Dubai Urban Elements Design Challenge calls on participants to engage with design on an expansive scale while recognizing the profound impact of small architectural forms in defining the city’s character. As Dubai continues its dynamic evolution, it now seeks to deepen its identity through the spaces that most intimately shape daily life, from streetscapes to pedestrian pathways and every small architectural intervention in between.
Brief
This competition aims to shape the next chapter of Dubai’s urban identity. Dubai Urban Elements Design Challenge is an invitation for architects, urban designers and visionaries to contribute to an initiative that defines the everyday experience of a city. Participants are invited to conceptualize a cohesive design vision that responds to Dubai’s diverse urban landscape while celebrating the individuality of its districts.
The competition focuses on seven distinct zones, each with its own identity, density and character. The challenge lies in crafting a unifying design language that respects the uniqueness of each zone while maintaining an overarching sense of cohesion throughout the city. RTA seeks solutions that are both imaginative and practical, responding to the present but also anticipating Dubai’s evolving identity.
Competition Guidelines
The seven competition site zones are:
- Zones 1 & 2: residential
- Zone 3: suburban
- Zone 4: comprehensive
- Zone 5: industrial
- Zone 6: historical & art
- Zone 7: high-end
- Participants are recommended to create a distinct set of designs for each of the seven zones within Dubai.
- Each zone should be approached individually, developing context-sensitive interventions that respond to the specific identity and needs of that area.
- At the same time, participants should ensure that all seven sets contribute to a cohesive urban language.
Eligibility & Registration
- Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams of up to 4.
- Pre-registration (March 10 – April 3): limited availability until all registrations are used. Open to all, regardless of professional or educational qualifications or location.
- Registration (April 4 – May 7): limited availability for participants. To be considered, applicants must submit a bid outlining their background and why they are qualified to enter the competition.
Submissions
Participants are required to upload:
- Four (4) A2 landscape-oriented presentation boards that clearly communicate their design proposal using a variety of visual tools of their choice.
Participants are also recommended to include:
- Cityscape integration
- Concept designs:
- Plans,sections and perspectives
- Environmental and climatic responsiveness
- Construction feasibility and material strategy
- Sustainability and urban resilience
- User experience and accessibility
- Zone-specific visualizations
- Urban perspective visualizations
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Prizes
- The winner of the Dubai Urban Elements Design Challenge will receive 250,000€
- 2nd Prize: 140,000 €
- 3rd Prize: 50,000 €
- 6 Honourable Mentions: 10,000 € each
- All winners will be published on Buildner and ArchDaily, given leverage into Buildner’s extensive media network and presented the opportunity to submit a movie and an interview to boost their industry recognizability.
