Competition organised by Architects For Humanity

"Architects for Humanity" is an international competition launched by Mimaria Studio in collaboration with Molham Team, inviting architects, designers, and urban planners from around the globe to engage in a transformative challenge.

We invite the international architectural community to rise to the challenge of designing innovative, sustainable, and culturally sensitive housing solutions for the earthquake victims of Syria. This competition seeks to address the complex crisis in Syria by creating a new urban quarter that provides shelter and recreates a sense of home, community, and belonging. 

In these challenging times, the situation in Syria has highlighted how deeply war and natural disasters can disrupt lives. For thirteen years, the Syrian conflict, combined with the latest earthquake in February 2023, has displaced over 12.5 million people, making it one of the most significant displacements we've seen. Over a decade of devastating conflict has scarred Syria's socio-cultural fabric and severely damaged buildings and infrastructure, leaving millions homeless. Families have lost their homes, sense of safety, and place in the world.

In architecture, the term 'dwelling' transcends the physical realm, embodying a sense of tranquility, safety, and belonging - elements the victims of displacement have lost. Home is more than just four walls and a roof; it is a space that nourishes a sense of identity, community, and security. As such, what is required is more than providing temporary relief or basic shelter for these displaced communities. The necessity is for long-term, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of their situation and work towards their reintegration into the social fabric, enabling them to reclaim their sense of 'dwelling.'