An open international competition featuring a 500,000 prize fund is being held for small-scale concepts to enhance public spaces (Deadline: 7 May)The competition invites architects, artists, and creatives to put forward proposals for new small-scale architectural elements that could enhance public spaces and contribute to the evolving urban identity of the country bordering the Gulf.Organised by Buildner in collaboration with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority the contest aims to re-imagine human-scale architecture and come up with a range of solutions to promote community, enhance urban life and contribute to Dubais evolving identity.Marina Street, DubaiCredit:Image by Capitaine Chikor Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International licenseAccording to the brief: Dubai is a city of ambition a global symbol of innovation, culture, and rapid evolution. Yet, as it continues to expand and redefine itself, Dubai now turns its focus inward, seeking meaning not only in iconic structures but in the spaces that shape daily life. It looks to the in-between the bridges, pathways, and gathering spaces to strengthen its urban identity and connect its communities.Participants are challenged to develop a cohesive design concept across seven distinct zones, each with its own unique character, density, and rhythm. The aim is to craft thoughtful, context-driven solutions that strengthen Dubais urban fabric while responding to the specific needs and identities of each zone.Dubai is the most populous city in the UAE and in 2022 became the first city within the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region to host a world expo. The House of the Future contest comes five years after London-based IJP Architects and engineer AKT II won a competition to design a 230m-long footbridge in Dubai.The latest competition seeks visionary, functional, and context-sensitive proposals which creatively enhance the city while also promoting cultural awareness, sustainability, and public engagement.Proposals should respond to the unique character, density and social dynamics of seven different zones across Dubai spanning residential, suburban, cultural, industrial and high-end uses.Concepts could include pedestrian and cycle bridges and underpasses, street furniture, shading structures, wayfinding and signage, safety structures, lighting, repair stations and pavement designs.The jury has yet to be announced and will include up to nine experts. Submissions will be judged 30 per cent on innovation and creativity, 30 per cent on response to context, 20 per cent on feasibility and cost and 20 per cent on sustainability.The overall winner to be announced 1 July will receive a 250,000 top prize. A second prize of 140,000 and third prize of 50,000 will also be awarded along with six honourable mentions prizes each worth 10,000.How to applyDeadline: 7 MayCompetition funding source: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), under the leadership of the Dubai GovernmentProject funding source: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), under the leadership of the Dubai GovernmentOwner of site(s): Dubai MunicipalityContact details: contact@buildner.comVisit the competition website for more information