At HDC, we’re currently working on developing Hulhumalé as the first smart and sustainable city in the Maldives. Our projects span hospitality, industrial, recreational, commercial and residential, pioneering unique developments unseen before in our country. 

With the success of Urbanscape 2022, we’re thrilled to introduce an avenue for creativity: a design competition tailored for educational institutions. This platform empowers students to showcase their talents, collaborating with future creatives and architects to reimagine Hulhumalé’s public spaces. Together we aim to elevate the public spaces with the students, enhance visitors’ experiences and foster a sense of community connection.  

The winning group’s furniture will be built and placed in the chosen public space of Hulhumalé. 

Objectives: 

• Create custom-designed furniture for the chosen space that will work as an interactive point where the public will stop and enjoy the vibrant and unique design 
• Provide students with the opportunity to showcase their work in public spaces 
• Infuse Hulhumalé with vibrancy and energy through student-driven innovation 

Concept: 

Urban Furniture 

Our challenge to participants is clear. 

Create a unique furniture design that seamlessly fits the landscape of the chosen public location. We encourage incorporating elements of Maldivian culture, heritage, and history, ensuring inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability at every turn.  

We’re looking for smart, cost-effective designs, and the material selection must be justified, looking into locality, sustainability and longevity. 

Get Involved 

The competition is open to students of the Maldives National University (MNU), Villa College and Maldives Polytechnic! Each institution is allocated 5 slots for assembling groups comprising 4-6 students enrolled in architecture-related courses. We encourage each group to have a mix of students from different semesters. The identification and selection of these student groups is to be managed by the institution. 

Design Submission Format: 

1. A printed 1x A1 sheet should include: 
   • Written design statement/concept 
   • Site analysis, Design Proposition 
   • Details of design with dimensions; plan, section, elevation and perspective visuals 
   • Material details 
   • Project costing estimate breakdown 
   • Any other details 
2. A minimum of 1 scaled 3D model, 1:10 or 1:20 

Submission Presentation Event: 

Each team is to bring their printed information board, 3d model and any other additional materials on the day of the presentation. 

• Join us at the venue (details coming soon) to present your masterpiece to HDC judges.  
• Then it’s over to the public attendees to evaluate the projects and cast their votes through a shared digital form. 

This is your chance to leave an indelible mark on our cityscape. Let’s build a future where innovation and inspiration intersect. 

Evaluation Criteria: 

Evaluation of proposals will be conducted in 2 parts; 

• By a panel of Judges from HDC – 70% 
• By the general public/attendee – 30% 

Evaluation Criteria 

JUDGING CRITERIA: 

All submissions are judged based on the objectives and criteria; 

1. Clarity of Concept 
   1. Clarity of the proposed design concept and brief formulation 
   2. Quality of design brief translation into a concept 
   3. Capacity to inspire, engage and delight its occupants, visitors and passers-by
2. Design Innovation 
   1. Aesthetics: Appearance, composition and aesthetic design 
   2. Creativity: Imaginative and original design 
   3. Concept: Idea or invention and its implementation into the design 
   4. Technology & Material Usage: Integration of technology into design, sustainability and practicality of material application. Materials selected with regards to local availability and sustainability 
   5. Relevancy to site context and Purpose: How well the site context and the purpose has been addressed. Inclusion of elements related to Maldivian heritage and history is encouraged
3. Functionality 
   1. Ergonomics: Consideration of comfort, health and efficiency factors 
   2. Safety: Free of dangerous substance and health/injury risk 
   3. Sustainability & Environmentally friendly: Use of Sustainable materials and methodologies which is local and readily available as well as reusable, recyclable and repurpose after a life cycle 
   4. Universal design: Useful and efficient to people with diverse abilities 
   5. Weather Resistant & Longevity: Withstand weather conditions that would lead to surface deterioration 
   6. Maintenance: Ease and cost of operation and maintenance 
   7. Adaptability: Able to be efficiently used in different sites of similar function and context
4. Economic 
   1. Budget: Project to be of a reasonable price to the scale and scope of the project 
   2. Calculation: Accuracy and method of calculation 
   3. Components: Able to be mass produced with ease 
5. Quality of Content 
   1. Completeness of concept presentation components 
   2. Quality of Presentation Medium (Boards, Model, Interactive presentation etc.) 
   3. Effectiveness of design communication 
6. Presentation 
   1. Quality of the concept and ability to present the idea. Presentation should be cohesive with a strong display of understanding of the product with visual aids. 

Award money 

Winning Price: MVR 10,000  

Runner-up Price: MVR 6,000 

Second Runner-up Price: MVR 4,000