Honoring Architectural Creativity and Design Excellence in Iraq

In 2024, Iraq witnessed an exceptional architectural event — the Omran Award — distinguished by creativity and innovation in the fields of architecture and interior design. Under the patronage of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, the winners were honored in this significant event, which brought together the best architectural projects from across the country. The award focused on sustainability and creativity in designs that contribute to the development of Iraq’s urban landscape.

Celebrating Architectural Creativity

The Omran Award 2024 serves as a pioneering platform aimed at honoring projects that combine modernity and sustainability, while enhancing Iraq’s cultural and environmental identity. This year’s event attracted hundreds of outstanding projects, evaluated by an international jury of experts in the field of architecture. After a thorough evaluation process, 30 designs were shortlisted, with 6 reaching the final stage. The winners were selected based on innovation, aesthetics, and functionality.

The Six Winners of the Omran Award 2024

First Place: Palm Tower – Architect Nawaf Ahmed
Palm Tower, designed by architect Nawaf Ahmed, won first place and stands as a prime example of sustainable architecture in the heart of Baghdad. The 71-story tower features vertical gardens every 10 floors, creating a “vertical urban forest” that increases greenery and improves urban living quality. The design is inspired by the Iraqi palm tree, a symbol of life and heritage, making the tower not just a building but a living expression of the city’s cultural identity.


Second Place: “Bayti” Project – Architect Ahmed Adnan
The “Bayti” project, designed by architect Ahmed Adnan, secured second place. It offers innovative solutions for residential planning in small spaces, focusing on sustainability and design efficiency. The project addresses urban expansion challenges by delivering designs that meet modern community needs while preserving the environment.


Third Place: Mosuli House Café – S&A Office
The Mosuli House Café, designed by S&A Office, won third place. The project revives the memory of Mosul by restoring a destroyed heritage house and transforming it into a café and tourist landmark. It combines modern architectural techniques with traditional Mosuli architecture, creating a space for cultural and historical interaction and contributing to the city’s revival after years of destruction.

Fourth Place: Reviving the Palm Orchards – Architect Muntadhar Adel
Architect Muntadhar Adel claimed fourth place for his innovative project “Reviving the Palm Orchards” in Baghdad. The project aims to transform damaged palm groves into an economic and cultural hub that supports the palm industry in Iraq. The design blends traditional materials with modern building techniques to create a harmonious space that merges heritage with modernity.


Fifth Place: Basra Heritage Restaurant – Context of the Architects’
The Basra Heritage Restaurant, designed by Context of Architects, took fifth place. The design integrates water elements with interior courtyards to create an environment that blends beauty with spirituality. Reflecting the authenticity of Arab architecture, it creates a vibrant space that achieves a balance between comfort and elegance in a contemporary style.


Sixth Place: Car Workshop – Architect Ali Majid
Architect Ali Majid stood out in sixth place with his unique design “Car Workshop,” which balances functionality and creativity. He reimagined the concept of traditional repair workshops into a modern, fully integrated space, proving how architecture can enhance daily experiences in commercial settings

Award Ceremony and Community Engagement

The final ceremony of the Omran Award was held on October 30, 2024, at the Celebration Square in the Green Zone, attended by more than 1,500 people, including architects, designers, and members of the architecture and interior design sectors. The event was an opportunity to honor the winners and highlight their role in improving Iraq’s urban landscape.

 

The ceremony included video presentations for each project, where contestants visually showcased their project details, allowing the audience to closely understand their ideas and efforts. Key speakers, including Mr. Haidar Al-Omran, the award’s founder, emphasized the importance of supporting the architectural sector,.

Award Ceremony and Community Engagement

The final ceremony of the Omran Award was held on October 30, 2024, at the Celebration Square in the Green Zone, attended by more than 1,500 people, including architects, designers, and members of the architecture and interior design sectors. The event was an opportunity to honor the winners and highlight their role in improving Iraq’s urban landscape.

 

The ceremony included video presentations for each project, where contestants visually showcased their project details, allowing the audience to closely understand their ideas and efforts. Key speakers, including Mr. Haidar Al-Omran, the award’s founder, emphasized the importance of supporting the architectural sector