Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Knauf, in collaboration with the Association of Young Architects of Uzbekistan, has announced the start of a new season of the International Award for architects and designers, Me’mor//2025. This year, the competition has gained international status, inviting professionals from Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Georgia to participate.

The official opening ceremony and press conference took place on April 2 in Tashkent, where the organizers introduced the updated format of the award, an expanded jury, and key nominations.

As Shukhrat Abdudjamilov, Sales Director at Knauf, noted: “Me’mor has always been known for its high level of evaluation. Now, within the framework of the Knauf International Architecture Competition (KIAC), we are bringing together experts from different countries, strengthening the award’s status as a symbol of professional recognition.”

Dmitry Deripalko, General Director of Knauf enterprises in Uzbekistan, emphasized: “The national competition Me’mor//2025 is a challenge for architects, providing them with the opportunity to break free from the usual and create something innovative. This year, special attention is paid to ‘green architecture’ — projects that combine sustainability with modern technologies.”

Takhmina Turdialieva, Chairperson of the Association of Young Architects of Uzbekistan and coordinator of the award, stated: “Me’mor//2025 opens new horizons for architects, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talent on the global stage. We are proud that the award brings together the best industry experts and inspires the creation of outstanding projects.”

Additionally, a special Knauf competition has been established, where projects using their materials that meet strict environmental standards will be evaluated.

The competition will be judged by renowned professionals in the architectural industry:

Melike Altınışık (Melike Altınışık Architects) — author of the Robot Museum in Seoul and Çamlıca Tower in Istanbul;

Evgeniya Pozigun (Zaha Hadid Architects) — contributor to projects in China, Malta, and Morocco;

Patrick Meyers (Orange Architects) — CTBUH Award laureate;

Ali Mangera (Mangera Yvars Architects) — creator of airports and cultural buildings in Asia and Europe;

Askhad Saduov (Almatygenplan) — creator of key public spaces in Kazakhstan.

In the "Architecture in Media" nomination, works will be judged by Tom Ravenscroft, Editor-in-Chief of Dezeen (Editor of the Year 2023 according to AOP).

The competition will feature 6 categories and 27 nominations, including sustainable architecture, innovative solutions, and media projects.

Prize fund: 250,000,000 soums.

Season slogan: "Green Architecture: A Space Where Nature Meets Creativity."

Event Phases:

Application submission: April 3 – August 10, 2025

Award Ceremony: October 6, 2025

The Me’mor award was first held in 2019 and has shown significant growth over six years, from 123 entries in the debut season to 332 submissions in 2023. In 2025, the competition will reach an international level, confirming its status as one of the key professional platforms in the region.