sanctuary doesn’t have to be a single building. It can be a

associated services, toilets, storage, etc. A parking for staff is group of smaller buildings, a village, neighbourhood, etc, as long

required. as it provides privacy for every girl and can teach culturally
relevant etiquette, such as respect toward neighbours and

3. Residence: The girls’ homes: each to have one parent (an visitors, responsibility and cleanliness.

auntie) and six girls. Residents to be grouped according to

age with a maximum 3-year difference. Each residence to have Waterfront

the full facilities. The typology of a residence can be decided The waterfront of the site shows erosion due to the river stream.

by the participants (houses or apartments). This eroded area could be considered as a part of the site, and
participants can use it for any reclamation or off site structures.

4. Play space: Outdoor playground and a garden.

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Beneficiaries
Homeless girls can be categorised into two groups according to their conditions and age:

1. Orphaned and living on the street

2. Parents are alive, but their conditions prevent them from providing a safe home or food, resulting in abandonment

Expected number of girls Live-in caregivers Other sanctuary staff

(aunties): (including teachers):

40 Girls (4 to 6 years old) 8 Caregivers (Aunties) Other: 32

80 Girls (6 to 12 years old) 10 Caregivers (Aunties)

60 Girls (12 to 18 years old) 10 Caregivers (Aunties)

Total: 180 Total: 28 Total: 32

Overall Estimated Users = 240

Sanctuary Components

The Girl The House

Girls of a similar age live together as sisters,
and these girls and their parent (auntie)
build emotional ties that last a lifetime.
It is the family home, and it has its own
unique feeling, rhythm and routine. Under its
roof, girls enjoy a real sense of security and
belonging. Girls grow and learn together,
sharing responsibilities and all the joys and
sorrows of daily life.

The Parent The Community

Each girl has a caring parent who is a A supportive community environment where

professional caregiver. She lives together with girls enjoy a happy childhood through the

the girls, guides their development and runs family and community facilities, like

the household independently. schooling, entertainment, workshops, etc.

Sanctuary Objectives
Family: The sanctuary offers a sense of belonging. Here, girls learn
values, share responsibilities and form lifelong relationships. A family
environment gives them a solid foundation on which to build their
lives.

Respect: Each girl’s voice is heard and taken seriously. Girls participate
in making decisions that affect their lives and are guided to take a
leading role in their own development. Each girl grows with respect
and dignity as a cherished member of her family and society.

Mental Health: Emotional wounds are healed and confidence is built.

Girls learn to trust and believe in themselves and others. With this
self-assurance, each girl can recognise and fulfill her potential.

Safety: Girls are protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation, and
are kept safe during conflicts and war. Girls have shelter, food,
healthcare and education. These are the basic requirements for the
sound development of all girls.

Identity: Girls will need to be brought back into the culture of the
country and region in a way that is open, progressive and nourishing
for them.
Eligibility
Architects, students, engineers and designers are
invited to participate in this competition.
Participation can be on an individual or team basis
(maximum of 6 members per team). We encourage the
participation of multidisciplinary teams.
Schedule
June/2021 - Competition launch and early registration
20/Nov/2021 - Closing date for registrations and submissions
Dec/2021 - Shortlist Announcement
December/2021 - Announcement of results

(Date to be confirmed) - Annual Tamayouz Excellence Award Ceremony

All Deadlines are 11:59 pm GMT (London)

Registration
Early Registration: $75 from June/2021 - 30/Sep/2021

Standard Registration: $100 from 01/Sep/2021 - 20/Nov/2021

REGISTER HERE

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Regulations Evaluation
RELEVANCE - A clear declaration of conditions that set the urban
1. This is an anonymous competition and the Unique Registration
Number is the only means of identification and cultural contextual parameters of the project through
identification of local challenges and potential opportunities, living
2. The official language of the award is English
culture and the daily use of the sanctuary.
3. The registration fee for this award is non-refundable

4. Contacting the jury is prohibited RESPONSE - Aspirational transformative and original ideas with a

5. As the award organiser, Tamayouz Excellence Award reserves the programmatic response to existing local urban, environmental and
right to modify the award schedule if deemed necessary social conditions and challenges. Clarity of the design process.

6. Entries will not be reviewed if rules or submission requirements are

not followed RESOLUTION – A clearly declared Spatial and technical justification,

7. Participation assumes acceptance of the regulations Accessibility, safety, security and durability and environmental
impact.

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Submission Requirements Poster Layout
Participants required to submit the following (In one Zip file named Posters can be in whichever layout the participant finds suitable;

after the unique registration number): Portrait or landscape.

1 - One - A0 board in JPEG format. Every team is encouraged to

submit all the information they consider necessary to explain their
proposal. Content may include but is not limited to plans, sections,
elevations, visualisations and diagrams. The resolution of the boards
must be 300dpi with the unique registration number placed in the
upper left corner of the board in 18 pt font. A0 JPEG A0 JPEG

2 - A word document file containing the project statement (250

Words Max) explaining the design proposal.

3 - Submit your entry by using the upload link in your registration

confirmation email.

NOTE: All files must be named after the unique registration

number

A zip file:
1 X A0 (JPEG - 300 dpi)
1 X Word DOC (250) Words
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 Prizes
The winners of the Dewan Award 2021 will receive the following prizes

Up to 7 Honourable
1st 2nd 3rd Mentions
Certificates
$6000 $3000 $1000
OR + +
6 MONTHS CERTIFICATE CERTIFICATE Top 20
EMPLOYMENT AT DEWAN + +
Published work in publication,
ARCHITECTS + Invitation to attend the Invitation to attend the
on our website, social media
ENGINEERS (10000 AED = Award Ceremony Award Ceremony pages and in exhibitions.
$2750/Month)* (Flights and Hotel)** (Flights and Hotel)**

*First prize will be a fully paid employment at Dewan for 6 months expandable to one year. If for any reason this cannot be achieved then a sum of
$6000 will be presented.

The Ceremony

An invitation to attend the Tamayouz Award Annual Ceremony for the Top 10 mentioned above, **A representative of each of the TOP 3 winners
will have their Flight and Accommodation costs covered by the organisers of the prize; Tamayouz Excellence Award. The ceremony will be for
both the winners of the 2020 cycle and 2021.
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 Judging Panels
The judging panels of Tamayouz Excellence Award always comprises world class architects, engineers, planners, designers and academics.

Dewan Award Judging Panel

- Professor Wendy Pullan – Cambridge – Cambridge University
- Professor Jala Makhzoumi – Beirut – UNIT 44
- Professor Hasan Radoine – Ben Guerir, Morocco - Mohammed
VI Polytechnic University.
- Professor Shaban Taha - Cairo - Shoubra University
- Kathy Basheva – London –Studio Basheva
- Kerem Cengiz – Dubai – LWK + Partners
- Mohamed Al-Assam – Dubai – Founder of Dewan Architects
and Engineers
- Ahmed Al-Azzawi – Milton Keynes – Dewan Award coordinator
of Tamayouz
2012: Dame Zaha Hadid, DBE - UK
Judging Panel Chair - Ahmed Al-Mallak - Coventry - Founding Director - Tamayouz
Excellence Award
2019: Our Judging Panel for for Tamayouz Excellence Award
Coventry University, UK

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 Tamayouz Award 2016 Ceremony

The 2016 Tamayouz Excellence Award Ceremony was hosted by the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Amman

For the 2016 Tamayouz Ceremony in Amman Click HERE 21

 Tamayouz Award 2019 Ceremony

The 2019 Tamayouz Excellence Award Ceremony was hosted by the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan at the Le Royal Hotel, Amman

For the 2019 Tamayouz Ceremony in Amman Click HERE 22

 Tamayouz Award 2018 Ceremony

The 2018 Tamayouz Excellence Award Ceremony was hosted by the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan at the Grand Millennium Hotel, Amman

For the 2018 Tamayouz Ceremony in Amman Click HERE 23

 Tamayouz Award 2017 Ceremony

The 2017 Tamayouz Excellence Award Ceremony was hosted by the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan at the Grand Millennium Hotel, Amman

For the 2017 Tamayouz Ceremony in Amman Click HERE 24

About the Award
The Dewan Award For Architecture is the
newest award to join the Tamayouz Excellence
Award programme, which champions and
celebrates the best of architecture in Iraq, the
Middle East and around the world.

The award is named after Dewan Architects +

Engineers, one of the leading architecture firms
in the world and one of the most established
firms in the Middle East. The Dewan Award is
an international award that addresses and
responds to local challenges in Iraq, inviting
Dewan Architects + Engineers
offers six-month employment
to the winner of the Dewan
Award (renewable up to one
year).

architects to submit their ideas and establish an

uncompromising open source of ideas tackling
social issues in Iraq through design to present
to responsible authorities.
This award was established through a fund
allocated by Dewan Architects + Engineers and
Mr Mohammed Al Assam, the founder Of
Dewan, after being involved for several years
with Tamayouz Excellence Award.
Dewan’s generous sponsorship of Tamayouz Excellence
Award in 9 years has thus far amounted to 20 student
internships, 36 months of experience and more than $110K
invested in the training of young architects and more to
come.
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Dewan Architects + Engineers
Dewan Architects + Engineers has a flourishing and successful legacy spanning over 36
years. Through the spirit of its long-standing culture of fostering strong relationships and
encouraging dynamism and leadership, the firm has grown into one of the region’s
leading and highly reputable architectural and engineering consultancy firms. Dewan is
a reflection of the diverse and passionate mix of people within the firm and it is through
this multiplicity that we strive and grow.

Creativity and utilising the right people for the job is the driving force behind building
the teams that can work closely with the clients to help achieve the task at hand. These
powerful relationships, enforced by the talent and passion of the teams, are what drive
the projects and the relationships to deliver quality to the end user. As an active member
of the communities we live and work in, our responsibility is to be a conscientious
participant in this global world and to contribute positively and actively with a clear
vision of adding value to the environment that we live in.

A passion for excellence is tangibly evident in every stage of a Dewan project, from
design conception to successful completion of construction. Dewan’s steadfast
commitment to sustainable design and construction resonates across the firm which is
dedicated to employing design and construction practices that minimize resource
consumption and the negative impact of buildings on the environment. Dewan’s
architects and engineers are LEED Accredited Professionals and ESTIDAMA Certified
Professionals.
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 Check out our other Awards
3 Awards and competitions are running through out 2021 with our annual prize giving ceremony at the end of the year

THE DIA AL-AZZAWI PRIZE

FOR PUBLIC ART 2021

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PHOTOS AND
INFORMATION
Download information pack here

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please check all terms and conditions on
www.dewan-award.com

CONTACT
www.Dewan-Award.com
Dewan@Tamayouz-Award.com

References:
ww.archive.crin.org

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 Media Coverage
Click on Any logo to see the media mention

Ceremony Video

TV Interviews

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Media Coverage

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 Media Coverage

Find us in the media (2019 - 2020)

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 Media Coverage

Find us in the media (prior to 2019)

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 Media Coverage

Find us in the media (prior to 2019)

Iraqi Ministry of Culture Alittihad Newspaper - UAE Al-Quds Al-Araby - London NRT - Iraq

Middle East Online - Egypt Almada - Iraq Al-Alam - Iraq Al-Modon - Lebanon 33
Stay Informed

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