Sculpting Saudi Arabia's Urban Vision: Buildner Reveals Winners of the Mujassam Watan Challenge

"This international competition invited architects, artists, and designers to create visionary public sculptures that reflect Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage and forward-looking ambitions. As the Kingdom undergoes a profound transformation under Vision 2030, this initiative-organized in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative-called for works that engage with both history and future, tradition and innovation, within the public realm. Participants were tasked with designing site-specific urban sculptures for one of two locations:"

"the Tharwa Sea Front, a waterfront zone in Al-Khobar blending natural beauty with contemporary urbanism, or Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway linking Saudi Arabia with neighboring Gulf states. Each site offered a unique context and required proposals that enhance the cultural landscape while responding to its environmental and social settings. Submissions were encouraged to explore themes of national identity, heritage, connectivity, and transformation. Designers were asked to consider scale, durability, public engagement, and feasibility,"

"With a total prize fund of €50,000 and the possibility of construction, the competition represents a rare opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on Saudi Arabia's evolving urban identity. Moving Forward: A Vision for Public Landmarks in Al-Khobar As Al-Khobar continues to evolve into a dynamic urban and cultural hub within Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge marks a critical step toward reimagining the role of public art and sculpture in shaping the identity of place."

Buildner and the Mujassam Watan Initiative held an international competition inviting architects, artists, and designers to create visionary public sculptures reflecting Saudi cultural heritage and future ambitions. The competition targeted two site-specific locations: the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar and Abu Hadriyah Road linking Gulf states. Proposals were to address national identity, heritage, connectivity, and transformation while considering scale, durability, public engagement, and feasibility. The prize fund was €50,000 and selected works may be constructed. The initiative aims to establish civic landmarks that enhance the cultural landscape, respond to environmental and social contexts, and contribute to Al-Khobar's evolving urban and cultural identity.

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