Open Call: Basra, southern Iraq’s most important city, is opening up again after many years of war and recovery. To reflect this, Dewan Architects and Engineers and Tamayouz Excellence Awards invite architects and designers to submit their ideas to transform the underused Dakeer Island into a vibrant recreational urban destination for locals and visitors.
Background
Basra city is the capital of Al-Basra Governorate, southeastern Iraq, and its only principal seaport. It is Iraq’s economic capital. Basra has an estimated population of 3.2 million people. However, the actual number is not confirmed, due to the need for an updated census, to cover the recent uncounted growth, migration and unregistered squatters settlements. The total area of the governorate is about 20.000 SqKm.
Vision
The Dewan Award for Architecture 2023 envisions Dakeer Island as a new thriving urban destination in Basra.
The redesigned Island will transform the Dakeer into a vibrant recreational and commercial waterfront, preserving Basra’s identity as a port city and improving and celebrating its fishing industry and maritime heritage.
The redevelopment includes the sites of a new fish market, a river taxi station, a sailing club and urban links better connecting the Dakeer to the mainland.
The new inclusive and accessible waterfront will be a destination for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The Challenges
Basra is considered the wealthiest city in Iraq, mainly due to its abundant natural resources. It boasts of having some of the largest oil fields in the world, and its port serves as a vital hub for the country’s oil exports.
Furthermore, the city’s location on the Shatt al-Arab river provides opportunities for fishing and agricultural activities.
However, despite its strategic location and wealth, the city faces many challenges, including numerous urban planning challenges. The lack of a comprehensive urban planning strategy has resulted in unplanned urban growth, inadequate infrastructure, haphazard development and a lack of accessible and safe public spaces.
The existence of informal settlements that lack proper planning and building permits poses a risk to public health and safety, and they also lack basic infrastructure and services such as water and sanitation.
Transportation challenges such as traffic congestion, inadequate public transportation, and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure have resulted in a lack of mobility for residents, especially those who cannot afford private transportation.
Finally, environmental challenges such as air and water pollution, waste management issues, and inadequate green spaces require an integrated approach to design that prioritises sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Response
Participants are asked to transform the underused Dakeer Island in Basra into an influential urban destination as a vibrant recreational waterfront that contributes to the well-being and quality of life of Basra’s residents.
The waterfront redesign should aim to establish an urban standard for sustainable, long-term development that balances economic growth with social responsibility and the enhancement of public spaces.
Schedule
April 2023 Competition launch
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29 September Registration deadline
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1st of October Submission deadline
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October 2023 Shortlist Announcement
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November 2023 Winners Announcement
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All Deadlines are 6pm GMT (London).
PRIZES
The winners of the Dewan Award 2023 will receive the following prizes
1st Prize: $ 6000 or 6 MONTHS EMPLOYMENT AT DEWAN IN DUBAI + Invitation to attend the Award Ceremony (Flights and Hotel)** + Certificate
2nd Prize: $ 3000 + Invitation to attend the Award Ceremony (Flights and Hotel)** + Certificate
3rd Prize: $ 1000 + Invitation to attend the Award Ceremony (Flights and Hotel)** + Certificate
Honourable Mentions: Certificate + Invitation to attend the Award Ceremony *** + Published in the Annual book
Top 20 Entries: Certificate + Published work in publications, on our website, on social media pages and in exhibitions.
Find more information about the competition, site and submission process in the competition brief.