In the Name of God
Rab’e Rashidi Prize, International Competition: “Lasting Heritage”
Creativity and Innovation in the Revitalization of Architectural Heritage at risk, in Islamic World
The “Lasting Heritage” International Competition aims to identify and encourage creative and innovative ideas for the revival of significant historical buildings in the Islamic world, with a special emphasis on the city of Gaza along with other Islamic architectural monuments. This academic and design event invites all architects, restorers, designers, students, and interested researchers to contribute to the preservation of valuable and endangered historical and architectural monuments in Islamic lands, particularly Gaza, by submitting innovative ideas for conservation, restoration, structural strengthening, or functional rethinking.
The primary focus of the competition is the revival of buildings that have been damaged or deteriorated due to war, natural disasters, or mismanagement, and are at risk of destruction or being forgotten. Although submissions are not limited to a specific location—any significant and registered historical building within the Islamic culture and civilization can be the subject of a design—in coordination with IRCICA and considering the importance of Gaza in the Islamic world, projects submitted for this city will receive an additional 10 points from the jury. All participating groups must consider the following aspects in their revival plans:
1. Creative Conservation and Restoration
- Presenting innovative solutions for the restoration of damaged historical buildings.
- Utilizing indigenous materials with new technologies.
2. Structural Strengthening and Reinforcement
- Designs to improve structural performance against earthquakes, fire, war, flood, natural erosion and etc.
- New methods for strengthening that do not compromise the building’s authenticity.
3. Functional Reinterpretation of Historical Monuments
- Reviving contemporary functions for abandoned or underutilized buildings.
- Adapting new uses to the cultural and architectural identity of the monument.
4. Digital Preservation and Modern Documentation
- 3D modeling (BIM, Photogrammetry, Laser Scanning).
- Proposing digital tools for documentation, public education, etc.
2. Judging Criteria
The jury will evaluate the submissions based on the following criteria:
- Understanding of the Building’s Value and Authenticity: 20 points
- Historical and Damage Documentation: 25 points
- Appropriate Use of Restoration and Strengthening Methods: 25 points
- 3D Designs and Animation Presentation: 30 points
Submissions for sites in Gaza will receive an additional 10 bonus points.
Other Considerations in Judging:
- Creativity and Innovation: Utilizing new and practical solutions in the field of architectural heritage preservation.
- Respect for Cultural and Local Architectural Values: Adherence to authenticity, cultural context, local materials, and regional styles.
- Technical Feasibility and Practicality: The design’s potential for implementation or adaptation in real-world and climatic conditions.
- Social and Cultural Impact: Positive influence on the local community and rebuilding the connection with the people.
- Environmental Sustainability: Use of sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and climatic compatibility.
3. How to Register Teams
The registration of participating teams is open until August 2, 2025, and must be completed exclusively via the competition’s email address:
LastingHeritage@tabrizrru-ac.ir
4. Submission Requirements
- Animation of the 3D spatial designs.
- A minimum of two (2) A1 sheets, submitted digitally in PDF or JPG format, including the following:
- Plans, sections, and elevations (before and after intervention).
- 3D renderings and proposed details for strengthening or restoration.
- Analytical diagrams and a written description (maximum 500 words).
5. Submission Deadline
The deadline for submitting projects is
September 23, 2025. Submissions must be sent exclusively via email to:
LastingHeritage@tabrizrru-ac.ir
6-Exhibition and Judging of Works – Announcement of Top Teams
- Exhibition and Judging of Works: October 6th to 8th, 2025
- Announcement of Top Teams: October 8th, 2025
7. Competition Jury
- Dr.Alidost Ertugrul - IRCICA (Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture)
- Prof. Elena Denisenko - Kazan Federal University
- Prof. Emma Harutyunyan- Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction, Armenia
- Prof. Ece Ceylan baba- Yeditepe University
- Dr.Mehdi Hojjat - University of Tehran
- Eng. Akbar Taghizadeh – Veteran in the Field of Cultural Heritage
- Dr.Ahad Nejad Ebrahimi - Tabriz Islamic Art University
- Dr.Farhad Akhondi - Tabriz Islamic Art University
8.Prizes
- First Prize: 3000 $
- Second Prize: 2000 $
- Third Prize: 1200 $