What is the Khorasan Award?
The “Khorasan Award” is a biennial cultural and artistic event established in 2025 by the cultural-artistic publication “Kooche Bagh Honar va Andisheh”. The purpose of this award is to recognize distinguished artists and cultural figures who contribute significant works within Greater Khorasan. Currently, the award is hosting its inaugural edition in the field of architecture and aspires to serve as an international platform for presenting innovative and impactful architectural designs that benefit both society and the environment.
Both Iranian and international participants with implemented projects in Khorasan are eligible to participate in this award, regardless of their location. The award encourages the presentation of innovations that advance and expand the boundaries of design and creativity. It promotes the region’s indigenous, cultural, and historical values while providing a platform for architects, designers, and researchers to present their work and exchange ideas.
The award is guided by four primary objectives:
- Preservation of cultural identity by recognizing projects that adhere to the principles of indigenous culture
- Encouragement of innovation and creativity in contemporary design
- Strengthening collaboration between local and international artists
- Promotion of education through workshops and seminars to increase public awareness of the importance of Khorasan’s indigenous culture
Submitted works will be evaluated according to specific criteria, including environmental harmony, consideration of local ecology and culture, innovation in preserving cultural identity, quality of execution, and the project’s social impact on the community. The award program will also feature events, including exhibitions of selected works and educational workshops.
Ultimately, the “Khorasan Award” is not merely a competition but a movement dedicated to reviving indigenous values and strengthening the region’s cultural identity. The award offers society an opportunity to celebrate its cultural heritage and express it in a contemporary context.
The Importance of the Award for Architecture
The Khorasan Award holds significant cultural, educational, and economic importance for the region. Its influence goes beyond the realm of architecture and art, fostering greater public awareness, professional development, and the preservation of cultural identity. Evaluation of works by a jury of experts provides artists and architects with valuable feedback, helping them improve future projects and advance their professional careers.
The award also raises public awareness about the importance of architecture and its impact on everyday life. This awareness encourages people to value well-designed public and private spaces more deeply, ultimately increasing the demand for higher-quality design. In addition, the workshops and seminars held alongside the award provide opportunities for learning and knowledge exchange, helping artists and architects develop their professional skills and prepare for future challenges.
By promoting the use of sustainable materials and methods in design and construction, the award encourages environmental responsibility and supports the preservation of natural resources. It serves as a bridge between artists, architects, citizens, and local authorities, creating a platform for dialogue about community needs and expectations and contributing to improving the quality of life in Khorasan.
Furthermore, the award provides a space for the exchange of ideas and experiences among artists, architects, and designers. This interaction enhances design quality and helps build effective professional networks. With its focus on Khorasan’s diverse cultural and historical heritage, the award also contributes to preserving and promoting local art and identity. Through participation, artists play an essential role in protecting and celebrating the region’s cultural legacy.
Participation in the Khorasan Award offers artists and architects an opportunity to present their projects to the public and the professional community, increasing their recognition and influence. This visibility can inspire others and lead to new collaborations and professional opportunities. Finally, by showcasing outstanding cultural, artistic, and architectural works, the award helps attract tourists and strengthen the local tourism industry, benefiting both the regional economy and the broader cultural landscape of Khorasan.
Why Biennial?
Architecture and art awards can be organized annually, biennially, or triennially, each format offering its own distinct characteristics and advantages. While annual awards often emphasize emerging innovations and new techniques, biennial and triennial awards usually allow for a deeper exploration of the cultural, social, and economic impacts of architecture
Given the social, economic, and artistic conditions in Iran—which may not always allow for the completion of significant and high-quality architectural works every single year—the biennial format appears to be the most suitable choice. This two-year cycle provides architects with sufficient time to develop, refine, and execute their projects thoughtfully, resulting in works of higher quality and stronger conceptual depth
Moreover, the biennial rhythm encourages more meaningful participation, allowing time for research, collaboration, and reflection between cycles. It fosters a more deliberate and comprehensive dialogue around design, ensuring that the Khorasan Award highlights not only innovation but also enduring architectural and cultural values
Award Structure
The Khorasan Biennial Award consists of several key components, including the organizing body, director, and jury panel. All organizational details, along with the participation requirements and the process for submitting works, are clearly outlined in the official public call for entries.
- Organizer: Koocheh Bagh Institute of Art and Thought
- Scientific Secretary: Morteza Khayyatpour Najib
- Art Director and Logo Designer: Shaghayegh Mehrzad
- Poster Designer: Pouyan Shokripour
- Trophy Designer: Masoud Bahmani
- Trophy Production: Rast Factory
- Website Designer: Mahdi Ghaffari
- Scientific Committee: Arash Esfehbodi
Public Relations and Media: Taraneh Aslani
Award judges
Responsibilities of the Jury
Maintaining Impartiality: Ensuring complete neutrality during the evaluation process and avoiding any form of bias or favoritism
Developing Evaluation Criteria: Collaborating with other jury members to establish and refine assessment standards that align with the goals of the competition
Reporting to the Organizer: Providing final results, analyses, and recommendations to the organizing committee for consideration and publication
Authorities of the Jury
Selecting Winners: Having the authority to decide on the winning designs based on the evaluations conducted.
Setting Priorities: The ability to identify and emphasize particular aspects of design that deserve special attention within the competition framework
Collaboration Among Jurors: Working closely with fellow jurors to develop a comprehensive and balanced approach to the assessment and selection of submitted projects
Awards
First Place:
Presentation of the Khorasan Award Trophy
Cash award of USD 1,000
Second Place:
Cash award of USD 600
Third Place:
Cash award of USD 400
Recognition for Selected Projects (for the Top 10 Projects):
Selected projects will receive:
- Publication of the project in the Khorasan Award | Architecture Biennial Book and the Koochemagazine
- An official Khorasan Award | Architecture Biennial Certificate
- A dedicated profile/page on the award’s official website and Award’s social media platforms
- The “Continuity” Torpy, with its integrated and unified structure, represents cohesion and solidarity. A distinctive groove extending from the base to the summit of the piece forms a slender passage between two blades which, although not aligned along the same path, give one another life and foster mutual growth and evolution. This Möbius-like form symbolizes the balance between dualities.
Registration Form for the Khorasan Award
Individual architects and architectural practices with completed projects located within the Khorasan region are eligible to participate in the Khorasan Award | Architecture Biennial. Participation in this award provides an opportunity for architects to strengthen their professional profile and contribute to the promotion of locally grounded and locally context-responsive architecture.
Please note: To participate in the Khorasan Award, you must first create a user account. If you have already registered, you can log in using your existing account. After logging into your account, complete the required form and submit as many projects as you wish. Please ensure that you enter your account details completely so that you can proceed with the payment.
Project Submission Process for the Khorasan Award
- Online Registration:
To participate in the Khorasan Award, you must first create an online account. If you have already registered previously, you can simply log in using your existing account. - Project Submission:
After logging into your account, complete the relevant submission form and upload as many projects as you wish to enter. Make sure that your account details are filled out completely and accurately in order to process your participation and payment successfully. - Project Evaluation:
At this stage, the presence of the project’s designer or architect is not required. The evaluation will be conducted .independently by the jury based on the submitted materials
Regulations and Conditions for Participation in the Khorasan Award
Failure to comply with any of the following terms and conditions may result in the disqualification of the non-compliant submission at any stage of the award process:
- Participation in this award is only possible through registration within the designated timeframe and may be undertaken individually or as a group.
- Individual participation by foreign nationals is permitted only with the inclusion of a valid national identification code (Code Faragir).
- Projects must be completed and fully operational, and must have been built exclusively in one of the three provinces of Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan, or North Khorasan. Projects must also have been completed between 21 March 2016 and 22 July 2026.
- There is no limit to the number of projects each participant may submit.
- A separate registration and fee payment are required for each submitted project.
- The use of the specified sheet format and template is mandatory. Please refer to the Documents section to download the ZIP file containing the sheet template and required information.
- Providing false information during registration may result in the participant’s disqualification, including incorrect project location details.
- Failure to identify the design team or providing fictitious names may result in disqualification of the submission.
- Submitted sheets/posters must not contain the designer’s name. Any submission bearing the designer’s name will not be reviewed.
- Submitted documents must remain available in the participant’s Google Drive storage until the announcement of the longlist.
- The ten selected works are required to respect the intellectual rights of Koucheh Bagh Honar va Andisheh magazine, as the award organizer, including rights related to publication, dissemination, and other associated matters.
- By participating in the Khorasan Award, the designer grants Koucheh Bagh Honar va Andisheh Institute, as the organizer of the award, the right to use and publish the submitted work while preserving the designer’s moral rights.
- This award is conducted in accordance with the Law for the Protection of Authors, Composers, and Artists, and all participants are required to comply with this legislation.
- There are no restrictions regarding the use of manual or digital techniques and tools.
- Except for the jury members, the scientific secretary, and the secretary’s official assistants, no one is permitted to attend jury sessions. Attendance by project designers and other collaborators at the final presentation session, alongside the general public, is permitted. Following the shortlisting presentations, the jury will conduct final evaluations in accordance with the announced regulations to determine the winners.
- The jury’s decision is final and non-negotiable.
- Proof of misconduct by any of the ten selected works at any stage, even after the announcement of results, will result in the disqualification of the offending work and replacement by the next-ranked entry.
- Participants bear full responsibility for any infringement of the intellectual property rights of others.
- Works may have been published in any media format (digital or print) prior to the official announcement of the Khorasan Award and may also have participated in other competitions or awards, regardless of the ranking achieved.
- The award includes first, second, and third place rankings, and no shared rankings will be awarded.
- In addition to individuals, legal entities such as consulting engineering firms or architectural offices may also participate in this award.
- Submission of physical models is not permitted.
Required Documents
To participate in the Khorasan Award, applicants are required to submit a complete set of supporting documents. These material include the registration form, project descriptions, drawings and plans, project images, technical documents, and biographies of the designers The submitted documents will support the jury in conducting a detailed and accurate evaluation of each project.
Project Identification
Project Title:
- Full and official title of the project
Architects and Designers:
- Names of the lead architects and designers.
- Names of consultants and collaborators, where appliable(client, design / 3D / graphic collaborators, contractor, supervisor, structural engineer, mechanical systems engineer, electrical systems engineer, urban planner, photographer).
Geographical Location:
- Geographical location within Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan, or North Khorasan.
- Exact project address.
Project Timeline:
- Project commencement date
Project completion date Dimensions and Area:
- Total area of the project.
- Plot dimensions.
- Number of floors.
Project Type:
- New Build
- Renovation
- Reconstruction
Project category:
- Residential: Apartment units, villas, dormitories, and other residential spaces
- Educational: Schools, universities, educational centers, and libraries
- Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other healthcare-related facilities
- Commercial: Retail spaces, shopping centers, office buildings, restaurants, and other commercial departments
- Recreational: Parks, cinemas, entertainment venues, and hotels
- Governmental and Administrative: Government buildings, municipalities, courthouses, and public administration facilities
- Industrial: Factories, workshops, warehouses, and industrial production facilities
- Cultural and Artistic: Museums, theaters, galleries, and concert halls
- Religious: Mosques, churches, temples, and other places of worship
- Sports: Stadiums, sports halls, fitness clubs, and recreational sports facilities
Biography of the Lead Architects/Designers
(Maximum of three individuals)
Please note: Biographies are requested for exhibition and publication purposes and will not be included in the materials reviewed by the jury.
The biography of each lead architects ordesigner should provide a clear and comprehensive, reflecting their background, experiences, and expertise. Submissions should include the following information:
- Personal Information: Full name, date and place of birth, contact information.
- Educational Background: Academic Degrees obtained (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), university names, fields of study, graduation years.
- Professional Experience: List of significant projects, professional roles, and job titles in various companies or offices, duration of collaboration with each organization.
- Research and Publications: Academic papers, published articles, lectures, or workshops attended by the designer.
- Awards and Honors: National or international awards and recognitions, participation in exhibitions and conferences.
- Skills and Areas of Expertise: Areas of specialization, such as sustainable design, interior architecture, urban design, or heritage conservation. Also, Software proficiency and technical design tools
- Memberships and Professional Activities: Membership in architectural organizations, voluntary and social activities.
- Personal Statement: A brief statement outlining the designer’s professional philosophy, design approach, and future aspirations.
Project Description:
Applicants are required to submit a concise project description that outlines the key aspects of the project, including the design concept, material selection, construction methods, and overall architectural approach. The project description should be between 300 and 500 words and must be submitted in both Persian and English to facilitate the jury’s evaluation. Participants should clearly identify the project’s innovations and design strategies in relation to the award criteria. Descriptions must remain factual and avoid promotional or exaggerated language.
Poster Guidelines for submission:
- Number of Posters: 4-6 sheets
- Poster Dimensions: 500 x 700 mm (Horizontal or Vertical)
- File Format: PDF
- Resolution: 300 dpi
- Must follow the official poster format of the award.
Exhibition Posters:
- Number of Posters: 2 sheets
- Poster Dimensions: 700 x 1000 mm (Vertical)
- File Format: PDF
- Resolution: 300 dpi
- Exhibition posters should include:
- First Poster: Only the main image of the project.
- Second Poster: Supplementary materials, including plans, sections, diagrams, renderings, photographs, or other supporting documents.
Video Submission (Optional):
Participants may submit a short video presentation of their project with a maximum duration of 5 minutes. The video link must be included in the registration form. All videos must adhere to copyright regulations, especially concerning music, when shared on social media platforms such as Instagram.
Important Notes:
- Participants are permitted to revise their submission information at any time before payment. After payment is completed, no further modifications to the submission are allowed.
- A confirmation email will be sent following successful payment and registration.
- No further mandatory fees will be charged after the entry fee is paid. The Khorasan Award does not charge for result announcements, project publications, award presentations, ceremonies, or related activities.
- All required submission materials must be uploaded as a compressed folder to Google Drive. The corresponding download link should be provided in the registration form.
Poster Design Guidelines:
- First Poster: Include the project title, project type, usage type, geographical location (exact address with map coordinates or Google Maps location), and a general image of the project.
- Technical Documents: Include detailed plans and sections with appropriate scales to clearly represent the project. Some of these should include:
- Site Plan: (Suggested scale: 1:200) with surrounding neighborhoods and roads.
- Floor Plans: Scale 1:100 or 1:50. Use 1:100 for larger projects and 1:50 for detailed plans.
- Elevations: Scale 1:100 or 1:50, showing design details clearly.
- Sections: Scale 1:50 or 1:20, to show structural and spatial details.
- Clarity and Accuracy: All documents must be clear, accurate, with clean and readable lines.
- Details: Include necessary details for understanding the design, such as dimensions, elevations, materials, and key elements.
- Markings: Use appropriate annotations to describe spaces, functions, and relationships between spaces.
- Textual Explanations: Add clarifying notes or keywords for specific design features.
- Color and Texture: Use color and textures to differentiate materials and spaces.
- Construction Photos: Include 5-10 photos from different stages of construction (e.g., beginning, mid-project, and completion) to show the construction process and challenges.
- Final Photos: Include 10-15 high-quality photos of the completed project, showcasing overall views, architectural details, interior and exterior spaces. If possible, include photos of actual space usage (e.g., daily activities) or night photos (if special lighting is used).
Criteria and Evaluation Process
These criteria aim to assess creativity, design harmony with the environment, spatial efficiency, the project’s impact on the environment and local community, preservation of cultural heritage, the use of innovative technologies, and the evaluation of costs and economic impacts. The ultimate goal of the award is to contribute to sustainable development and improve the quality of life in various regions of Khorasan.
Cultural Identity
- Attention to cultural heritage and local architecture, as well as the preservation and enhancement of regional identity.
Sustainability and Environmental Compatibility
- Consideration of the local ecology and climate conditions, use of local materials, and the project’s environmental impact.
Social Impact and Community Effect
- Evaluation of the project’s impact on the local community and how it interacts with the residents.
- Assessment of spatial efficiency and the compatibility of spaces with the needs of users and public functions.
Design Quality and Aesthetics
- Assessment of creativity and innovation in design, the harmony of components, coordination with the environment, and appropriate use of materials.
Technological Innovation and Economic Viability
- Evaluation of the use of modern technologies in design and construction.
- Assessment of construction and maintenance costs, and the economic impact on the region.
Khorasan Architecture Award Arbitration Process
Stage Zero: Preliminary Evaluation. In this stage, the secretariat reviews the submitted works to identify any violations or deviations from the announced regulations. Only the longlist of submitted projects will be announced publicly. Projects in violation will not be individually identified.
Stage One: Project Selection. In this stage, each juror nominates ten projects from the submitted works to advance to the final stage and defense session. Accordingly, the first-ranked project will receive 10 points, and projects ranked second to tenth will receive 9 to 1 point, respectively. At the end of this stage, projects that have earned at least 8 points will proceed to Stage Two. This stage involves offline, individual evaluation by each juror.
Stage Two: Review and Deliberation. In this stage, jurors review and discuss the projects that have reached this stage with 8 points. At the end of this stage, projects deemed by the majority of jurors (at least 3 votes) to possess the necessary qualities for the final session and defense will be selected. Following this stage, the award’s shortlist (finalist projects, and the date and location of the defense session) will be publicly announced.
Stage Three: Defense Session and Announcement of Results. The projects selected by the jurors, as described in the previous stage, will participate in a defense session and evaluation over two days in Mashhad (details will be communicated later). The final results, along with an exhibition of the works and the awarding of prizes, will take place in Mashhad on the third day of the conference. It should be noted that the presence of project designers is mandatory only in the third stage of arbitration, and no information will be given to the work owners until the official announcement of the shortlist.
Khorasan Award Timeline
All submissions must be uploaded by 23:59 Iran Standard Time.
Event | Date |
Early Registration and Project Submission | From June 5 to July 6, 2026 |
Late Registration and Project Submission | From July 7 to August 6, 2026 |
Online Longlist Announcement | August 11, 2026 |
Shortlist Announcement | August 23, 2026 |
3rd Stage Judging (In-person, Mashhad) | September 16 – 17, 2026 |
Award Ceremony & Results Announcement (Mashhad) | September 18, 2026 |
Project Categories
The Khorasan Award | Architecture Biennial includes ten project categories through which participants may classify and submit their work.
Please note that all submitted projects will be evaluated as a single group. The categories serve only as descriptive and organizational classifications; no separate winner will be chosen for each category.
Accordingly, projects will not be distinguished according to disciplinary fields such as architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, Islamic architecture, or environmental and energy design. Similarly, projects will not be categorised according to scale, density, degree of renovation, restoration, or reconstruction.
All submitted projects, regardless of category, must have been completed and fully operational between 21 March 2021 and 19 April 2025.
Categories:
- Residential: Apartment units, villas, dormitories, and other residential spaces
- Educational: Schools, universities, educational centers, and libraries
- Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other healthcare-related facilities
- Commercial: Retail spaces, shopping centers, office buildings, restaurants, and other commercial departments
- Recreational: Parks, cinemas, entertainment venues, and hotels
- Governmental and Administrative: Government buildings, municipalities, courthouses, and public administration facilities
- Industrial: Factories, workshops, warehouses, and industrial production facilities
- Cultural and Artistic: Museums, theaters, galleries, and concert halls
- Religious: Mosques, churches, temples, and other places of worship
- Sports: Stadiums, sports halls, fitness clubs, and recreational sports facilities
Registration Fee
The entry fees have been structured to ensure that architectural studios of all sizes across Iran are able to participate in the Khorasan Award. Reduced rates are available for individuals and companies with 10 or fewer employees.
Cost | |
$25 (It is per project) | For individuals and companies with 10 or fewer employees per projects |
$50 (It is per project) | Companies with more than 10 employees |
As noted above, the entry fee is determined by the size of the participating team, including the number of design contributors. If inaccurate or misleading information is provided during registration, participants may be contacted for clarification, and submissions may be disqualified.
For example, failure to register project contributors or the submission of false or inaccurate names may result in the disqualification of the project. Participants are responsible for ensuring that all submitted information is accurate and complete.
Payment Instructions
All entry fees must be paid through the online payment system available on the official Khorasan Award website: KHORASANAWARD.IR
Following successful payment, participants will receive a confirmation email verifying the registration of their submission(s). No alternative payment methods are accepted unless explicitly approved by the award secretariat
Please Note: Entry fees are non-refundable once payment has been submitted. Projects withdrawn by the participant or removed by the secretariat due to non-compliance with the submission requirements, are not eligible for a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Khorasan Award
Who can participate in the Khorasan Award?
Participation is open to all registered legal entities, professional architects, and independent designers.
What project categories exist in the Khorasan Award?
There are 10 categories for project submissions. For more details, see the “Categories” page.
How many projects can I submit?
You can submit an unlimited number of projects. Each project requires a separate registration.
Can I submit multiple projects in the same category?
Yes, there is no limit to the number of projects per category, and category does not affect the jury evaluation process.
What is the required project completion date for eligibility?
Projects must be fully completed and delivered between March 20, 2016 and July 22, 2026.
If my project does not win, can I submit it in a future edition?
Yes, a project that has not received an award may be resubmitted once in a future edition, provided it still meets the eligibility criteria.
Are there categories for students or unbuilt projects?
No. Currently, there are no categories for students or unbuilt projects. Projects must be fully completed and operational by the specified date. Non-compliant projects will be disqualified, and any violations discovered even after results are announced may result in the revision or withdrawal of the award decision.
Does the word limit include spaces?
Yes, spaces are included in the word count.
Can I edit my project after submission?
Yes, you can edit your project before the payment process. Once payment has been made, no further changes or modifications to the submission will be permitted.
What are the evaluation criteria?
For detailed information about jury expectations and evaluation criteria, see the “Jury” page.
Can I add a video to better present my project?
Yes, you can include a video link in the designated field of the registration form.
How will I know if my project was successfully submitted?
A confirmation email will be sent once the payment process has been completed successfully..
Should projects be submitted in both Persian and English?
Yes, only submissions in Persian and English are accepted.
Can I submit an unfinished or conceptual project?
No. Projects must be fully completed and operational by the eligibility date. Refer to the “Rules and Regulations” page for details.
Can I pay the entry fee with cryptocurrency?
No. Payment is accepted only via the official online payment portal; cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are not accepted.
Are there additional fees if I win an award?
No. There are no hidden fees. Winners will not charged for the trophy or any other recognition.
Is attending the award ceremony mandatory?
No, attendance is optional;but your presence is appreciated.
How can I contact the Khorasan Award for further questions?
Email inquiries, please contact the Khorasan Award | Architecture Biennial team via email at INFO@KHORASANAWARD.COM. The inbox is regularly monitored.
How do I submit my project?
Submission is completed online through the following steps:
- Register for an account or log in using your existing account details.
- Complete the online submission form.
- Upload the required submission materials, including JPEG images, videos in PNG/PDF format (if required), and URLs for audio/video files.
- Add project(s) to your cart, choose the relevant category, and complete the payment process.
Who is eligible to participate?
Eligibility extends to individuals and legal entities worldwide, including freelancers, designers, builders, architectural firms, interior and landscape designers, architects, and engineers, provided the submitted project was executed in Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan, or North Khorasan.
Is there a word limit for the project description?
Yes, the text should be 300–500 words, focusing on creativity and originality to help the jury understand your project.
Is there a limit on the number of submissions?
No. Participants may submit an unlimited number of projects.
Can I submit a project that has previously received an award?
Yes. Projects previously submitted or awarded elsewhere can be resubmitted, though new projects are encouraged.
How can I confirm my submission was successful?
A confirmation email is sent after payment. Incomplete submissions (e.g., missing payment or incorrect uploads) are not eligible. The organizers are not responsible for incomplete files.
Can I make changes after payment?
No. Only before payment can you edit your submission.
How is the entry fee paid?
The entry fee must be paid online through the official Khorasan Award | Architecture Biennial submission portal.
Is payment accepted in currencies other than Iranian Rial?
No. Only Iranian Rial is accepted.
- 5 June 2026
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