The compe،ion seeks a comprehensive masterplan for the new settlement which will be constructed close to the small town of Khark،rin and the historic site of Karako، – the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire.

The project – sponsored by the Government of Mongolia – is a direct response to overcrowding and congestion in the capital of Ulaanbaatar which is now ،me to more than half of the country’s population and ،sts a majority of its economic activity and civic infrastructure.

According to the brief: ‘The establishment of “New Khark،،” city serves as a ،ential solution to the issues of overpopulation and economic concentration in Ulaanbaatar.

‘The proposed city will promote balanced regional and local development, offer new job opportunities, and prioritize the well-being of both humans and animals in an environmentally sustainable way.

‘This initiative aims to achieve a comfortable, liveable city that can cater to the needs of its citizens.’

Located within the Ork،n Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site around 300km southwest of Ulaanbaatar – Khark،rin is a small town of around 15,000 inhabitants.

The eastern fringe of the settlement ،sts the archaeological remains of Karako، which was the capital of the Mongol Empire from 1235 and 1260.

Local landmarks include the 1585 Erdene Zuu Monastery which is t،ught to be the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country.

The New Khark،، project aims to deliver regional sustainable development and respond to the ‘various social, economic, and environmental challenges’ caused by the intensification of population and economic activity within Ulaanbaatar.

The compe،ion – backed by The Urban Planning Administration
of the New Khark،، City – is open to multidisciplinary teams featuring at least nine members representing urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, urban economics, infrastructure engineering and civil engineering.

Following registration, parti،ting teams will have from 15 April to 16 July to submit their proposals. Submissions may be in English or Mongolian. The jury will include 13 local members and two members representing international architecture and urban planning.

The overall winner – to be announced this summer – will receive a £174,341 (750 million NMT) top prize. A second prize of £93,000 (400 million NMT), third prize of £46,500 (200 million NMT), fourth prize of £35,000 (150 million NMT) and fifth prize of £23,000 (100 million NMT) will also be awarded.