World Architecture Awards 10+5+X Submissions

The project titled “Jammu Habitat Centre” is an attempt to create a multi functional facility in the heart of Jammu. It aims to address the increasing need of a place that combines culture and community. The term ‘Habitat’ refers to a space where people live and interact.
Culture: The Habitat center will celebrate Jammu’s culture and diversity by hosting exhibitions, performances, musical evenings, workshops and trade fairs.
Community: The projects realizes the importance of public spaces and aims to provide the inhabitants of Jammu to have a place for recreation and social interaction. It will offer venues for meetings, seminars, office space and educational activities.
Architecture: The design of the Habitat Centre will be functional and aesthetically appealing, reflecting the city’s identity. It will stand as a landmark in the heart of the city.
The proposed Habitat Centre aims to encapsulate the essence of Jammu, celebrating its varied heritage, the convergence of cultures, and its stunning natural surroundings. The symbol of Jammu's unique identity and the harmonious coexistence of diverse influences in the region's heritage.
"Bridging Jammu's Old and New Through Architecture" The Tawi River, with its meandering course, has historically divided Jammu into the Old City and the New City. This natural division is not merely geographical but symbolic, representing the transition from tradition to modernity. The proposed Habitat Centre draws inspiration from this division and the unity it fosters, aiming to serve as a bridge between these two faces of Jammu's identity.
The overall relationship is established in such a manner that the public spaces are placed in and around the central open spaces and have visual connect with all the other functions. Function that are more public will be placed near the vehicular entry, while the private function spaces will have a separate entry. Public and private will be segregated visually and physically. The habitat centre will observe primary footfall during conferences, events and exhibitions and secondary footfall from the neighbouring residential areas and other public buildings nearby such as Kala Kendra. The traffic to and from the site must be directed into the major roads via smaller arterial roads to avoid openings onto the busy road. Dedicated entries for services, public and private zones can be situated from the secondary access. The building mass should be aesthetically pleasing from the highway end to grab attention of the passersby. The arc towards the highway end can provide a panaromic view of the habitat centre.
A Habitat Centre is a versatile cultural and community space designed to foster various activities, events, and interactions. To create a well-rounded habitat centre, consider including the following typology of spaces:
Exhibition Spaces:
Art galleries, museum halls, and exhibition areas for showcasing art, culture, history, and local heritage.
Performance Spaces:
Open-air theaters, auditoriums, and stages for live performances, including music, dance, theater, and cultural events.
Meeting and Conference Spaces:
Conference halls, meeting rooms, and seminar spaces for educational events, conferences, and workshops.
Dining and Refreshment Spaces:
Restaurants, cafes, food courts, and dining areas for visitors to enjoy local cuisine and refreshments.
Library and Research Spaces:
Libraries with collections related to culture, heritage, and local history, along with research rooms and resources.
Craft and Artisan Spaces:
Workshops and studios for local artisans to demonstrate and teach traditional crafts.
Multi-Purpose Spaces:
Flexible spaces that can be adapted for various activities, including exhibitions, performances, lectures, and community events.
Outdoor Spaces:
Open courtyards, gardens, and outdoor areas for cultural events, festivals, and relaxation.
Administrative and Support Spaces:
Administrative offices, storage rooms, security rooms, and maintenance facilities.
Audio-Visual Rooms:
Rooms equipped for screening documentaries, cultural films, and multimedia presentations.
Visitor Information and Reception:
Information desks, visitor centers, and reception areas to assist visitors and provide information about the center's offerings.
Accessibility Features:
Ensure barrier-free access, including ramps and elevators, to make the center accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Parking and Toilets:
Adequate parking facilities and restroom facilities for visitors.

RCC Construction with brick cladding


Designer: Avantika Verma
Supervisor: Sonal Atreya

Jawa's Embrace, Where Urban Fabric Meets Timeless Narrative.
immerse yourself in the essence of Jawa a fragrant tapestry, the cradle of civilization, and a living testament to the birth of human settlements. Follow the narrative of a people guided by water canals, embracing a dam as the pulse of life. The urban fabric stands as a testament to the grandeur of the land, its inhabitants, and its narrative

why jawa city:
Jawa City dates back to 3500BC its a neglected historical site full of history and knowledge that helped other civilisation to thrive like the technicality of building jawa dam, the first urban fabric we see in history is in jawa city.

The architectural concept aims to offer visitors a mental journey, a simulation that unveils the soul of Jawa's ancient city. Studying the features of Jawa’s city, the outer wall's edges transform into dynamic elements, embodying the tourist’s movement and vertical elements. As these elements rise, they vertically connect with diverse, elevating the city’s monuments to the level of the water container, providing visitors with a unique vertical transition and an emotional journey through history. Within the building, a narrative center unfolds history horizontally, seamlessly guiding vertical transitions that link exhibits to the site’s assets, humbly obedient to history.

Using materials sourced from the environment, the building beckons the mindful visitor, weaving a tale of water, stone, and the resilient spirit of Jordan's ancient land since the dawn of history. The placement of the building acting as the second gate of Jawa City and its parallel of the gate and Jawa Dam.

The material use is, concrete, block stone, glass, the existing basalt stone on the Jawa gate acting as a wall to the project from the east elevation 2 large basalt stones existing along the horizontal ramp action as a wall to the project, and showing the material used in the ancient days of Jawa in the interpretation center. Skylights using sunlight to highlight the items showing along the experience - white roof to decrease the heat of the desert platform as the last step of the journey showing the old city ruins and the dam from a higher view.


Project: Interpretation center/ Cultural / Heritage
Project Site Location: Jawa, Mafraq - Jordan
Project Site Coordinates: 32°20'12"N 37°00'06"E
Land: 411274m2
Plot area: 9000m2
Build up area: 6740m2

Designer: Rahaf Albasha
Supervisor: Raed Essoh

The Kashmir Knowledge Centre profoundly represents Kashmir's cultural heritage and identity through its architectural spaces. This project interprets and promotes traditional values and knowledge systems associated with Kashmir on a global scale. At its core, the design integrates traditional craft processes such as pashmina weaving, papier-mâché, carpet weaving, and woodwork, addressing their spatial needs and ensuring the preservation of these practices while maintaining contextual relevance.

The architecture deeply engages with the surrounding landscape, crafting spaces that symbolically capture the essence of Kashmir and contribute to a collective memory. By reflecting both the tangible and intangible architectural vocabulary of traditional Kashmiri design in a contemporary way, the centre harmoniously integrates into the Kashmir context, enhancing its cultural fabric and revitalizing its legacy.

The project includes extensive analysis of spatial configuration and socio-cultural sustainability through live case studies of traditional Kashmiri architecture. Additionally, the craft processes were documented by interacting directly with artisans, ensuring an authentic representation of traditional practices. This thorough research guides the design process, celebrating traditional crafts within the architectural framework and preserving and enriching the region's cultural and social dynamics. This approach fosters a profound connection to Kashmir's heritage, ensuring that the centre not only pays homage to the past but also contributes meaningfully to the present and future of Kashmir's legacy.

The Kashmir Knowledge Centre seamlessly blends traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship with modern design elements, creating a space that honors the region's architectural heritage while meeting contemporary needs. Key features and materials include:

Pinjrakari Lattice Screens/Jaalis: Intricately carved wooden screens provide both aesthetic charm and functional shading, reflecting traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship.

Solarium and Skylights: Solariums and strategically placed skylights enhance natural light, offer a connection to the sky, and act as passive heating elements. These features help maintain warmth in the cold Kashmir climate while highlighting architectural details and creating a bright, inviting atmosphere.

Facade Inspired by Dhajji Dewari: The facade design draws from the proportions of the Dhajji Dewari technique, creating a visual link to traditional Kashmiri construction methods.

Zoon Dub (Wooden Cantilevered Balconies): Traditional wooden cantilevered balconies, or zoon dubs, add heritage charm and provide scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Kadals (Bridges): Traditional Kashmiri bridges, or kadals, are incorporated into the landscape design, creating functional connections and aesthetic features, including sky bridges and viewpoints.

Central Water Channel: Symbolizing the flow and body of knowledge, the central water channel is inspired by Mughal gardens and creates a serene and reflective environment, representing the continuous and nurturing nature of knowledge.

Terrace Landscapes: Terraces are designed with lush greenery and water features, inspired by Mughal gardens, offering tranquil outdoor spaces.

Traditional Arches: Kashmiri arches are used throughout the building, paying homage to classical architectural forms and enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Papier-Mâché: Traditional papier-mâché is utilized not only for decorative elements and installations but also on ceilings and walls, showcasing the region’s renowned craft traditions in a distinctive way.

Fabrics and Carpets: Handwoven carpets and fabrics, including pashmina textiles, are incorporated into the interiors to add cultural richness and comfort.

Walnut Wood: Local walnut wood is carved and used in the interiors as space-making elements, reflecting traditional craftsmanship and adding warmth to the spaces.

These materials and features combine to create a modern architectural marvel that maintains a deep connection to Kashmir’s rich cultural and architectural heritage while addressing the region’s climatic conditions and symbolic needs.
Designer: Ramneek Kour
Supervisor: Ar. Aditya Kumar Singh

Jordan faces a daunting reality - severe water scarcity. Ranking as the world’s third most water-deprived nation, Jordan desperately needs solutions.
The Karama Dam,the second largest dam in Jordan with a capacity of 55 million cubic meters, was initially constructed in 1995 on Wadi Mallaha in the Jordan Valley to address the nation’s water scarcity. Unfortunately, due to the high salinity of the underlying soil, the collected water became unusable. While this presented a significant challenge, it has also become a catalyst for a novel and multifaceted Solutions proposed project revolves around the construction of a desalination plant that transcends its purely functional purpose. This facility will not only provide much-needed fresh water, but will also serve as a testament to human ingenuity.
A dedicated research center will be established to continuously improve desalination processes, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency. Finally, the project culminates in the creation of a flourishing park, a symbol of a revitalized ecosystem. This three-pronged approach establishes a comprehensive solution that addresses the water shortage while fostering environmental responsibility. The project prioritizes environmental sustainability through the utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar power to operate the desalination plant. Additionally, responsible brine management strategies will be implemented. The katharsis project offers an innovative approach to managing the brine byproduct. Instead of traditional disposal methods, my project proposes transferring the brine to the Dead Sea via pipelines. Transferring brine from the desalination plant could help replenish the Dead Sea’s water level, mitigating the negative ecological and economic impacts of its decline. By embracing sustainable practices and acknowledging the unique environmental context of the Jordan Valley, this project has the potential to become a beacon of innovation.
Tributaries of the Karama Dam
1- Jordan River: Diverting water from the nearby Jordan River was a key strategy to fill the dam’s reservoir.
2- The floods of King Talal Dam
3- The floods of the King Abdullah Canal

C o n c e p t
Exposing the machine
desalination plants are largely private enclosed industrial processes. The desalination process should become a celebration rather than a strict hidden process. This investigation and design will focus on how to make a desalination plant more friendly to the environment and the context it is situated within. the desalination project will become a “landmark” project for the city and it should greatly improve the lives of the residents. Imagine a desalination plant, not just a sterile machine, but a vibrant oasis blending with its surroundings.
By “exposing the machine”, we aim to create a landmark project that fosters environmental responsibility, community engagement, and improved quality of life for residents.

A Symphony of Materials
The architectural design uses contrasting materials - travertine and steel - to create a dialogue between nature and technology, past and present. This unique blend creates a visually appealing and harmonious space. The warmth and earthiness of travertine stone will evoke a sense of connection to the surrounding landscape, while the precise lines and strength of steel will represent modern innovation. This juxtaposition will foster a sense of balance and respect for both the past and present.


The project will have three parts, A Place for Learning, Community, and Recreation
1- Desalination plant
The desalination plant will be the lifeblood of the project, generating clean water for nearby communities.
Utilizing cutting-edge desalination technology, like reverse osmosis, the plant will transform the dam’s saline water into a reliable source of fresh water for drinking and agriculture. This will contribute to regional economic development
and improve livelihoods.
2- Research center
water center : A dedicated research center will be established to continuously improve desalination processes, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency
Phytoremediation center :The project incorporates a sustainable technique called phytoremediation. Certain plants, like Suaeda fruticosa, can remove salt from the soil, naturally improving its quality for future plant growth
3- Public Park and Recreational Areas
Finally, the project culminates in the creation of a flourishing park, a symbol of a revitalized ecosystem The project will incorporate a public park with recreational areas, offering residents a space for leisure and relaxation. This fosters a sense of community ownership and pride in the desalination plant as a vital public resource. This “man-made oasis” will not only provide a space for leisure but also improve the local environment. The surrounding area will be revitalized, attracting a wider range of visitors to the dam and promoting environmental well-being. The park, designed with native plant life that thrives in saline conditions, will serve as a haven for local wildlife and contribute to the region’s biodiversity
Educational tours:
Offer tours explaining the desalination process and its importance for the region.
Educational exhibits and tours will demystify the technology, fostering public understanding and appreciation.


To promote environmental sustainability, the project prioritizes the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to drive the desalination plant. In addition, Phytoremediation i.e., utilization of plants to remediate contaminated soils, is one of these techniques which is environmentally friendly.
Designer: Hatoof Al Bawayah
Supervisor: Dr. Saleem Dahabreh

The goal of the design is an energy self-sufficient and space-saving house that, despite the small built-up area, offers comfortable living connected with a garden.

The design concept is based on the use of a compact - lapidary spatial solution above the terrain, which will allow maximum use of a small plot of land as a garden. The solution above the terrain and the small floor plan area encourage you to work with levels where each has a function – technological hidden, social open, private. The resulting form is subsequently prescribed as a synergy of architectural and technological form.

The layout solution was designed with the variability and flexibility of the interior space, which can still be adapted to the needs of the users. The space is divided by embedded or integrated elements that take on different functions. The proposed layout consists of two above-ground floors of a family house and a space embedded in the ground with a parking space, a workshop and an exterior staircase. A smooth transition between the interior and the exterior is made possible by the terraces located above the terrain, which do not limit the vegetation.

The garden vegetation consists of exuberant local grasses and fruit trees, which are complemented by the strengthening of the surface allowing for easy drainage of rainwater. Under the pergola, a retention swimming pool begins to extend, which is formed by a retention zone with the cultivation of aquatic plants with the function of biological disinfection and a central swimming part. The pond improves the overall microclimate of the place and collects rainwater, which is then used for irrigation.

The structural system of the building consists of a combination of the reinforced concrete substructure with the wooden structure of the family house, which is placed on a steel structure of columns that are spatially stiffened by a cross-tensioned tie rod. Two by four constructions from I-OSB beams form vertical and horizontal load-bearing elements. Blown cellulose from recycled paper or wood fiber insulation was used as a thermal insulator.

The facade is designed as a ventilated structure with a wooden grid, into which fiberglass facade panels are anchored. The roof covering is designed from integrated photovoltaic panels and ruby finishing elements complete the entire material solution, which takes care to use wood-based materials with a low carbon footprint.

The interior is perceived as a minimalist and clean space, which is spiced up by the chosen material solution. It consists of a recognized OSB cladding of white matt color together with a vinyl floor in a pine decor. The slightly punk character of the entire building is enhanced by the acknowledged suspended spiro pipe and stair railing in the form of a tensioned net that runs along the entire height of the staircase, or a retractable projection surface with a projector that replaces a traditional TV or freely suspended lighting.

The building is designed as a hybrid energy self-sufficient house - on grid, with almost zero need for heat for heating. The entire facility operates 265 days a year with self-generated electricity, which is produced by a photovoltaic power plant with storage battery storage. In winter, the home network is subsidized by the distribution network or energy from virtual storage. During the summer period, surpluses of produced electricity are generated in the home network, which is used in the form of shared surpluses in the (smart) distribution network, virtual storage or for charging electric cars.

Water management uses a gray water recycling system, which is subsequently reused, e.g. for flushing, washing or washing dishes. The recycling container is equipped with a recuperation exchanger that preheats cold water and thus saves the need for energy to heat hot water. Thanks to the designed system, the saving of clean drinking water amounts to at least 40%.

Heating is provided by electric heaters in the form of radiant infrared panels or low-energy floor mats.

Ventilation is designed as forced equal pressure using an air handling unit with a recovery exchanger. Nevertheless, an opening window is designed in every room.

Hot water heating is provided by a hot water storage tank with an integrated heating coil with a capacity of 2 kWh. The tank is directly connected to the PV power plant.

THE SITE
solved land: 374 m2
built-up area of the house: 68,90 m2
paved areas:57,27 m2
water surfaces: 43,50 m2
grassy area: 204,33 m2
useful area of the house

ENERGY DEMAND & SELF-SUFFICIENCY
energy reference surface: 133,3 m2
a/v ratio: 0,77
heat transfer coefficient: 016 W/(m2K)
specific energy demand for heating: 1 kWh/m2a
co2 emission: -1,9 t/year
energy class: A

Energy plus & CO2 negative architecture!
degree of energy self-sufficiency: 265 days /year
energy self-sufficiency after 20 years: 239 days /year

total daily energy consumption:
- summer weekday: 13,84 kWh
- summer weekend: 18,21 kWh
- winter weed day: 17,22 kWh
- winter weekend: 21,54 kWh

peak energy consumption: 3,43 kW
total annual energy consumption: 6,263 MWh/year
energy from the electric distributor: 0,643 MWh/year
the price of delivered energy: 1,695 kč/year
the price of saved energy: 14 987 kč/year
shared surpluses: 9,07 MWh/year

performance of own energy production: 18,425 kWp
average daily PV production per year: 14,755 MWh
battery storage capacity: 6,48 kWh

house price 2019 - subsidy program of the Czech Republic: 4 141 976 kč
Author: Jiří Petrželka
Supervisors: Ing. arch. Ing. Jana Hořická PhD., Ing. arch. Jan Pustějovský PhD
CTU in Prague, FSv, A S, 2019