UOD Celebrates Architectural Excellence with First Seasonal Design Competition
UOD – February 18, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) —
The University of Duhok recognized student creativity and academic excellence through the First Seasonal Architecture Competition, organized by the Department of Architectural Engineering in collaboration with the student chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS).
The ceremony brought together university leadership, faculty members, and students to celebrate outstanding architectural projects that reflect innovation, practical design thinking, and contextual awareness.
Leadership Participation
The event was attended by:
- Dr. Lokman Hadi Hassan, Vice President for Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Dr. Nabaz Ibraheem Mohammed, Vice President for Students Affairs
- Dr. Nashwan Shawkat Mahmood, Dean of the College of Engineering
- Dr. Rana Fathi Farhan, Head of the Department of Architectural Engineering
Along with a large number of academic staff and students.
Their presence underscored the university’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and strengthening design education aligned with contemporary professional standards.
Award Categories and Student Participation
The competition targeted students in the second, third, fourth, and fifth academic stages and featured three core evaluation categories:
- Best Use of Site and Context – recognizing projects that demonstrate environmental sensitivity and spatial integration.
- Best Drawings and Technical Details – highlighting precision, clarity, and professional documentation.
- Best Physical Model – rewarding innovation in presentation and material expression.
For each academic stage, three top projects were honored, while all participating student works were displayed in an accompanying exhibition, transforming the event into a platform for academic exchange and creative dialogue.
Supporting Innovation and Professional Skills
The awards initiative aims to motivate students to push the boundaries of architectural creativity while strengthening both theoretical understanding and practical design skills.
Such activities directly support UOD’s Strategic Plan by:
- Encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and real-world problem solving
- Strengthening links between academic output and community needs
Through initiatives like this, the University of Duhok continues to position itself as a hub for forward-looking architectural education that prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to sustainable urban and societal development.
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University Press Office – February 18, 2026
Reported by: Nibar Haji Hussain
Photos: Mohammed A. Tahar
The News Keywords:
University of Duhok Architecture, Student Design Awards, Architectural Education Kurdistan, UOD Engineering College, Student Innovation in Architecture