Diriyah Company unveils winning designs in local mosque competition
The Diriyah Company’s Local Mosque Design Competition award ceremony was held during the annual Diriyah Suhoor which took place in Bujairi Terrace and was attended by journalists, influencers and communications professionals from around the region, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enrich the architectural landscape of Diriyah.
The competition invited participants to submit designs for mosques in Diriyah, following the Najdi architectural style and using traditional construction techniques and materials from the region. Diriyah Mosque Design Competition aims to provide young architects with a platform to showcase their skills and contribute directly to the local community. The winning mosque designs reflect the rich cultural heritage of Diriyah and the authentic architectural style of the region, demonstrating Diriyah's commitment to preserving Najdi architecture and fostering community involvement in the area's development.
After a rigorous selection process, 170 entries met the competition's strict criteria, showcasing a deep understanding of the traditional Najdi architectural style. The top 11 designs were evaluated by a special panel who assessed the design entries based on their alignment with the Diriyah master plan, the design brief, and integration with the local culture and community. The competition culminated in the announcement of three winning groups, comprising 12 students, whose innovative mosque designs were unveiled to the public during the Diriyah Suhoor. These designs were recognized for their creativity, sustainability, and respect for cultural traditions. The first and second-place designs will be constructed in Diriyah, helping transform the area's architectural landscape.
In acknowledgment of their exceptional talent, the winners received cash prizes: 50,000 SAR for first place, 30,000 SAR for second place, and 15,000 SAR for third place. Additionally, the winning teams of students will also have the opportunity to enhance their professional development through internships, actively contributing to Diriyah's ongoing development.
Diriyah Company's dedication to nurturing local talent and advocating for sustainable building practices was clearly demonstrated through the competition. By tasking young architects with exploring eco-friendly solutions, the initiative not only sought to preserve the region's architectural heritage but also sparked the creation of innovative designs that embody Diriyah’s cultural legacy and the Kingdom’s progressive Vision. The architectural design competition for the mosques of Diriyah was initiated in July 2023 and attracted widespread attention. A total of 539 students from 31 universities participated, including 27 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one GCC university, and three international institutions. The competition received 296 diverse designs, ranging from individual entries to group submissions composed of 3 to 5 students.
