Congratulations to the five teams of UK architects who have been shortlisted to take part in the Old Doha Prize - a new architecture competition which brings together architects based in Britain and Qatar for a one week design charette in Doha.

The shortlisted architects are:

• Peter Barry
• Harry Dobbs & Rogelio Escarcega of Harry Dobbs Design
• Calvin Chua & Georgios Eftaxiopoulos
• Iris Papadatou & Alicja Borkowska of you&me architecture
• Riccardo Bobisse of AR Urbanism.

Applications were assessed by a judging panel who assessed the applicant’s response to the subject of cultural heritage and contemporary design; how they might benefit from taking part in the programme; what they could offer to their team in the way of experience and knowledge; how well their ideas were presented; and the relevance of their previous work. Submissions from a variety of specialisms were received, including public realm and urban design, heritage and restoration; a diversity reflected in the selection of successful participants.

Teams will take part in a week long design residency from 17 – 24 November 2013 in Old Doha where they will share skills and innovative concepts with their Qatari counterparts. They will explore the process of regeneration and potential for incorporating the heritage and history of the area into their designs, at a time when billions of pounds are being invested to transform Old Doha. The winning team will be awarded the Old Doha Prize and a grant of £15,000, allowing the architects to further develop their research and ideas explored as part of the design residency.

Look out for further coverage of the charette week on the blog and at http://www.qataruk2013.com