Coventry University scholarship for Iraq architecture prize winner

The winner of an international architecture award has been granted an academic scholarship at Coventry University.

Khalid Riadh from the University of Technology in Baghdad has won the Tamayouz Excellence Award 2013. The award, which was established in 2012 by Coventry University Associate Lecturer in Architecture Ahmed Salah, aims to promote the profession in Iraq and improve the architectural situation there.

Coventry University, alongside commercial partners and not-for-profit organisations, sponsors the award which is open to final year architecture students studying in Iraqi universities. This year for the first time in the Middle East the award has also been expanded to recognise the contribution of women in architecture and construction.

The Dean of Engineering and Computing at Coventry University, Professor Paul Ivey, together with his colleague Frazer Bufton, Course Director for Architecture, were members of a judging panel consisting of internationally renowned architects and academics for this year’s award, the winners of which were announced on 9 September 2013. 

In total, 84 projects were submitted and 18 shortlisted for the “Excellence in Graduation Projects” category from which Khalid Riadh emerged triumphant for his design concept for Baghdad Opera House.

In recognition of his success, Khalid has been granted a scholarship to study a master’s degree at Coventry University. The Majid Al-Sadi Scholarship Foundation – initiated by Dr Majid Al-Sadi, a successful entrepreneur and alumnus of Coventry University – is funding Khalid’s scholarship. Khalid has also been awarded a cash prize of $2500 from the Al-Dulaimi Business Group as well as receiving his Tamayouz Excellence Award medal and certificate.

Professor Paul Ivey has also extended an invitation to Dr Hamid Turki to join him as a Visiting Research Fellow at the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing. Dr Turki was named Supervisor of the Year 2013 at the awards, for his role in overseeing three of the top ten projects.

Tamayouz Excellence Award founder Ahmed Salah said:

We are proud to be spearheading the efforts to create opportunities for young talents and empower women architects in Iraq and I would like to congratulate Khalid Riadh for his success in winning this year’s prize.

I am also grateful for Coventry University’s continued support. The University is committed to enhancing global educational links and its close involvement with our Iraqi architecture award sets a benchmark for excellence in volunteer and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The winner of the architecture prize recognising women’s excellence and contribution to the profession in Iraq will be announced on 1 October 2013 with the award ceremony taking place in Baghdad at a later date.

For further press information, please contact Mark Farnan on +44 (0)24 7765 8245 or mark.farnan@coventry.ac.uk.

Tamayouz Excellence Award
Tamayouz is an independent initiative with no political affiliation, which aims to advance the profession of architecture in Iraq both academically and professionally.  This award was founded in 2012 by Ahmed Salah, Associate Lecturer in Architecture at Coventry University.
www.tamayouz-award.com