- The Architecture and Design Commission announced the winners of the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award 2024 at a closing ceremony on August 11th.
- Winners were recognized in three categories: Built Projects, Unbuild Projects, and University Student Design Projects.
- The biennial award will expand in its next edition to include new categories related to research and studies in architecture and design, promoting the Charter’s values on a global scale.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 13th August 2024 – The Architecture and Design Commissions pleased to announce the winners of the prestigious King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award 2024 during a ceremony held on August 11th. This highly anticipated event honored exceptional projects that exemplify the Charter’s standards and excellence in urban design.
The King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award honors innovators whose projects embody the Charter’s values by creating architectural excellence and improving the quality of life for all residents through environments that build on cultural and environmental heritage while emulating the future.
The award inspires practitioners to integrate these standards into their work. The Charter’s values are embodied by authenticity, continuity, human-centricity, livability, innovation, and sustainability. This year’s award featured three main tracks: Built Projects, Unbuild Projects, and University Student Design Projects.
The winners were selected through a rigorous process spanning six months, beginning with the submission and registration phase, followed by sorting and evaluation based on specific criteria. A jury of local and international experts in architecture and design assessed the projects, leading to the nomination and final selection of the winners.
In the Built Projects category, the award recipients are:
- King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture —Ithra: Designed by Snøhetta, the 70,000-square-meter project owned by Saudi Aramco opened in 2018 in Dahahran.
- Banyan Tree AlUla: Designed by AW2 —Architecture & Interiors, the 10,000-square-meter project owned by AlUla Development Company, and located at Wadi Ashar, Al-Ula, was inaugurated in 2022.
- Dar Al Rahmaniah Building in Al Ghat: Designed by John Lingley, the 13,000-square-meter project in Al-Ghat, owned by Abdulrahman Al-Sudairi Cultural Center, was launched in 2003.
- KAFD Grand Mosque: Designed by Omrania and owned by King Abdullah Financial Center, the 6,100-square-meter project located in Riyadh opened in 2019.
- Innovation Tower-KACST: Designed by LAVA Laboratory of Visionary Architecture, the 51,420-square-meter project located in Riyadh and owned by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), opened in 2022.
These projects embody the Charter’s values. They set a benchmark in urban design, respecting historical context while equally enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.
The Unbuild Projects category recognized visionary design, which demonstrated innovative thinking and a deep understanding of the Charter’s principles. These projects have the potential to significantly impact future urban environments with their forward-looking approach. The 2024 winners are:
- The Sports Boulevard: Designed by Sports Track Design Team under the ownership of Sports Track Foundation, the 17,622,491-square-meter project is located in Riyadh.
- Mihrab: Designed and owned by the Mihrab Team, under the supervision of the Medina Development Authority, the 200-square-meter project spans multiple locations.
In the University Student Design Projects category, the winners were highlighted for their creativity and ingenuity. The following winning projects stood out for their originality and commitment to improving urban living, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent and encouraging the next generation of architects and designers. They are:
- King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language: Designed by student Abdulaziz Bin Ghanem Al-Talib, the 18,117 square meter project is located at King Saud University.
- Contemporary Neighborhood Design: Designed by student Sadeem Al Jibreen, the 24,000 square meter project is located at Jubail Industrial College.
Dr. Sumayah Sulaiman Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission, remarked: ” This year’s King Salman Charter Award winners have truly exemplified the values of the Charter, showcasing how traditional principles can be harmoniously integrated with contemporary design. We are proud to honor their achievements and look forward to seeing their continued contributions to our urban landscape,”
The biennial award will expand its scope in the next edition by introducing new categories related to research and studies in architecture and design. This expansion aims to continue supporting the Charter’s values, encouraging excellence in design.
The King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism blends historical authenticity with innovative design. It guides decision-makers, specialists, and enthusiasts in creating spaces that celebrate Saudi Arabia’s substantial cultural legacy while looking toward a sustainable future.
