The Tamayouz Excellence Award–the first award in the Middle East to recognize women in architecture and construction–has announced the 2014 winners who have significantly contributed to Iraq’s built environment. The esteemed judging panel–Angela Brady, Clare Devine, Jane Duncan, and Ali Grehan–has selected architect, academic and planner Shereen Sherzad for the Tamayouz Women of Achievements Award. The Emerging Women Architects Award was bestowed upon Venus Akef, an award winning aspiring architect and academic at theUniversity of Technology in Baghdad, focusing on architectural heritage and the cultural identity. In addition, a Special Commemorative Award was given to Neda Al-Juboory, an “outstanding community architect who engaged at local level and inspired all those who came in contact with her.” Sadly in 2007, Al-Juboory was killed in a car bomb explosion where she worked as the Director of Urban Planning at the Ministry of Municipalities. Ahmed Al-Mallak, Founder of the Tamayouz Excellence Award, commented on the significance of the awards for Iraq.
“It gives us great pleasure to announce the winners of Tamayouz Women in Architecture and Construction Award, both Shereen Sherzad and Venus Akef are still making outstanding contributions to the profession of architecture in Iraq and it is important to show the commitment and sacrifices Iraqi women are making and this is portrayed by the commitment of the Late Neda Al-Juboory who was killed during a ceremony where she was supposed to receive a prize for her excellent work. Women in Iraq are doing fantastic jobs and we will continue to highlight their efforts.”
Click here to read the Tamayouz Excellence Award 2014 announcement, online atTamayouz-Award.com.