The architectural design concept must take into account the prominent location and dominating position of this urban development project. The design proposal must appear as a dominant architectural solution from all points in the city. The territory is viewed from the lower plateau of the city, as well as from higher amphitheaters that punctuate the perimeter. Due to its importance, the multifunctional complex must appear as a major civic center with, as a concluding element, main city streets oriented to it. The construction territory is a rising, 4.4 hectare, platform surrounded by main streets with a panoramic view of the city center and a view of the biblical Mt. Ararat to the south. The dominant axial angle of the complex is Teryan street (see plan of the city), a direction to which the vertical capacity of the hotel should preferably be accentuated. The hotel complex design should be done in accord with the requirements for the Intercontinental hotel provided in Appendix 1. The hotel should be located in the southern part of the territory, with a maximum number of rooms enabling a direct view of the city. Appearing as a dominant architectural element due to its location and volume, the hotel building should be the most striking element of the construction.

Unlike the special requirements for the design of the Intercontinental hotel complex, no requirements exist for the design of the business center, residential complex, and other buildings. The participants are free to arrange the territory based on their own inclinations. The solidity, number of buildings and stores, and layout are also to be determined by the participant. The seismic stability of the construction should sustain 9.0 on the Richter scale. The maximum height of the building should be 101 meters.

The specifications and sketches of the floor plans should include the offered volumes, which later may appear to be a base for making a final business plan by the customer. A residential building oriented to the south with the highest quality apartments possessing all features of comfortable accommodation should be designed. It is essential that the exterior and underground parking lots be designed in accord with the demands of the proposed buildings. The entrances and exits should be designed to decrease the intersection of traffic (pedestrian and vehicular). The possibility of organization of open and closed public areas should be considered.

• First place prize – $70,000 USD, as well as, upon the mutual consent, further cooperation on the development of the project
• Second place prize – $30,000 USD
• Third place prize – $15,000 USD