Esperto Design Festival 2025

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Call for Proposals:

National Cultural Center

Take Part
Get info

We’re seeking visionary architects, designers & 3D artists to create a symbol of modernity and a bright future: a national-level cultural center in the capital. Your design will include a grand mosque, VIP guest house, discreet security, ample parking, a 150-seat amphitheater, and flexible exhibition halls. This landmark must speak to a nation once silent and misunderstood—now emerging humble, civilized, and forward-looking.

Project Brief:

Design an iconic, large-scale cultural center in a national capital. This landmark must:

  • Site & Scale

    • Footprint: 10,000 – 20,000 m²

    • Topography: flat, with no major natural obstacles

 

  • Program Elements

    1. Grand Mosque

    2. Prestigious Guest House

    3. Security & Protocol

    4. Parking

    5. Conference Hall

    6. Exhibition Halls

  • Symbolism & Tone

    • Convey modernity and a bright future.

    • Reflect a nation once silent and misunderstood, now revealing a more humble, civilized, and forward-looking identity.

Key Elements in the Design

Grand Mosque

A monumental place of gathering and prayer for over 200 muslims

Prestigious Residence

Accommodating 15 ensuite suites, self-sufficient catering for at least 30 VIPs.

Security Protocol

Dedicated protocol plaza, secure perimeter, VIP drop-off canopy

Enough Parking

Spacious enough to have official motorcade bays plus visitor parking. 20–30 official-vehicle bays + 100 visitor stalls

Conference Hall

tiered seating for 150–200 guests, ADA-compliant circulation

Exhibition Halls

flexible spaces for rotating handicraft items and other cultural symbols

Mosque Complex

  1. Site & Orientation

    • Qibla alignment (precise orientation toward Mecca)

    • Entry plaza with covered portico

    • Drop-off/valet zone for worshippers

  2. Prayer Areas

    • Main prayer hall (clear span, column-free)

    • Separate women’s prayer mezzanine or adjacent hall

    • Overflow courtyard (sahn) for large gatherings

    • Ablution (wudu) facilities:

      • Indoor washing stations (men’s + women’s)

      • Outdoor “fountain” style wudu area

  3. Architectural Elements

    • Central dome (structural & symbolic centerpiece)

    • Minaret(s) with internal staircase (or elevator)

    • Mihrab niche + minbar (pulpit)

    • Imam’s chamber / small office

  4. Support Spaces

    • Quran library / study rooms

    • Multi-purpose classroom / madrasa spaces

    • Administrative offices & meeting room

    • Storage / custodial closets

  5. Building Systems & Infrastructure

    • High-quality sound system (speakers & acoustic treatment)

    • Lighting plan (chandeliers, wall sconces, exterior floodlights)

    • HVAC zoning (prayer hall, offices, corridors)

    • Fire safety: alarms, sprinklers, emergency exits

    • CCTV & access control at all entry points

    • Electrical substation / generator backup

    • Waste-water connection (especially for ablution drainage)

    • Water storage & pressure boosters

  6. Circulation & Accessibility

    • Wide entry staircases & ramps (ADA-compliant)

    • Clear signage (Arabic & English)

    • Covered walkways linking all areas

  7. Landscaping & Site Amenities

    • Reflecting pools or water features

    • Shaded seating / gathering areas

    • Perimeter walls with security checkpoints

    • Parking for worshippers (incl. handicapped spots)

VIP Guest House

  1. Arrival & Reception

    • Dedicated porte-cochère for official motorcades

    • Secure entry checkpoint & screening lobby

    • Reception desk & waiting salon

  2. Accommodations

    • ~15–20 ensuite suites (each ~50–70 m²) to house ~30 VIPs

      • Bedroom, private sitting area, wardrobe

      • Ensuite bathroom (WC, shower/bath, wudu tap)

      • Small prayer alcove (qibla marker)

  3. F&B & Catering

    • Main dining hall (banquet setup for 30–50)

    • Fully-equipped kitchen + service pantry

    • Private dining rooms for smaller delegations

    • Staff servery & plate-up stations

  4. Meeting & Reception Spaces

    • One formal conference / boardroom (20–30 people)

    • Breakout lounges / VIP lounge

    • Press-conference room with AV rig

  5. Support & Back-of-House

    • Staff offices (manager, security, protocol)

    • Housekeeping / laundry center

    • Linens / storage closets

    • Maintenance workshop & utility rooms

    • Electrical / HVAC plant room & generator

  6. Building Systems & Security

    • Biometric access control for suites

    • CCTV throughout corridors & perimeter

    • Redundant power (UPS + diesel generator)

    • High-speed data & telecom backbone

    • Fire alarms, sprinklers, secure stairwells

  7. Circulation & Accessibility

    • Elevators to all guest floors (VIP-only car)

    • Service elevators & discrete back-of-house corridors

    • Ramps and lifts for universal access

  8. Parking & Site Amenities

    • 10–15 VIP auto bays (covered) + staff parking

    • Security guard booths / perimeter fencing

    • Landscaped courtyard & walking paths

    • Guest drop-off forecourt with canopy

Security & Protocol

  • Perimeter & Access Control

    • Decorative perimeter wall/fence with anti-ram bollards

    • Secure gatehouse(s) with screening lanes for vehicles and pedestrians

    • Vehicle scanning bay and under-chassis inspection area

  • Surveillance & Monitoring

    • CCTV network covering all entry/exit points, plazas, parking and building perimeters

    • Central Security Command Center with video-wall and recording servers

  • Entry Plazas & Protocol Zones

    • Formal arrival plaza for delegations, with security setback and drop-off canopy

    • Secure “airlock” vestibule between public and private zones

  • Emergency & Contingency

    • Safe-rooms or panic rooms integrated into VIP suites

    • Emergency egress staircases, pressurized refuge areas

    • Redundant communications (satellite phone, encrypted radio)

Parking & Circulation

  • VIP Motorcade Bays

    • 10–15 covered, climate-controlled bays adjacent to the guest-house porte-cochère

  • Public & Staff Parking

    • 100+ standard spaces, including 5–10 accessible stalls

    • Secure staff parking with controlled access

  • Service & Logistics

    • Separate service-vehicle zone for deliveries and waste collection

    • Dedicated bus/drop-off loop for group arrivals

  • EV & Sustainable Mobility

    • Electric-vehicle charging stations (10–20 points)

    • Bicycle racks and e-bike lockers

  • Pedestrian Network

    • Covered walkways linking mosque, guest house, amphitheater and galleries

    • Wayfinding signage in Arabic and English

Conference Hall

  • Seating & Capacity

    • Tiered fixed seating for 150–200 spectators (expandable with temporary chairs)

    • ADA-compliant companion seating and wheelchair platforms

  • Performance Stage

    • Covered proscenium with integrated fly-tower / lighting grid

    • Backstage wings with green rooms and quick-change areas

  • Technical Infrastructure

    • Built-in sound system (line arrays, subwoofers) and mixing booth

    • Concert-quality stage lighting with DMX controls

    • Provision for projectors/screens for presentations

  • Support Spaces

    • Tech/control room adjacent to house left

    • Dressing rooms and restrooms for performers

    • Storage for seating risers and AV equipment

Exhibition Hall

  • Gallery Spaces

    • 1 000–2 000 m² of column-free exhibition floor

    • Modular partition tracks to create 2–4 galleries of varying sizes

  • Climate & Lighting Control

    • Precise temperature/humidity zones for art preservation

    • Adjustable gallery lighting rails (track, spot and wash fixtures)

  • Back-of-House

    • Art handling/storage vaults with secure access

    • Crating and prep workshop for incoming exhibitions

    • Staff office & curator’s work area

  • Visitor Amenities

    • Ticketing lobby with cloakroom and information desk

    • Café or lounge area overlooking an art court

    • Accessible restrooms and family-friendly facilities

Certificate of Attendance

A chance to have your design recognized at the highest levels.
An official “Certificate of Acceptance” from our company for every submission.

National Recognition

A chance to have your design recognized at the highest levels.
The winning design will receive public recognition and may lead to future, city-wide commissions and bonuses.

12 + 8 =