Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge Competition – Tharwa Sea Front Site 2nd Prize Winners - Ala Munther Tawfiq Ammari and Afaf Zayed Hamed Al Odetalla

We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce the 2nd prize winners of our Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge Competition, Tharwa Sea Front Site – Ala Munther Tawfiq Ammari and Afaf Zayed Hamed Al Odetalla from Jordan!

Ala Munther Tawfiq Ammari and Afaf Zayed Hamed Al Odetalla

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Afaf Zaied and Ala Ammari are architects from Jordan, both graduates of the Jordan University of Science and Technology. Afaf specializes in interior design, while Ala focuses on urban design and holds a master’s degree from Politecnico di Milano. Together, they work on interior design and small-scale architectural projects.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

 “Architecture, to us, is about solving real problems through design. It means creating spaces that serve people while improving the quality of life in a city or community. It’s not only about forming beautiful shapes, but about shaping how people are experiencing a space, how it is connecting to its surroundings, and how it is serving different needs over time.”

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architecture competitions to challenge ourselves and step outside of our routine work. It’s refreshing to design freely, without the constraints of client demands, and to test our own ideas and skills. Competitions are also a valuable exercise, allowing us to compare our approach and understanding of a project with architects from around the world, and to reflect on what we did well and where we can improve.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions are a great exercise and learning opportunity. Our advice is to choose a competition that resonates with you, work with a team you enjoy collaborating with, and focus on the process as much as the outcome. When you connect with the theme and enjoy the teamwork, the whole experience becomes more enjoyable and insightful.