King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Winners Revealed

The King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award has announced its 2024 winners. Established in 2021, the charter acts as a foundational guide for Saudi Arabia’s urban development, focusing on the importance of blending the country’s historical and cultural context with modern architectural and urban practices. 

Honouring  architecture and urban projects aligned with the values of the King Salman Charter in Saudi Arabia, the award recognised projects in three categories: Built Projects, Unbuilt Projects and Student Projects.

The award ceremony included speeches from prominent figures, such as Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, who expressed gratitude to the nation's leadership for their support of the architecture and design sector. Dr. Adrian Lahoud, Dean of the School of Architecture at the Royal College of Art in London, also delivered an address.

Another highlight of the ceremony was the exhibition that showcased King Salman’s influential role in shaping Riyadh's architectural landscape. It featured an interactive virtual experience of the charter’s book, displayed the winning projects, and highlighted the Charter’s six core values: Authenticity, Continuity, Human Centricity, Livability, Innovation and Sustainability. 

Under the Built Projects category, the award recognized six outstanding architectural works that have been completed and realised. 

- King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture Ithra, by Snøhetta - Dhahran. 

- Banyan Tree Hotel AlUla, by AW2 Architecture & Interiors - Wadi Ashar, Al-Ula

- Dar Al Rahmaniah Building by John Lingley - Al-Ghat

- King Abdullah Financial District Grand Mosque designed by Omrania - Riyadh

- Innovation Tower King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology by LAVA Laboratory of Visionary Architecture - Riyadh

Under the Unbuilt Projects category, the award honoured two visionary designs and concepts that have not yet been realised.   

- The Sports Boulevard by Sports Track Design Team - Riyadh

- Mihrab by Mihrab Team - multiple locations

Under the Student Design Projects category, the award recognized two exceptional designs by students that align with the King Salman Charter’s values.

- King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language by Abdulaziz Bin Ghanem Al-Talib - King Saud University

- Contemporary Neighborhood Design by Sadeem Al Jibreen - The University of Sheffield