Winner: Architecture project of the year and civic project of the year 2024. Studio Cho, Dr. Chen-Yu Chiu, and his students at Bilkent University designed and built the Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens in Hatay, Turkey.

Amid the turmoil of the 13-year Syrian civil war and 6 million refugees displaced, the Turkish-Syrian border town of Reyhanli currently has 100,000 Turkish locals and 150,000 Syrians.

In response to the crisis, Dr. Chen-Yu Chiu (Cho) and his students at Bilkent University volunteered to program, design and construct the centre to promote integration and inclusion between Syrians and Turkish locals.

As a result, this project has provided a lifeline for those affected by the conflicts and disasters, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of hardship.

Judges comments: "The Centre for World Citizens exemplifies the true role of architecture: to improve lives and uplift communities. Using simple, inexpensive materials, the project creates a monumental yet accessible design that has had a transformative effect on the city and the people who live there."

"Its bold, repetitive shape serves as a landmark and delivers a powerful architectural statement. Seamlessly integrating with the city's geometry, this project establishes a unique identity, making it an outstanding contribution to the community."

"This is a masterful, creative solution that deserves to be celebrated, delivering maximum impact with minimal resources."

Studio: Studio Cho
Project:  The Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens
Credits: Dr. Chen-Yu Chiu and Bilkent University