INTRODUCTION
Modern Architecture in our region has fallen short of expectations in many of its utopian aspirations, becoming ensnared in the ideological contradictions of mass industrialisation and urbanisation in capitalist and socialist societies in the emerging world. Its universalism, driven by nationalism and imperialism, has served as a refracting prism through which local traditions could be re-examined in the post-colonial world. Inevitably, modernism has partaken in the crisis and conflicts of the process of modernisation itself. Given the current global manifestations of human, social, and economic influences in our region today, modern architecture has found expression in form, shape and scale never witnessed before seen as a testimony to the metamorphosis of the ‘Third World’ into a ‘New World’ – Our World.

The AWARD
The Awards committee invites your participation in the Architecture+ Awards 2004 – “Design for a New World”. Our mission is to recognise and promote excellence in Architecture and Design of this region – namely, the Gulf States, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.

THE AIM
The Architecture+ Awards 2004  are among of the most prestigious in the profession. They encourage architects and students living in and/ or designing for this region to grapple with the issues, concerns, and challenges most pertinent to the people, context, and environment as they advance their versions of tradition, move from imitation of their forefathers to the crystallisation of a new approach and style, blending their pre-occupations with the solutions appropriate to the emerging challenges facing this region today. With time, it is envisaged that the Architecture+ Awards will significantly effect and influence the discourse and the making of architecture of our region.

BACKGROUND
Architecture Plus (a+) “Architecture of a new world” is distinguished by its commitment to seek out and celebrate significant ideas and developments in architecture and design from geographical regions that cover the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent, collectively referred to as the ‘emerging world’. Published by Inhouse Creative, Architecture+ is the premier design magazine from Dubai, the commercial heart of the United Arab Emirates and purchased globally through major bookstores, direct subscriptions, and online at www.Amazon.com.

Through our young, dynamic, and dedicated international team of correspondents, we demonstrate excellence in architecture, interior design, urban planning, and landscape design. We provide an informative database of current and future projects as well as raising issues pertinent to this region from the need of a professional governing institute to appropriate solutions for redevelopment of our fragile region; as well as discussing the ethical role of architecture in response to culture, context and the environment

.We are the canvas of creativity for students of today, the ‘world-shapers’ of tomorrow. By providing a platform, Architecture Plus (a+) endeavours to support, nurture and capture the imagination of emerging architects and designers from the numerous schools of architecture, both at home and abroad.

Our articles reflect a broad range of opinions from well established professionals, award winning architects and aspiring professionals. New lines of thought fused with traditional methodology challenge the definition of the urban environment in this new millennium.

Architecture+ is a realm in which ideas can be explored and rationalised.

However, Architecture+must not be mistaken for just a magazine, as it is much, much more than this. Not only are we creating a global platform for dialogue and debate that will inspire students, architects, engineers and planners to design towns and cities that are contextual, sustainable yet contemporary, but also to place Dubai on the global map as the hub that endeavours to support and celebrate good practice techniques as well as outstanding architectural achievements.

Architecture+ is the first step creating a new ‘centre for excellence’ in architecture and design, very much in the footsteps of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.