CDA Wants You to Design Islamabad’s New Convention Center

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has officially launched a National Architectural Design Competition for the New Islamabad Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC) — envisioned as the largest and most advanced convention facility in Pakistan.

The project, located at the Jinnah Convention Center site, will span 6.84 acres (33,100 sq. yards) with a built-up area of approximately 300,000 sq. ft. The facility will include multi-layered parking for over 500 vehicles, G+4 or G+5 floors, and smart, climate-resilient infrastructure designed to host hybrid and global-scale events.

Key Features

The ICEC Master Plan will feature:

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Convention and exhibition halls covering ~300,000 sq. ft. (20% ground coverage)
Integrated multi-layered parking for 500+ cars
Future-ready smart technologies for hybrid/global events
Green, sustainable, and climate-resilient systems
Hospitality and service amenities aligned with international standards

Competition Framework

The CDA invites PCATP-registered architects and design firms to submit entries that demonstrate architectural innovation, contextual sensitivity, sustainability, and modern design excellence.

Timeline:

Competition Launch: September 2025
Submission Deadline: October 15, 2025
Evaluation & Jury Review: November 2025
Results Announcement: December 2025

Evaluation Criteria

Entries will be assessed by a professional jury based on the following weighted criteria:

Architectural Excellence & Innovation: 25%
Functionality & Flexibility: 20%
Sustainability & Smart Integration: 20%
Cost Efficiency & Buildability: 15%
Cultural & Contextual Relevance: 10%
Presentation & Clarity: 10%

Submission Requirements

Initial Submission:

Digital (PDF & CAD files)
Physical (two A2 table sets of submission packages)

Intellectual Property & Rights

All submissions become the property of the CDA.
Winning designs may be refined in consultation with CDA.
A fair honorarium will be awarded to shortlisted participants.

Strategic Goal

The ICEC aims to position Islamabad as a regional MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination by reducing pressure on the existing Jinnah Convention Center and offering a future-ready, sustainable, and globally competitive venue.