The Rifat Chadirji Prize 2019 - Barjeel Museum for Modern Arab Art in Sharjah (AE)

The urban identity of Sharjah was shaped throughout various layers of cultural and historical phases influenced by the harsh desert climate and natural environment. The early period of modernisation appeared with the British presence in the emirates in the 1930s and continued through the formation of the UAE in 1971. This period has left a number of lasting impressions on the city, which witnessed the erection of many major modern structures, including the first masterplan in 1968. The 1970s and early 1980s witnessed an urban and architectural boom where many modern buildings appeared. Since the 1990s, the city has made a decision to adopt a more Islamic inspired architectural identity.
Despite having a multi-layered urban and architectural identity, Sharjah’s recent development has been in favour of an particular style . In the past few years, a number of modern heritage structures were taken down and replaced with commercial glass towers, wiping out memories of places that generations grew up with.
After four decades of rapid urbanisation, cities in the UAE are in danger of losing their social and cultural identities. The UAE federation was created in 1971 to unite the country as a political and economic structure, but the country’s territorial and urban structures are yet to be realised. The disparity between urbanised areas as isolated mega theme parks and the country’s rich cultural resources misrepresent the UAE.

Participants are asked to design an architectural and cultural landmark that hosts the Barjeel collection and represents modern art, architecture and design in the Arab world.
The design is required to contextualise Sharjah’s history and cultural identity in a contemporary manner.
​As a contemporary museum it is important that the project does not become a historic pastiche but is relevant to contemporary architectural discourse whilst being informed by local cultural heritage and environmental conditions.