Space between moments
Space between moments
Qalat
Qalat
Awards
Awards
QALAT AWARDS 2025 IS A GLOBAL CALL TO DESIGN AND BUILD THE NEXT GREAT PUBLIC SPACE IN ERBIL.
Application Open
Application Open
Application Open
55:14:12:54
call for ideas
call for ideas
THE JOURNEY OF CREATIVE INSPIRATION
Qalat Awards 2025 invites architects, designers, and creatives worldwide to propose an architectural intervention within Erbil’s most prominent green space, Sami Abdul Rahman Park.
This year’s challenge calls for the creation of a gathering space for the everyday — a structure that supports quiet presence as much as public expression. It should invite a range of interpretations and uses: a talk, a poetry reading, a moment of rest, or a casual moment of play.
Qalat Awards 2025 invites architects, designers, and creatives worldwide to propose an architectural intervention within Erbil’s most prominent green space, Sami Abdul Rahman Park.
This year’s challenge calls for the creation of a gathering space for the everyday — a structure that supports quiet presence as much as public expression. It should invite a range of interpretations and uses: a talk, a poetry reading, a moment of rest, or a casual moment of play.
Application Package
All you need to kickstart your application
Application Package
All you need to kickstart your application
Application Package
All you need to kickstart your application
The vision
The vision
Reimagining Public Space in the Heart of Kurdistan
A legacy
A city's soul is found not in its grand monuments, but in the spaces between the parks, the squares, the quiet corners where public life unfolds. In Erbil, a city of ancient heritage and dynamic future, these spaces are more vital than ever.
Qalat Awards is born from a simple, powerful belief: that architecture has the power to shape our collective experience. It is more than a competition; it is an investment in our public realm and a platform for the world's most innovative design talent.
Our model is one of radical discovery, focused on identifying the next emerging voice in architecture. We are looking for an unbuilt temporary masterpiece a design that will create a memorable public experience and become a cherished landmark within Erbil's urban fabric for a period of six months.
This is a call to create a legacy.
A city's soul is found not in its grand monuments, but in the spaces between the parks, the squares, the quiet corners where public life unfolds. In Erbil, a city of ancient heritage and dynamic future, these spaces are more vital than ever.
Qalat Awards is born from a simple, powerful belief: that architecture has the power to shape our collective experience. It is more than a competition; it is an investment in our public realm and a platform for the world's most innovative design talent.
Our model is one of radical discovery, focused on identifying the next emerging voice in architecture. We are looking for an unbuilt temporary masterpiece a design that will create a memorable public experience and become a cherished landmark within Erbil's urban fabric for a period of six months.
This is a call to create a legacy.
Structure
Structure
And awards
The process
[ 01 ]
Open Call
Architects, designers, and creatives from around the world are invited to submit their proposals.
[ 01 ]
Open Call
Architects, designers, and creatives from around the world are invited to submit their proposals.
[ 01 ]
Open Call
Architects, designers, and creatives from around the world are invited to submit their proposals.
[ 02 ]
Jury Deliberation
An expert jury will review all anonymous submissions and select one Winning Proposal to be built. The jury will also select five Honorable Mentions.
[ 02 ]
Jury Deliberation
An expert jury will review all anonymous submissions and select one Winning Proposal to be built. The jury will also select five Honorable Mentions.
[ 02 ]
Jury Deliberation
An expert jury will review all anonymous submissions and select one Winning Proposal to be built. The jury will also select five Honorable Mentions.
[ 03 ]
Winning proposal Construction
The winning design will be constructed.
[ 03 ]
Winning proposal Construction
The winning design will be constructed.
[ 03 ]
Winning proposal Construction
The winning design will be constructed.
[ 04 ]
Grand Opening
Upon completion of the architectural intervention, a grand opening event will be held to inaugurate the structure.
[ 04 ]
Grand Opening
Upon completion of the architectural intervention, a grand opening event will be held to inaugurate the structure.
[ 04 ]
Grand Opening
Upon completion of the architectural intervention, a grand opening event will be held to inaugurate the structure.
Timeline
Timeline
key dates
Competition Theme
Competition Theme
Space between moments
The Built Commission
Set within a generous circular zone, the intervention should act as an anchor for public life. It may accommodate a talk, a poetry reading, or an afternoon of informal use. It may serve as a quiet retreat at noon or as an impromptu stage at dusk.
Designs should explore how architecture can frame encounters without staging them. How can a space support expression without spectacle? How might it quietly engage those passing through?
While the amphitheater serves as a starting point, your proposal should expand its potential using light, material, and atmosphere to shape a place that feels both open and intimate, formal and improvised.
Set within a generous circular zone, the intervention should act as an anchor for public life. It may accommodate a talk, a poetry reading, or an afternoon of informal use. It may serve as a quiet retreat at noon or as an impromptu stage at dusk.
Designs should explore how architecture can frame encounters without staging them. How can a space support expression without spectacle? How might it quietly engage those passing through?
While the amphitheater serves as a starting point, your proposal should expand its potential using light, material, and atmosphere to shape a place that feels both open and intimate, formal and improvised.
Site Context
Site Context
Location and coordination
The project site is located at 36.189175, 43.978401 — a quiet circular clearing in Sami AbdulRahman Park, Erbil’s largest and most visited public park.
Surrounded by trees and positioned near active footpaths, the site offers an ideal platform for a structure that is at once discreet and engaging.
Participants may propose a built area ranging from 50-150 square meters, situated within the circular zone. The form, geometry, and footprint are open to interpretation, as long as the design respects and enhances the natural context.
Designs should respond to the climate, sun path, vegetation, and character of the park using these elements to shape atmosphere, engagement, and experience over time.
The project site is located at 36.189175, 43.978401 — a quiet circular clearing in Sami AbdulRahman Park, Erbil’s largest and most visited public park.
Surrounded by trees and positioned near active footpaths, the site offers an ideal platform for a structure that is at once discreet and engaging.
Participants may propose a built area ranging from 50-150 square meters, situated within the circular zone. The form, geometry, and footprint are open to interpretation, as long as the design respects and enhances the natural context.
Designs should respond to the climate, sun path, vegetation, and character of the park using these elements to shape atmosphere, engagement, and experience over time.
Eligibility
Eligibility
CRITERIA
Open to architects, designers, artists, students, and design or architecture studios from all countries. Individual and team (of up to 4) entries accepted. Multidisciplinary and studio collaborations are encouraged.
Competition Format
This is a single-phase, open international design competition. The winning proposal will be developed and constructed as a permanent feature in Sami Abdul Rahman Park.
Open to architects, designers, artists, students, and design or architecture studios from all countries. Individual and team (of up to 4) entries accepted. Multidisciplinary and studio collaborations are encouraged.
Competition Format
This is a single-phase, open international design competition. The winning proposal will be developed and constructed as a permanent feature in Sami Abdul Rahman Park.
Evaluation Criteria
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Evaluation Criteria
Percentage
Concept & Thematic Response
[ 25% ]
Criteria
- Originality and strength of the core design idea - Depth of engagement with the competition theme - Capacity of the concept to generate layered civic meaning - Conceptual clarity and relevance to the amphitheater typology
Concept & Thematic Response
[ 25% ]
- Originality and strength of the core design idea - Depth of engagement with the competition theme - Capacity of the concept to generate layered civic meaning - Conceptual clarity and relevance to the amphitheater typology
Concept & Thematic Response
[ 25% ]
Criteria
- Originality and strength of the core design idea - Depth of engagement with the competition theme - Capacity of the concept to generate layered civic meaning - Conceptual clarity and relevance to the amphitheater typology
Spatial & Architectural Quality
[ 25% ]
Criteria
- Quality of spatial composition, proportions, and flow - Thoughtful articulation of form, structure, and detail - Sensory and material presence (light, shadow, texture) - Overall architectural coherence and experiential richness
Spatial & Architectural Quality
[ 25% ]
- Quality of spatial composition, proportions, and flow - Thoughtful articulation of form, structure, and detail - Sensory and material presence (light, shadow, texture) - Overall architectural coherence and experiential richness
Spatial & Architectural Quality
[ 25% ]
Criteria
- Quality of spatial composition, proportions, and flow - Thoughtful articulation of form, structure, and detail - Sensory and material presence (light, shadow, texture) - Overall architectural coherence and experiential richness
Contextual Integration
[ 20% ]
Criteria
- Sensitivity to the park landscape and natural setting - Climatic responsiveness (orientation, shading, daylight strategy) - Relationship to surrounding vegetation, trees, and paths - Respectful integration without over-domination of the site
Contextual Integration
[ 20% ]
- Sensitivity to the park landscape and natural setting - Climatic responsiveness (orientation, shading, daylight strategy) - Relationship to surrounding vegetation, trees, and paths - Respectful integration without over-domination of the site
Contextual Integration
[ 20% ]
Criteria
- Sensitivity to the park landscape and natural setting - Climatic responsiveness (orientation, shading, daylight strategy) - Relationship to surrounding vegetation, trees, and paths - Respectful integration without over-domination of the site
Program & Functional Adaptability
[ 15% ]
Criteria
- Flexibility to support a range of activities (performance, rest, play) - Clarity of circulation and public access - Durability and appropriateness of the structure for open public use - Buildability and feasibility within Erbil’s local context
Program & Functional Adaptability
[ 15% ]
- Flexibility to support a range of activities (performance, rest, play) - Clarity of circulation and public access - Durability and appropriateness of the structure for open public use - Buildability and feasibility within Erbil’s local context
Program & Functional Adaptability
[ 15% ]
Criteria
- Flexibility to support a range of activities (performance, rest, play) - Clarity of circulation and public access - Durability and appropriateness of the structure for open public use - Buildability and feasibility within Erbil’s local context
Presentation & Communication
[ 15% ]
Criter
- Clear and organized layout across boards - Effective and legible drawings: plans, sections, elevations, and details - Use of diagrams, sketches, and visuals to communicate intent and atmosphere - Strong narrative that enhances understanding of the project
Presentation & Communication
[ 15% ]
- Clear and organized layout across boards - Effective and legible drawings: plans, sections, elevations, and details - Use of diagrams, sketches, and visuals to communicate intent and atmosphere - Strong narrative that enhances understanding of the project
Presentation & Communication
[ 15% ]
Criter
- Clear and organized layout across boards - Effective and legible drawings: plans, sections, elevations, and details - Use of diagrams, sketches, and visuals to communicate intent and atmosphere - Strong narrative that enhances understanding of the project
Guidance
Guidance
Guidance
Submission
Guidance on how to submit proposals
Application Open
Application Open
Application Open
Qalat Awards is open
Please review the following
All personal and team information will be submitted separately and withheld from the jury to maintain anonymity.
All personal and team information will be submitted separately and withheld from the jury to maintain anonymity.
All personal and team information will be submitted separately and withheld from the jury to maintain anonymity.
Maximum of 3 A1 boards, landscape orientation
Maximum of 3 A1 boards, landscape orientation
Maximum of 3 A1 boards, landscape orientation
Submitted as a single high-resolution PDF (max 100MB)
Submitted as a single high-resolution PDF (max 100MB)
Submitted as a single high-resolution PDF (max 100MB)
File name format: QA25_[ProjectTitle].pdf
File name format: QA25_[ProjectTitle].pdf
File name format: QA25_[ProjectTitle].pdf
No identifying information on boards
No identifying information on boards
No identifying information on boards
Upload instructions will be provided during the submission stage
Upload instructions will be provided during the submission stage
Upload instructions will be provided during the submission stage
Suggested Board Structure
Suggested Board Structure
Suggested Board Structure
We recommend the following layout to help convey a clear and coherent design narrative:
Boards
Board 1
Concept & Site
Concept & Site
Introduce the project’s guiding idea, its relationship to the theme, and how it engages with the site.
Board 2
Architecture & Drawings
Architecture & Drawings
Present core architectural drawings: plans, elevations, sections, and a key detail.
Board 3
Atmosphere & Use
Atmosphere & Use
Focus on visualizations, diagrams, and sketches that communicate how the space feels and functions. Emphasize materiality, light, use over time, and the experience of being there.
Submission
requirments
Submission
requirments
Submission
requirments
What to include
Project Title & Concept Statement
A short written summary (max 300 words) outlining the design intent, spatial qualities, and how the proposal responds to the theme Space Between Moments.
Project Title & Concept Statement
A short written summary (max 300 words) outlining the design intent, spatial qualities, and how the proposal responds to the theme Space Between Moments.
Project Title & Concept Statement
A short written summary (max 300 words) outlining the design intent, spatial qualities, and how the proposal responds to the theme Space Between Moments.
Architectural Drawings
- Site Plan showing context and placement - Floor Plan(s) at appropriate scale - All Elevations - At least one Section - At least One Key Detail Drawing focused on material, spatial, or structural resolution
Architectural Drawings
- Site Plan showing context and placement - Floor Plan(s) at appropriate scale - All Elevations - At least one Section - At least One Key Detail Drawing focused on material, spatial, or structural resolution
Architectural Drawings
- Site Plan showing context and placement - Floor Plan(s) at appropriate scale - All Elevations - At least one Section - At least One Key Detail Drawing focused on material, spatial, or structural resolution
Visual Representation
Visuals should communicate both the functional use and the atmosphere of the proposal.. Include as many visual materials as needed across the boards to clearly express your concept. These may include: Renders or collages; Diagrams (analytical, spatial, or conceptual); Sketches (digital or hand-drawn)
Visual Representation
Visuals should communicate both the functional use and the atmosphere of the proposal.. Include as many visual materials as needed across the boards to clearly express your concept. These may include: Renders or collages; Diagrams (analytical, spatial, or conceptual); Sketches (digital or hand-drawn)
Visual Representation
Visuals should communicate both the functional use and the atmosphere of the proposal.. Include as many visual materials as needed across the boards to clearly express your concept. These may include: Renders or collages; Diagrams (analytical, spatial, or conceptual); Sketches (digital or hand-drawn)
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions
By submitting an entry to the Qalat Awards 2025, participants agree to the following terms and conditions. These terms are intended to ensure fairness, transparency, and respect for all parties involved.
GET TO KNOW MORE