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Buildner is proud to announce the results of the Dubai Urban Elements Challenge, a landmark international ideas competition with a total prize fund of 2 million AED (approximately €500,000), organized in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The competition invited architects, designers, and urban thinkers to propose small-scale, modular interventions—such as seating, shading, lighting, and wayfinding—that enhance Dubai’s public realm and strengthen the city’s unique urban identity across seven distinct zones. Submissions emphasized creativity, sustainability, adaptability, and practical implementation.
The first prize was awarded to Oliver Charles Hessian (United Kingdom) for a family of urban elements inspired by local history and cultural motifs, creating a coherent urban language across diverse zones. Second prize went to Mohammad Ayesh (Saudi Arabia) for Breathing Masonry, a climate-responsive modular system designed to create microclimates while remaining scalable and adaptable. Third prize was awarded to Julieta Derdoy and Matias Fidel Moyano (Argentina) for a modular urban furniture system that combines abstraction, symbolism, and refined geometry to provide a coherent spatial identity.
The competition jury included Sirine Kalache, Varkki George Pallathucheril, Shaikha AlShaikh, Salma Al Shamsi, Jette Hopp, Ahmed Bukhash, and Andrew Mason. Buildner congratulates all winners and thanks all participants for their visionary contributions. Honorable mentions and shortlisted projects can be explored on the competition website. This inaugural edition highlights the power of small-scale architectural elements to transform public spaces, enhance the human experience, and contribute to Dubai’s evolving urban landscape.
2nd Prize
3rd Prize
