The award is open to architecture, urban design, urban planning, architecture technology and landscape design students worldwide.
The award aims to recognise excellence in architectural design and education worldwide and showcase excellent architectural examples to promote and provoke architectural debate.
This year, 587 teams and individuals participated in the Tamayouz Excellence Award for International Graduation Projects, representing 125 universities and 37 countries.
The first prize winner of the 2024 award is Nguyen Thi Hoang Diem from the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the second prize winner is Bassam Luay Fawzi Khanfar from the University of Jordan in Jordan and the third prize winner is Nguyen Thanh Huyen from the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The award also recognises seven Honourable Mentions, a special award and the architecture school, the supervisor of the year.
The winners and honourable mentions were selected by Tamayouz’s jury panel, which met remotely in November 2024. The judges this year were:
Akram Ogaily – UAE: Architect, Urban Planner, and Founder of The Arch Bureau.
Dr Ebtissam Farid Moustapha – Egypt: Head of School of Design and Media, Coventry University UK (TKH branch, Cairo); Co-founder of ENCODE.
Dr Mahsa Alami Fariman – UK: Academic – Lecturer in Just Urbanism, Societal Diversity and Citizenship | University College London
Kathy Basheva – UK: Director of Basheva Studio in London and RIBA chartered architect.
Muhannad Herzallah – Jordan: Architect and Academic at German Jordanian University.
Silan Yip Levelle – UK: Architect and Assistant Professor at Coventry University, UK.
Stefanos Adamakis – Greece: Partner at Adamakis Architects & Associates
Wesam Al Asali – Spain: Academic at IE University.
Ossaid AlEitan – Jordan: Founding director of AlKafo for Construction Management & Design Consultancy (Non-voting facilitator).
Ahmed Al-Mallak – UK: Founding Director of Tamayouz Excellence Award; Academic at Coventry University (Non-voting chair).
*The winners’ selection and ranking are based on the judging panel’s unanimous decision on all entries.
The first prize winner is Nguyen Thi Hoang Diem from the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, supervised by Dam Huynh Quoc Vu.
Jury Comment:
“This project demonstrates an exceptional understanding of environmental sensitivity and architecture’s role in addressing fragile ecosystems. Its thoughtful design seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its context. The site selection is particularly commendable, maximising the building’s contribution to reforestation efforts while supporting research and tourism. The scale and materiality of the design are sensible and respectful, resulting in a minimal yet meaningful architectural presence.
The project emphasises environmental harmony, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate nature while reducing human impact. By prioritising sustainability, it serves as a sanctuary that inspires a renewed commitment to environmental preservation. The attention to detail in its integration with the ecosystem and its broader focus on reforestation and biodiversity make it one of the most compelling proposals submitted.
While the technical solutions, particularly the mangrove restoration methods, are promising, further clarity through detailed diagrams or sections would enhance the project’s presentation and effectiveness. Additionally, exploring the scalability and adaptability of this approach for similar contexts would strengthen its impact. Overall, this sensitive and forward-thinking design sets a benchmark for architectural responses to urgent environmental challenges.”
The third prize winner is Nguyen Thanh Huyen from the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, supervised by Dr Pham Phu Cuong.
Jury Comment:
“This project demonstrates a poetic and thoughtful response to the challenges of wetland preservation, elevating the museum above the natural ecosystem in a way that respects and preserves the surrounding environment. The design is inspired by the mangrove forest and the architect’s personal connection to nature, effectively conveying a strong narrative of environmental awareness and conservation. Its light, shadow, and materiality interplay enhances the spatial experience, fostering an immersive connection to the site’s ecology.
Extensive research underpins the proposal, addressing the pressing need for biodiversity preservation in Tram Chim and highlighting the urgency of protecting one of the last remaining mangrove forests in the Dong Thap Muoi Wetland ecosystem. The technical resolution, well-considered material palette, and clear circulation planning contribute to a professionally presented design. The project’s geometric clarity and sleek architectural language further elevate its impact.
However, the building’s monumental scale raises concerns about its environmental appropriateness and feasibility in a sensitive wetland context. Balancing the aspiration to create a powerful architectural presence with the need for environmental harmony is essential. Despite these challenges, the project’s strong narrative, rigorous research, and thoughtful design make it a deserving recipient of the third prize.”