Description: UNESCO competition for designing a new cultural centre in Bamiyan in a total area of 2500m² including classrooms, library, auditorium, and exhibition spaces. The project’s design was inspired by three main elements of Bamiyan’s built heritage: (1) the endless green farmlands surrounding Bamiyan villages, (2) the terraced cube-like housing built from local bricks, connected through a system of alleys and courtyards, and (3) the view towards the Buddha cliff, a sight that identifies the region, and has become its landmark. The project integrates with the local landscape as the building’s roof continues the plain of the farmlands without rising above it, viewing the famous Buddha cliff and performing as a site for recreation. The functions and activities are spread in cubes module and are connected by a system of inner courtyards and alleys, referring to the local villages. The walls of these cubes are made out of local bricks, creating a sequence of parallel walls, framing the view towards the Buddha cliff, and the landscape. The new cultural centre enables visitors to enjoy the various activities while promoting a social encounter between the users and cherishing the local view. The project was selected top 30 out of 1,070 proposals and received special recognition and was selected for the 40-UNDER-40 exhibition for young promising architects in Jaffa in 2016.