This competition was organised by the Ministry of Development and Engineering Works of the State of Bahrain for the design of a National Cultural Centre in Manama.
The final competition regulations were approved by the International Union of Architects (UIA).
Pr. Timo Pentilae from FINLAND
The Ministry asked that the design of the building be in harmony with the context and environment of the country from social, architectural and cultural points of view. The project was supposed to be realistic and not involve undue costs. The hope was that this centre would be an invaluable contribution to the enrichment of local urban life.
The centre would include large and medium auditoriums, associated spaces, exhibition areas and conference rooms as well. The large auditorium was supposed to be devoted to orchestral concerts, operas, plays, official ceremonies and film projections, whereas the medium hall would be used for international conferences, plays, dance recitals and chamber music conferences.
Participation in this restricted competition was limited to selected architects who accepted the invitation to submit a project.