Tamayouz Excellence Award is proud to announce the winners of its Dewan Award for Architecture 2024.
The Dewan Award for Architecture, organised in partnership with Dewan Architects + Engineers, is an annual thematic prize that calls on participants worldwide to respond to Iraq-specific issues.
The winners were selected from 188 submissions received from 34 countries this year. The selection was based on the criteria set in the award’s brief. Which invited participants to submit proposals to design “Iraq’s Pavilion for a Global Exposition” at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds, shaping Iraq’s narrative on the global stage.

The winner of the first prize is BEAT ARCHITECTS from China. The second prize is awarded to KARAND Group from Iran, and the third prize goes to New process architects also from Iran. Additionally, Dewan Award proudly recognises seven honourable mentions, further exemplifying the exceptional entries showcased in this year’s competition.
The first prize will be fully paid employment at Dewan for six months, extendable to one year, or $6,000; the total sum of prizes given in this award cycle is $10,000.
The members of the jury panel for the Dewan Award for Architecture 2024 are:
- Professor Jala Makhzoumi – Lebanon: President of the International Federation of Landscape Architects – Middle East Region; Adjunct Professor, American University of Beirut; Co-chair, Tamayouz Excellence Award Grand Jury 2022-25.
- Professor Wendy Pullan – UK: Emeritus Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies; Director of the Centre for Urban Conflicts Research, University of Cambridge; Co-chair, Tamayouz Excellence Award Grand Jury 2022-25.
- Professor Davide Ponzini – Italy: Full Professor at Politecnico di Milano, Italy.
- Dr Mohamed Al-Assam – UAE: Founder/Executive Chairman of Dewan Architects + Engineers.
- Dr Ahmadreza Hakiminejad – UK: Researcher in Architecture and Urban Studies, and Lecturer at the Leeds School of Architecture, Leeds Beckett University, UK.
- Fernando Olba – Spain: architect and the principal of Fernando Olba Arquitectura y Ubanismo, a Valencia-based, award winning sustainable design practice.
- Sebastian Hicks – UK: Architect, Senior Lecturer. Oxford Brookes University, UK.
- Ahmed Al-Azzawi – Iraq/UK: Award-winning architect and Technical Delivery Manager at Barratt Developments (Non-Voting member).
- Ahmed Al-Mallak – UK: Founding Director of Tamayouz Excellence Award; Academic at Coventry University (Non-voting chair).
After reviewing the submissions, the jury commented:
“The jury celebrates the creativity and ambition displayed in this year’s submissions, which showcased a variety of innovative approaches to designing Iraq’s Pavilion for a Global Expo. Many entries stood out for their architectural originality, cultural engagement, and sensitivity to environmental considerations, with the strongest designs achieving a harmonious balance between function, narrative, and innovation.
While some designs leaned toward civic or institutional typologies, future participants are encouraged to deepen their exploration of contextual connections and cultural narratives. This approach will further enhance the resonance and impact of their proposals, ensuring a meaningful contribution to Iraq’s architectural discourse on the global stage.“
The Prizes
- First prize: $6000 cash prize, Certificate, and an invitation to attend the ceremony.
- Second Prize: $3000, Certificate, and an invitation to attend the ceremony.
- Third Prize: $1000, a certificate, and an invitation to attend the ceremony.
- Honourable Mentions: Certificate and invitation to attend the ceremony.
Dewan Award for Architecture 2024 Winners:
The detailed results and jury comments
First Place – BEAT ARCHITECTS: Yicheng Gao, and Tong Zang, from Shanghai, China
The Judging Panel comment:
” The winning project stands out for its ability to merge concept and execution with remarkable consistency, offering a powerful architectural expression inspired by the cracked and parched desert landscape. This theme is thoughtfully translated into the project’s fragmented roof, which becomes the defining feature of the pavilion, successfully bridging indoor and outdoor spaces. The interplay of open areas, sunken gardens, and built forms is commendable, creating a dynamic and visually engaging experience for visitors. The project perfectly balances ambiguity and clarity, provoking interpretation while maintaining its coherence as an exhibition pavilion.
The jury commends the seamless integration of polygons, which transition effortlessly from the architectural massing to the landscape design, creating a cohesive connection between the exterior and interior spaces. Contextual visualisations are powerful, helping to situate the design within the broader landscape. The project also demonstrates thoughtful integration of earth-sheltering principles, enhancing its environmental responsiveness. However, some aspects require further refinement, including using clay or ‘mud’ as a material, the polygons’ structural resolution, and the roof spaces’ functional potential.
Overall, the project exemplifies a bold and imaginative approach, offering a compelling vision for the Iraq Pavilion that resonates with the theme of new life emerging from the earth. Its combination of conceptual rigour and innovative form makes it a deserving winner of the Dewan Award for Architecture 2024.”

Second Place – KARAND Group: Zahra Sarbandi, Ali Shariati, Parisa Borzooie, Hamid Reza Sedaghat, from Tehran, Iran
The Judging Panel comment:
“This project is captivating with its intelligent simplicity, demonstrating that architecture needs not be overly complex to achieve a profound impact. The design contrasts a lightweight, tent-like superstructure with robust underground cross vaults, which evoke an interplay between lightness and mass. These elements, particularly the vaults and the “serdab”- like basement, subtly reference local architectural heritage, embedding a sense of cultural continuity within a contemporary framework.
The pavilion’s open, rectangular space offers significant versatility for exhibitions and events, while the underground level pragmatically and elegantly accommodates supporting functions.
Introducing a courtyard further enhances the project’s connection to traditional “Iraqiness.” However, aspects of the design, including the tent-like structure, material articulation, and stark landscaping, require further refinement to ensure a cohesive response to the local climate and site conditions. While the minimal landscape intervention complements the project’s restraint, it risks appearing underdeveloped.
Distinguished by its clarity of vision and minimalist architectural language, this proposal achieves a sophisticated balance between tradition and modernity. It is a highly commendable design and deserving of the 2nd prize. With further development, it has the potential to serve as a poignant expression of Iraq’s cultural narrative on an international stage.“

Third Place – New Process Architects: Behrouz Hashemi, Maryam Jooybar, Hadis Dinarvand, Fatemeh Baharloo, from Tehran, Iran
The Judging Panel comment:
“This project captivates with its architectural language, inspired by the flowing forms of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and the undulating dunes of the desert. Its sculptural presence and meandering lines evoke a sense of movement and continuity, making it a compelling landmark within its context. The design integrates regional elements, offering a narrative rooted in Iraq’s natural and cultural landscape. The fluid interplay between open and enclosed spaces and the effective use of wide ramps enhance pedestrian flow and create a dynamic spatial experience.
While the project excels in its evocative forms and atmospheric qualities, the design development, particularly in the underground spaces, remains minimal and raises unresolved questions about functionality and structural clarity. The sunken courtyards and shaded upper spaces are commendable climatic responses, yet the plans lack the technical detail needed to fully realise the design’s potential.
This proposal is notable for its imaginative and poetic approach. It demonstrates a strong conceptual foundation and the ability to embody the pavilion’s dual role as an architectural landmark and an immersive experiential space. With further refinement and technical resolution, it could have achieved an even greater level of impact, making it a worthy recipient of the third prize.“

Jury Comments on the Honourable Mentions
(Arranged in countries’ alphabetical order)
Ain Shams University: Ahmad Abdelhamed Mohammed Maher Momen, Ayatullah Tarek Mohamed Zakaria, Mohamed Ayman Elhussieny Elhussieny, Mostafa Mohamed Elsayed, Mazen Mohamed Refaat Mahmoud, Shahd Ahmed El-Abbasy, from Cairo, Egypt
The Judging Panel comment:
“This project presents a clear and thoughtful design process, inspired by the centrally planned scheme of Al-Mansur’s city. The quartered layout and decorative, interactive façades create a compelling interplay of light and shadow, adding richness to the architectural experience. The navigation within the site is a notable strength, demonstrating careful consideration of pedestrian flow and access. However, the uniformity of the four buildings’ size and hierarchy limits the potential for a more dynamic and focal design composition.
While the project successfully emphasises outdoor spaces, this approach lessens the impact of the central plaza as a cohesive anchor for the design. Additionally, the alignment with the urban surroundings could have been more fully explored to enhance the integration of the complex within its context. The interactive façade, though engaging, risks diluting the material clarity and architectural cohesion.
Technically well-defined and buildable, the project achieves a modest yet iconic presence along the main street. Its strengths in navigation, outdoor functionality, and restrained architectural language make it a deserving recipient of an Honourable Mention.”

Jin Architecture: Farhang Karim, Ahmed Kakabra, Lawik Kamal, Rawand Rashid, Hozhin Mustafa, from Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
The Judging Panel comment:
“This project aims to draw inspiration from Iraq’s iconic marshlands and palm trees, integrating symbolic and architectural elements into its design. The use of water as a dominant feature, combined with the canopy-like structures evoking palm fronds, creates a strong architectural expression well-suited to a pavilion. The variation in materials, such as reeds and concrete, adds functional and aesthetic interest, while the dramatic design seeks to establish a landmark with civic and symbolic significance.
However, the extensive use of water presents challenges. While evocative, it isolates the site, disrupting connectivity with the urban context and raising concerns about accessibility, sustainability, and long-term maintenance. The project’s scale and the creation of disconnected islands within the water limit walkability and functional integration further constrain its potential as a public pavilion. Despite efforts to engage with the urban context, such as linking pedestrians to Mansour Road, the project remains largely detached from its surroundings.
Overall, this proposal is inventive and bold, with strong conceptual underpinnings and an ambitious approach to creating an amenity for the city. Yet, its realisation requires further refinement, particularly in addressing the interplay between water and urban connectivity, to fully integrate the design into its context and ensure its feasibility.”

SPACE(A2): Ali Zeyad Khalaf, Aeshah Shabeeb Kamil from Baghdad, Iraq
The Judging Panel comment:
“This project demonstrates a strong conceptual foundation, showcasing a thoughtful and modern approach to form generation. Using circular ramps to link fragmented masses is an ambitious and innovative gesture, contributing to the project’s distinct visual identity. The clean and crisp design reflects a rational development process, and the attempt to establish urban connectivity is particularly commendable, offering valuable potential for integration with its context.
While thoughtfully developed, the interior spaces could benefit from a clearer hierarchy to enhance their memorability and usability. Similarly, the circular path and central spine present intriguing design moves, but further development would strengthen their functional and spatial coherence. The project’s visualisations are particularly strong, providing a clear representation of the concept, even as certain thematic elements, such as the hanging garden, could be more fully realised.
With refinement to enhance contextual alignment and functional clarity, it holds the potential to become a highly impactful architectural proposal.”

Jordan University of Science and Technology: Noor Ibrahim Mansour, Sondos Mohammed Bani-Ali, from Amman, Jordan
The Judging Panel comment:
“This project stands out for its bold conceptual approach, using the double walls to represent the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to organise and define the architectural spaces. The thoughtful development of interwoven and diverse interior spaces, beautifully expressed through sections and 3D sketches, showcases the potential for a rich and layered spatial experience. The project’s functional programme is comprehensive, with accessibility resolved effectively, and its use of symbolism adds an intriguing narrative dimension.
While the placement of the entrance and the underutilisation of the central corridor suggest missed opportunities to fully realise the design’s potential, the overall ambition is commendable. Greater integration of the landscaping and alignment of the narrative with the architectural choices could further enhance the project’s cohesion and impact.
This proposal is a testament to the power of symbolism in architecture, demonstrating a strong conceptual vision and creative potential. Its recognition as an Honourable Mention celebrates its innovative use of form and spatial expression while offering valuable opportunities for further refinement and development.”

The University of Jordan: Ahmad Khaled Makawi, Yamen Talal Alhattab, Mohammad Omar Alqaissiah, from Amman, Jordan
The Judging Panel comment:
“This project showcases an intriguing approach to massing and the thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Inspired by the House of Wisdom, the narrative is compelling and contributes a strong conceptual foundation. The design process is clear, with rationally distributed functions and a well-balanced interplay between enclosed and open areas. The project’s circulation and environmental control strategies are commendable, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of spatial organisation.
However, the overall architectural expression leans towards that of an administrative building or museum rather than a pavilion. While the walled perimeter offers a defined boundary, it diminishes the sense of openness and accessibility expected in a pavilion setting. The heart of the concept, Biet Al Hikma, is an interesting and ambitious idea. Still, its articulation within the massing and broader architectural language feels underdeveloped, limiting its visual and symbolic impact.
Despite these challenges, the project’s complex spatial arrangements and clear navigation demonstrate a high level of design maturity. It offers significant potential as an architectural intervention, earning its recognition as an Honourable Mention for its ambitious narrative and thoughtful design approach. The project could achieve a more pronounced presence and alignment with the pavilion typology with further refinement.”

RHA: Rashed Hassouneh, from Hebron, Palestine
The Judging Panel comment:
“This project presents a striking architectural vision, with its monumental scale and a bold overhang that creates a dynamic and environmentally sheltered space. The design succeeds in defining open, covered, and closed spaces, offering a multifunctional courtyard and plaza that serve as gathering points and adaptable areas for exhibitions and events. The integration of these features demonstrates a thoughtful response to the programme, with clear massing and strong climatic considerations.
However, the design’s strengths are tempered by missed opportunities. The decision to consolidate key functions into two blocks limits their interaction with the central plaza, reducing the potential for a cohesive and engaging spatial experience. While the overhang is visually impressive, the scale of the open space beneath it can feel overpowering and impractical, particularly during the summer. Similarly, the roof, with its potential as a focal point, is underutilised in favour of a more conventional massing strategy. While visually interesting, elements such as the arches and stairs lack clear functionality, and the absence of comprehensive section drawings further complicates the articulation of levels and spaces.
Despite these challenges, the project’s ambition and commanding presence make it a noteworthy contribution. Its bold architectural expression and thoughtful balance of open and covered spaces earn its recognition as an Honourable Mention. With further refinement, this design could achieve even greater impact and cohesion, particularly in enhancing functionality and spatial integration.”

Yasir Mohammed Agha, Hajir Fadhil Mashahdah, from England, UK
The Judging Panel comment:
“This project presents a well-conceived and handsomely executed design, with successful overall massing and an intriguing interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces. The use of brick, a material deeply rooted in Iraqi heritage, is particularly noteworthy and provides a strong connection to local traditions. The project demonstrates thoughtful spatial organisation with a clear programme, an engaging narrative, and an inviting hierarchy of spaces that enrich the user experience. Including lush green areas further enhances the design’s appeal, offering a welcoming and versatile environment for year-round use.
However, the architectural expression lacks the clarity and identity expected of a pavilion, leaning instead toward an educational typology or government building. While the facade is elegantly detailed, and the interior is crafted with care, the design misses an opportunity to assert itself more confidently as a pavilion. Some functional decisions, such as locating exhibition spaces and the auditorium on the second floor, raise practical concerns regarding circulation, noise, and accessibility. Additionally, while the environmental discourse is ambitious, the diagrams and technical resolutions do not fully support it.
Despite these challenges, the project delivers a sophisticated, visually appealing design with strong material choices and contextual relevance. Its innovative use of space and connection to Iraqi architectural heritage earn it recognition as an Honourable Mention. With further refinement, the design could achieve a more defined identity and stronger alignment with the brief’s aspirations.”

The award is named after Dewan Architects + Engineers, one of the world’s most established and leading architecture firms, particularly to emerge from the Middle East. The Dewan Award is an international award that recognises design proposals responding to Iraq’s local challenges.
Mohamed Al Assam, Executive Chairman and Founder of Dewan Architects + Engineers, commented on the results:
“We are thrilled to witness the remarkable creativity and innovation displayed by the Dewan Award for Architecture 2024 participants. This year’s theme, Iraq’s Pavilion for a Global Exposition, has inspired transformative proposals that reflect a deep passion for reshaping Iraq’s narrative through design,” said Mohamed Al Assam, Executive Chairman and Founder of Dewan Architects + Engineers. “When I first envisioned the Dewan Award, I hoped to inspire a new generation of designers to engage with Iraq’s cultural heritage while addressing its modern challenges. Seeing such exceptional talent fills me with pride and optimism for the future. As a company, we are honoured to support this initiative, fostering a collaborative spirit that transcends borders and contributes to developing meaningful architectural spaces. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their dedication to excellence in architecture and design.”
For its inaugural theme in 2018, the award sought proposals for a school in Iraq’s marshlands: More information. In 2019, the award theme was the regeneration of Al Umma Park in Baghdad; More information. In 2020, the award theme was to design a youth house and plaza in Baghdad’s Sadr City; More information. In 2021, the award theme was to design a sanctuary for homeless girls in Iraq; More information. In 2022, the award sought proposals for a Rehabilitation Centre for Terrorism Victims in Iraq; More information. In 2023, the award’s theme was the New Basra’s waterfront; More information.
Sponsors
The award extends its gratitude to its sponsors and supporters: Dewan Architects + Engineers, Coventry University, the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan, Kufa—Makiya Charity, Knowledge Hub Universities—Egypt, Bonair Ltd, the United Nations Global Compact—Iraq Network, and Round City Magazine.