Diriyah, March 27, 2024, The Diriyah Company recently celebrated the culmination of its Local Mosque Design Competition during the annual Diriyah Suhoor, underscoring a significant milestone in its mission to enhance Diriyah's architectural landscape. As detailed in a press release from the Company, the award ceremony was held at Bujairi Terrace and drew attendance from journalists, influencers, and communication professionals across the region.
The competition was designed to invite participants to submit innovative designs for mosques in Diriyah, adhering to the Najdi architectural style and employing traditional construction techniques and materials native to the region. The winning designs, carefully selected after a rigorous evaluation process, authentically reflect Diriyah's rich cultural heritage and the distinctive architectural style of the Najd region. This initiative underscores Diriyah's dedication to preserving its architectural heritage and involving the community in the area's development.
With 170 entries meeting the competition's stringent criteria, a special panel evaluated the top 11 designs based on alignment with the Diriyah master plan, adherence to the design brief, and integration with local culture and community. Ultimately, three winning groups, comprising 12 students, were announced during the Diriyah Suhoor, showcasing their innovative mosque designs that blend creativity, sustainability, and respect for cultural traditions.
The first and second-place designs from the competition will be realized through construction in Diriyah, contributing significantly to the area's evolving architectural identity. The competition, initiated in July 2023, garnered widespread attention and participation, attracting 539 students from 31 universities, including those from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, GCC universities, and international institutions. The diverse array of 296 design submissions, ranging from individual efforts to group collaborations, highlighted the immense talent and potential of young architects in contributing directly to the local community's development and cultural preservation.
