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As many of you know, the 2009 cycle of the Middle East Architect Awards is coming up on September 30, 2009.
In preparation for that event and in an effort to answer as many questions about how to strengthen nominations, Jeff Roberts polled the jury for their opinions on what they’re looking for in each category.
Perhaps the answers below will help you put together the strongest possible nominations. Feel free to nominate early and often at www.constructionweekonline.com/meaa.
1 Restoration/Conservation Project of the Year
We are looking for projects that have been realised in accordance with internationally agreed conservation principles. Nominations should demonstrate how the conservation project has remained faithful to the principles of minimum intervention and to the material and design qualities and features of the original.
Where historic buildings have been adapted for new uses and present-day needs, a clear rationale for changes must be demonstrated. Projects should demonstrate a balanced approach between the benefits of modern technology to conservation and the continuation of traditional building skills.
We would like to see projects that have actively promoted the use of traditional buildings skills and provided opportunities for training that would support the continuation of skills that are fast disappearing in the region.
Dr Aylin Orbasli
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2 Mixed-Use Project of the Year
The priorities of communities and not individual buildings ultimately determine the success of any mixed use development. Cities and, in particular, mixed-use developments, which rely on the synergies between the various components usually present the end user with a complete environment which is not only responsive to the local climate and culture but to the overall success of a city.
The components of a ‘city team’ require a considered and thoughtful approach to enrich our experiences whether pedestrian or vehicular. Our response to the densities, modes of transport, cultural and aesthetic aspirations will ultimately determine the success of the whole and not a particular piece of the urban landscape.
Individual projects must respond to their neighbours and enrich the human experience—whether public or private—and the delineation is becoming increasingly sophisticated between component parts to complete the composition of the whole.
Dan Hajjar
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FEATURED COMMENT
I would like to know the submission dead-line for these Awards. Thanks