RIYADH, 14 February 2007 — The Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) is organizing an international design competition themed “Neighborhoods Are More Than Houses” as part of an international three-day housing symposium to be held here from March 25.
As many as 286 abstract papers from 27 countries have been received for the symposium, which will be held at the King Fahd Cultural Center, said Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, director of research and studies at the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh.
Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG) is the main sponsor of the event along with a number of other organizations. One of the highlights of the event is an exhibition of prize-winning entries at the symposium. A total of SR525,000 in cash prizes are on offer for the winners of the competition, which is open for entry to both professionals and students.
The Top 3 positions in each of the two classes will be presented awards at a special ceremony during the inauguration of the event on March 25. The second five positions in each class will also be recognized at the event.
According to Al-Asheikh, the symposium will discuss four key topics: Planning and design of neighborhoods; revitalization and renewal of existing neighborhoods; implementing community participation in neighborhoods; presentation of local and international successful experiences in these areas.
The abstracts submitted for presentation were evaluated by a panel of 103 judges both from the Kingdom and abroad under the supervision of a three-member committee drawn from the School of Architecture and Planning at the King Saud University.
Al-Asheikh said the symposium reflects ADA’s keenness for the comprehensive development of the housing sector and the need to create a positive interactive community spirit among the residents of housing neighborhoods.
The objective of the symposium, he pointed out, was to enable participants and specialists to exchange knowledge and experience in the designing of a suitable housing environment and to discuss the factors that could improve neighborhoods in terms of architectural, social, environmental, aesthetic and security dimensions.
The event is intended to promote new concepts in architectural designs to integrate neighborhoods into cohesive units through the cross-fertilization of ideas. At present the wall stands as a barrier between the inmate of a house and his/her neighbor. With an overemphasis on security and privacy, the inmate is cut off from society. Construction of jogging tracks in a housing compound or the presence of a mini-supermarket or some recreation facility, it is felt, could go a long way in promoting such interaction as well as an active lifestyle for healthy living.
As for the international design competition, Al-Asheikh said its objective was to invite local and international designers to submit designs that overcome past shortcomings, resulting in the presentation of practical and creative ideas for establishing dynamic neighborhoods. For further details of the competition see www.housing3.org.
