Polish architecture with successes in the Middle East. Two Polish studios stood on the podium of the international Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge competition for the concept of a monumental urban sculpture in one of two locations in Saudi Arabia. What made the works of Nizio Design International and NArchitekTURA stand out?
The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international, realization-based architectural competition, organized since 2018. In this year's fifth edition, the task was to design a context-set urban sculpture in Saudi Arabia. Contest organizers proposed two locations near the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and design teams were to take on themes such as a sense of national identity, heritage, relationships or transformation. Contest organizers encouraged them to design sites that would not only be important elements of the landscape, but also make a significant contribution to local communities.
A total of 366 works from 60 countries were submitted. Two projects from Poland received special recognition from the competition's chapter, which included representatives and representatives of studios such as Snøhetta, Bjarke Ingels Group and Grimshaw & Partners. Which awards did Polish studios collect?
Polish project Abu Hadriyah Road - A gateway to the gulf - 2nd place in the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge.
proj.: Nizio Design International © competition press mat.
Nizio Design International on the podium in an international competition!
The Nizio Design International studio has submitted a proposal for the first of two locations designated by the competition organizers. This is one of the points in the course of the Abu Hadriyah road, a highway connecting Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. A highly exposed site on the outskirts of the city of Ad-Dammam was designated.
The Nizio Design International studio proposed a sculpture in the form of two monumental triangular-shaped blocks located on both sides of the highway, together forming a monumental gateway to the city. As we read in the description of the concept, the first of the volumes is to symbolize water, the second - oil. The concept's authors also planned to designate shaded spaces inside the monument.
"Gate of Civilization and Progress" proposes a bold, monumental establishment located on Abu Hadriyah road in Dammam. It consists of two massive triangular structures made of compacted earth, symbolizing natural resources (water and oil) as fundamental forces for the development of civilization. The layered walls, inspired by geological formations, give the project a distinct sculptural presence and a strong rooting in the local material. The concept effectively conveys a narrative of growth, commerce and historical transformation - expressed through the symbolism of earth, water and fire. The monumental, static form is conducive to integration with projections or light installations during special events, giving it the potential to become an iconic landmark. Despite its use of local materials and distinctive visual metaphor, a lack of clear public engagement strategies, poor site interpretation and reliance on abstract symbolism limit its accessibility. In particular, the jury expressed concerns about safety in the tall, narrow spaces and recommended that if implemented, the project should be conceived as a compact block, devoid of internal circulation and usable spaces.
- reads the verdict of the chapter of the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge [redacted].
Hoist - 1st place at the Abu Hadriyah Road location in the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge.
proj.: Felix Bartolome Blanch © competition press mat.
First prize in this category was awarded to the "Hoist" project, designed by Felix Bartolome Blanch from the United States.
The Light of History - third place ex aequo at the Tharwa Sea Front location in the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge.
proj.: NArchitekTURA
monument on saudi coast
The second location proposed by the competition organizers is the waterfront in Tharwa, a district of the city of Al-Khubar. The Tharwa Corniche, or promenade, which runs along the coast, is a nearly 30-kilometer-long pedestrian and automobile thoroughfare with diverse development. At the height of the Tharwa district in 2021, a seaside plaza about 2 kilometers long was created. This is where one of the urban sculptures designed as part of the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is to stand.
The Light of History - patination of material - 3rd place ex aequo at the Tharwa Sea Front location in the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge.
proj.: NArchiekTURA
NArchitekTURA solar concept
NArchitekTURA studio presented a project titled The Light of History, the main element of which is a copper-clad, vertical form with a perpendicular outline. The dimensions of the sculpture are not accidental - its height is 1932 centimeters, its length is 230 centimeters and its width is 90 centimeters. These sizes refer to the date of the creation of Saudi Arabia, whose existence was proclaimed on September 23, 1932.
The Light of History - diagram - 3rd place ex aequo at the Tharwa Sea Front location in the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge.
proj.: NArchitekTURA
This date is reflected in the second most important element of the project - the circular opening, located halfway up the structure. Its location was planned in such a way that on September 23, the National Day of Saudi Arabia, it will be possible to observe the sunrise and sunset through the opening using points designated by the architects. In NArchitekTURA studio's design, the sculpture sits on a low pedestal, the top side of which is covered by a water mirror.
The Light of History - 3rd place ex aequo at the Tharwa Sea Front location in the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge.
proj.: NArchitekTURA
"The Light of History" depicts a sublime and poetic monument that is in keeping with the movement of the sun on Saudi Arabia's National Day, which falls on September 23. Using a copper vertical form, the sculpture frames the sunrise and sunset through a circular opening, transforming an astronomical phenomenon into a ritual of commemoration. The use of copper, which becomes covered with patina over time, metaphorically embodies the passage of history. The jury appreciated the clarity of concept and philosophical strength of the design, as well as the sophisticated approach to the life cycle of the material. They noted the minimalism, the fit into the context, and the contemplative nature of the work - offering space for stopping and reflection. However, some of the jurors felt that the project lacked sufficient public engagement, and encouraged the author to consider a version of the monument that would integrate more fully with the site, allowing access and closer interaction to create a more immersive experience. Nevertheless, the monument stands out for its elegant narrative and restrained execution.
- reads the jury's verdict [redacted].
Coalesce - 1st place at the Tharwa Sea Front location in the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge.
proj.: Timothy M. Williams, Yahia Atef Saleh Mohamed, Landon J. Healy © competition press mat.
The competition jury decided to award three other prizes at this location. First place went to the "Coalesce" project designed by a team from the United States consisting of Timothy M. Williams, Yahia Atef Saleh Mohamed and Landon J. Healy.
Chromatic Echoes Pavilion - 2nd place at the Tharwa Sea Front location in the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge.
proj.: Ala Munther Tawfiq Ammari, Afaf Zayed Hamed Al Odetalla © competition press mat.
The second prize was awarded to the "Chromatic Echoes" pavilion, designed and created by Ala Munther Tawfiq Ammari and Afaf Zayed Hamed Al Odetalla from Jordan.
Many Pearls - 3rd place ex aequo at the Tharwa Sea Front location in the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge.
proj.: Matthieu Boustany © competition press mat.
The jury also awarded two third prizes - in addition to NArchitekTURY's work, a project titled "Many Pearls," designed by Matthieu Boustany of France, also took third place. The total value of the prizes is 50 thousand euros. Congratulations to all the winners!
