Winner: Cultural building of the year 2019. This cultural centre overlooking the Persian Gulf on the island of Hormoz in Iran consists of two red cement-clad domes connected by a long set of steps.
Designed by ZAV Architects, the Rong Cultural Centre houses a 45-square-metre tourist information centre, bike rental shop, café, and a recycling management space. The set of steps are designed to host cultural activities, becoming a 80-square-metre platform for events and gatherings to take place on, or be watched from. The structure is designed to be easily built and replicated.

Judges comments: The architecture panel on the master jury commented that the project is “delightful”and “small yet monumental”. They also added that it “questions the notion of its relevance, rather than just being a shelter and that it becomes part of a public space”.

Architect: ZAV Architects
Project: Rong Cultural Centre
Winner of: Cultural building of the year
Read more: ZAV Architects