Honourable Mentions
MM24-57 ( Malaz)
from Syria
DESIGN
Let us not forget what we have experienced over the past years and the suffering of our brothers in the recent earthquake that struck Syria. These events remind us of the importance of solidarity and cooperation in rebuilding what has been destroyed, not only in buildings but also in the spirits of the people. Reconstruction requires all of us to take responsibility and contribute to alleviating suffering and restoring hope for a better future.
Based on this, the idea of creating new housing that provides a sense of security and enhances the feeling of belonging has emerged. Our project aims to create a residential environment that fosters interaction among community members and achieves integration among residents from diverse backgrounds.
The project embodies this by drawing inspiration from common architectural and urban elements found in Syrian cities, such as internal courtyards, narrow alleys and passages, tiled roofs, and private and public squares, as well as variations in building heights. These elements have been incorporated into the proposed design for the housing development, contributing to the revival of the Syrian community spirit.
We also aim to involve the local community in the design process by allocating flexible and dedicated spaces within the site and residential units. This aims to meet individuals’ needs and preferences, allowing them to leave a personal mark on the design of the place.
Additionally, it was essential to preserve the environment by ensuring no encroachment on green elements and surrounding lands. On the contrary, this community contributes to creating a balanced relationship between the new housing and the environment by increasing green and open spaces and linking them with the surrounding lands, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents.
In summary, through this project, we seek to build an authentic residential community that ensures safety and belonging, enhances interaction and integration of residents in a new environment, and can be replicated in various contexts across Syria’s diverse cities.
MM24-02 (Bunyan)
Project by: Cehad Gaber, Amir Hamami,Dimah Alkhweder, Ghazal Abdul Wahab,Tuka Rachoini from Turkey
DESIGN
The architectural design addresses the pressing needs of 456 displaced families in Azaz by constructing 30 L-shaped residential buildings. Each building features four floors, with four apartments per floor, totaling 456 units. This configuration is intentionally designed to create courtyards that reflect traditional Syrian neighborhoods, thereby fostering community and connection. The apartments are allocated as 70% 2+1 units, available in two variations, and 30% 3+1 units, offered in two distinct layouts, to accommodate a range of family sizes and needs.
Utilizing local materials, the buildings incorporate sustainable design elements. The façade system features openable panels and a thermal chimney. In winter, closed panels retain heat, enhancing thermal efficiency and reducing heating costs, while in summer, open panels facilitate natural ventilation, improving indoor comfort and reducing cooling expenses. This dual-function façade design promotes energy efficiency and supports the building’s long-term sustainability.
The project also includes essential community facilities. The primary school is equipped with adaptable classrooms, specialized laboratories, and playgrounds, addressing both educational and recreational needs. The Bunyan Mosque, with a capacity of 500 worshippers, serves as a central hub for spiritual and communal activities, strengthening social bonds within the community.
The Azzaz Youth Center is integral to economic and social reintegration, offering workshops, multipurpose halls, and greenhouses. These facilities support local crafts, agriculture, and employment, aiding displaced individuals in reengaging with the labor market. The project’s practical, rapid construction methods and sustainable design ensure effective immediate relief and long-term community resilience.
MM24-53
Project by: Mahmoud Elsaadny,Tarek Wagih, Farres Yasser,Mohamed Badawy from Egypt
DESIGN
The project’s motto is “Syrian vernacular within a camp’s budget.” Our aim is to empower inhabitants to live with sovereignty, ensuring that aid and UN decisions enhance their quality of life rather than merely providing subsistence. The buildings, souq, and mosque serve as multifunctional spaces for living, working, learning, and playing, fostering skills, vocations, trade, and social interaction for children, adults, and elders.
The buildings design supports extended families, interweaving three generations through a juxtaposition of two and three-bedroom units around a central courtyard. These units shift and rotate to give each home its identity, creating a visually unique urban fabric that fosters both macro and micro identities. This prevents the uniformity that often depletes the identity of individuals, families, and the community. The variations cause wind-breaking and shading effects despite the right-angled grid design of the site.
Economic sustainability is addressed through microeconomic strategies such as hydroponics and rooftop urban livestock farming. Pergolas, roofed with solar panels, provide social spaces, energy and reduce heat gain through the rooftop, enhancing the practicality of rooftops.
The buildings promote social cohesion within and around them, through courts and exterior urban pockets fostering community interaction. Open spaces are multifunctional, accommodating a souq, playgrounds, events, shows, and group prayers during Eid. This approach creates a dynamic and resilient community environment, allowing refugees to thrive with dignity and autonomy.
MM24-29 (المغامرون الخمسة)
Project by: hamza ahmed shokry, Mariam Assem Ahmed, Hagar Ibrahim Attia , Nada Hazem Zewail, Maha Ayman Elbaroudy from Egypt
DESIGN
Our project addresses three primary challenges: providing immediate shelter for refugees, utilizing existing buildings, and minimizing costs. The solution involves recycling existing structures and preserving foundations (zero waste) to create rapid, cost-effective housing.
Sustainability is central to our approach, serving as a tool to enhance the quality of life for refugees. The design concept revolves around reusing the existing foundation grid and incorporating recycled concrete slabs from demolished structures. Syrian stone walls are introduced to form dynamic, expandable clusters, providing adaptable living spaces within the community.
Internally, each unit is designed using recycled timber from demolished rooftops. These materials are repurposed as flexible interior walls and furniture, allowing spaces to be reconfigured to meet varying needs. The project also integrates agricultural spaces within each cluster, enabling residents to grow crops, fostering self-sufficiency, and reviving traditional farming practices.
By combining recycled construction materials with communal agricultural initiatives, our design fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the new neighborhood, creating a resilient and sustainable community for the future.