Competition Rules and Terms & Conditions

All entries must be anonymised on boards and written statement following the naming format:
Unique-Registration-Code_TeamName_ProjectTitle_Descriptor (e.g., TA234_DesertWeave_OasisPavilion_Board01)

1. Eligibility

Who can enter: Open to currently enrolled students in architecture, engineering architecture, and urban design at GCC universities (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait).

Team Submissions: Individual or team submissions (maximum 5 members).

Originality: Original work only

University Limit: Each university may submit up to 10 entries; internal shortlisting is encouraged.

2. Deliverables & Technical Specifications

• Design Boards (Mandatory): Four (4) A1 boards in PDF format (portrait), maximum 20 MB per board.
• Content: Must include Elevations (Architectural 1:50/100), Sections (Architectural 1:50/100), Floor Plans (Architectural 1:50/100), Enlarged sections and elevations (suggested 1:10), Details (suggested 1:5/1:10 - Envelope Material information, Key materials), Axonometrics, Contextual Elevations (Urban 1:200), Masterplan / Urban Layout designs (1:200 / 1:500), Rendered Perspectives (Primary interior / exterior spaces). Submitters should use an appropriate scale for their submission within Architectural design or landscape design.
• Project Preview Sheet (Mandatory): One Project Image from the presentation that best describes the project, alongside a 500–800 word summary.
• Supplementary Media (Optional): Up to 6 images of physical models or prototypes; and/or a video (maximum 2 minutes, MP4).
  • File Size: Supplementary files should not exceed a combined 200 MB per entry.
• File Naming & Formats:
  • Naming: TeamName_ProjectTitle_Descriptor (e.g., DesertWeave_OasisPavilion_Board01).
  • Accepted Formats: PDF for boards and written statement; JPG/PNG for images; MP4 for video.
• Anonymity: Presentation boards should not include any information related to the university or personal team information. Team name must not include the University name.
• Accessibility & Legibility: Use clear typographic hierarchies and contrast; include north arrows, scales, and legends. Ensure text is readable at 100% zoom. All non-English text must include English translations.

3. Submission Process

• Platform: Submissions must be completed via the official Competition Portal (URL to be issued to universities to share with their students).
• Verification: Each university will verify team eligibility and completeness prior to upload.
• Deadlines: Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Anonymity on Submissions: All entries must be anonymised on boards and written statement. University and team details are entered only in the portal forms.

4. Disqualification, Conflicts of Interest & Appeals

Grounds for Disqualification:

• Late submission.
• Breach of anonymity.
• Plagiarism.
• Offensive or discriminatory content.
• Non-compliance with file specifications.
• Attempts to influence jurors.

Use of AI Tools: The use of AI tools is permitted, provided the submission remains the entrant’s own original work and technical data.

Conflicts of Interest: Conflicts of interest will be managed by recusal.

5. Jury & Evaluation

Jury Composition: The jury will include 4-5 regional and international experts in architecture, earthen construction, and cultural heritage, including DCT-nominated members.

Evaluation: Evaluation will adhere to a transparent scoring rubric (100-point scale).

6. Exhibition Logistics

Display Format: Printed boards (A1 or consolidated A0), select models/prototypes, and digital screens as space permits.

Print Specifications (Guidance): 300 dpi minimum; recommended foamboard mounting 5–10 mm; matte finish.

Shipping: Shortlisted entrants may be asked to provide high-resolution print files and/or ship models by March 2026.

Credits: Names and universities displayed post-judging (ensuring anonymity during evaluation).

7. Communications & Support

Competition Portal: URL to be issued via university contacts. FAQs, templates, and updates will be posted.

Official Queries: Contact via [email protected].

Webinars: Optional webinars will be hosted in October and November 2025.