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KSP Engel of Germany wins Muscat Municipality design contest
Muscat – Muscat Municipality announced the winners of its international architecture competition for a landmark multi-use building in Bausher on Tuesday, with Germany's KSP Engel securing first place. Launched earlier this year, the competition was held to select a design that reflects Omani identity while serving modern civic needs.
The winners were revealed at a ceremony held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Kamil Fahad Mahmood al Said, Secretary-General of Council of Ministers. The event was attended by Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, senior officials and architects from Oman and abroad.
KSP Engel emerged as the winner following presentations by five shortlisted firms. North Macedonia's Bisan Mohammadi Architects was awarded second place, while Belgium's Xavier De Geyter Architects placed third.
The winning design will be built on an 8,000sqm site near Oman Avenues Mall and is expected to serve as a prominent civic facility combining functionality with cultural expression.
In his remarks, Humaidi said the competition was part of Muscat's urban development strategy, aiming to modernise the city while maintaining architectural continuity with Omani heritage. He added that the competition results would contribute to shaping a future-ready capital that remains rooted in its cultural values.
The two-day competition closing event, held on July 7 and 8, included presentations by all five finalists, the other two being Paolo Vimercati Urban Projects (UK) and Samyn and Partners (Belgium). Each proposal was evaluated for its approach to sustainability, cultural integration and architectural merit.
The jury, chaired by Don Murphy of VMX Architects, included Omani and international experts. Murphy praised the quality of submissions, stating that each design offered a compelling vision for a civic structure that could serve as a cultural landmark.
