
Students and emerging architecture practitioners are invited to submit to the OISTAT Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC) 2025. One of the three competitions during World Stage Design (WSD) 2025, this issue of TAC features the motto ‘Theatre of Possibilities‘ and welcomes innovative ideas for a performance space that can maximize the use and value of a cultural site.
Brief
Performance is more than the visual. There are many ways to tell a story, and at the very beginning of this process is the space it happens within. What is the audience interaction and experience from the beginning of their visit to the time they leave? They are part of that
experience, not merely an observer. A theatre space should envelop the audience, feel safe for the artists and have a plethora of opportunities and flexibility.
For this edition, the site is the courtyard of Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, a merchant’s home built in 1845. Bait Obaid Al Shamsi reflects authentic Arabic Islamic Architecture, and is currently managed by Sharjah Art Foundation to be used throughout the year for various cultural activities such as the Focal Point Book Fair, performances, concerts, workshops and community programming. After renovation in 1997, 13 studios are maintained around the traditional courtyard, hosting artist studios, artists in residence, exhibition spaces and office spaces.
Project Guidelines
The Theatre Architecture Competition is looking for ideas for the most innovative use of the site that would provide flexible and multiple options to both SAF and SPAA. Participants are asked to consider these guidelines:
- Embrace the heritage of the site and the region.
- Create a temporary outdoor performance venue for multiple live performance genres, including but not limited to contemporary and traditional music, solo artists and small groups, drama, new writing, and spoken word between the months of October and April.
- Consider a maximum build and deconstruct time of no more than 3 days and efficient storage capabilities.
- Employ sustainable methods in its construction and encourage and support sustainable ways of working in its daily activity.
- Include accessible design for disabled artists and patrons to have equal opportunities to experience and engage with the performance.
- Provide audience capacity of a maximum of 100 patrons in a variety of configurations.
- Facilities and artist support, such as dressing rooms (both single and ensemble), greenroom and company office, bathrooms, kitchens and foyer space, will be provided in the existing buildings within Bait Al Shamsi.
- Costings are not required, but the jury will favour submissions which are practical and realizable.
Environmental Considerations
Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
- The venue is intended to be used for 6 months of the year between October and April inclusive, where temperatures range from 19 – 30 degrees celsius. Rainfall during this time averages between 2 – 18 mm per month. Performances will primarily take place in the evening when it will be the coolest.
- Sustainable practices such as using locally sourced materials, incorporating traditional architectural elements for natural ventilation and passive cooling, and implementing energy-efficient systems are essential. Preservation of biodiversity, along with water conservation measures, aligns with the Emirate’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
- The design should respect the historical significance of the site and its surroundings. All designs should be done in a way that preserves the original architecture and cultural heritage.
More information on noise, physical and site access considerations can be found in the Theatre Architecture Competition Submission information booklet, as well as in the Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Package. Both are accessible from the World Stage Design 2025 website.
Prizes
The Theatre Architecture Competition prizes will be presented at the World Stage Design event in Sharjah between 18th-25th October 2025. All winners will receive free event passes to attend WSD 2025
- The 1st place winner of the OISTAT Theatre Architecture Competition 2025 will receive a cash prize of AED 15,000
- 2nd place: AED 8,000
- 3rd place: AED 5,000
- Joint Prizes: 3 x AED 1,500
- Honourable mentions will also be presented at WSD 2025