Rashid Taqui, Publisher of Architecture Plus magazine and Founder of the Architecture Plus Award, confirmed that the Second Cycle of the biennial award would be held in Dubai in June 2007, as the culmination of a seven-month activity conducted across the world. "As befitting the nature of an international competition, the Architecture Plus Awards will run through several systematic phases of assessment and judging, before 12 individuals or organisations are chosen as the best in their respective categories, apart from two special commendations. All these 14 individuals will be honoured at the end of the cycle, at an event held in Dubai," he stated.
Taqui said that in addition to existing categories, the Awards would feature contemporary ones that reflect the contribution of students and women to 'Design for a New World'. Noteworthy additions this year are Architecture for and by Women, Architecture for Children, and Architecture for Community. The other categories are Offices - Retail and Commercial, Hotels and Resorts, Housing and Residential Developments, Public - Arts and Culture, Preservation and Conservation, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture and Architectural Lighting. Three special commendations include Aspiring Architect (for students), the Professional's Choice Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Taqui also commented on the overwhelming response to the Awards, since its first edition was held in Dubai, in 2004. "When we first sought global participation, we did not expect the phenomenal response it has continued to evoke. The Awards were originally designed as an extension of our magazine and was meant to encourage architects, designers and students in finding solutions appropriate to the problems of our region. Overnight, it has turned into a platform that allows exceptional performance among them to be rewarded and recognised," he stated.
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