The Architecture and Design Commission has concluded the first edition of the "Marsam Design Award" in the capital, Riyadh, honoring the best graduation projects across six tracks in architecture and design disciplines, with the aim of supporting young talent and encouraging creativity in the sector.

Celebrating national talent

The award drew more than 700 applicants, graduates of Saudi universities and scholarship students who had graduated within the past three years. Of these, 350 outstanding projects advanced to the first stage, narrowing the field to 60 finalists, from whom 18 winners were honored, with total prize money reaching SR300,000.

In her remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Sumaya Al-Sulaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, said the award represents a leading platform for discovering local talent and connecting it with experts and professionals locally and internationally. She also announced training opportunities in cooperation with the Association of French Architects Abroad (AFEX), allowing top performers to train with leading architecture firms in France.

Exhibition and career opportunities

The event included a dedicated exhibition showcasing more than 350 graduation projects, alongside a professional exhibition that drew 16 local and international organizations, which offered training and empowerment opportunities for national talent. The event also included:

  • 8 specialized workshops.
  • 12 panel discussions covering the future of work on major Saudi projects and the role of education and urban planning in advancing development.

Winners and standout projects

The winning projects came from various Saudi universities, distributed across six tracks as follows:

  • Architecture track:
    1. Haya Khaled bin Jariba — King Saud University: a film-front project for a film production center.
    2. Raghad Ahmed Al-Ruwaisan — King Saud University: a "design valley" project in Riyadh.
    3. Abdulmajeed Khalaf Al-Harbi — Qassim University: a Saudi arts center project.
  • Environmental architecture track:
    1. Mahmoud Ibrahim Al-Harairi — King Abdulaziz University: an urban park project for Jeddah Valley.
    2. Hussein Ramadan Al-Hamad — Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University: a children's garden design project.
    3. Mohammed Jasim Al-Khater — Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University: a mangrove park project.
  • Urban design and planning track:
    1. Hashim Saleh Al-Husaiki — King Abdulaziz University: a redevelopment project for King Faisal residential city.
    2. Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ghamdi — King Abdulaziz University: an urban center project in Bahra governorate.
    3. Abdulaziz Ahmed Shaaban — King Abdulaziz University: a tourism area design project in AlUla.
  • Interior design track:
    1. Ruba Helmi Saati — Effat University: a student housing project called "Lamma."
    2. Rayana Ali Al-Aqeel — Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University: a creative center project for the "Design in Saudi" initiative.
    3. Aya Hani Al-Qaisoum — Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University: a culinary arts academy project.
  • Industrial design track:
    1. Nibras Naji Buhaliqa — Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University: a cognitive behavioral therapy project.
    2. Rawan Mamdouh Al-Saigh — Effat University: a smart home device project.
    3. Nujoud Mohammed Al-Ghamdi — Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University: an interactive game promoting recycling.
  • Graphic design track:
    1. Basma Barki Al-Luqmani — Umm Al-Qura University: a "Zamrak" typographic font project.
    2. Alaa Mohammed Abu Al-Adas — Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University: a new expression of Islamic art.
    3. Fatima Issa Al-Khalifa — Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University: "Simaa," a literary platform project.

An ambitious vision to support creativity

The award is part of the Architecture and Design Commission's efforts to support youth creativity and strengthen the role of architecture and design in achieving national development, in line with Saudi Vision 2030's goal of empowering national talent and enhancing its role in major projects.