A Swiss architect has won an international architectural design competition which will revamp one of Bahrain's historical landmarks.

Lukas Lenherr's work, Pearl Dive, was judged the best, winning $15,000 (BD5,655) in the Bab Al Bahrain Redesign Competition.

Winners were announced at the Bab Al Bahrain Square pavilion in Manama last night, at a ceremony attended by Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Capital Governor Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa and former Moroccan foreign minister and Assilah International Cultural Festival founder and secretary-general Mohammed bin Isa.

Italian architect Pier Paolo Tamporilli came second, winning the $10,000 (BD3,780) prize for his work, Two Rooms.

The third prize, worth $5,000 (BD1,880), went to Dutch architect Partizan Babalik, acknowledging his work, New Time Square.

The interest to take part in the competition is a reflection of Bahrain's international reputation, Shaikha Mai told the ceremony.

Eighty-three international and local architects entered the competition, which was launched last year in the build-up to Manama being named Arab Culture Capital for 2012.

Each design entry is on display at the pavilion which can be viewed by the public until March 1.

The winner was chosen by a panel of judges comprising international specialists in architecture and art, including Milan's Domus magazine editor-in-chief Joseph Grima, Lebanese architect Bernard Khoury, Dutch architect Bjarne Mastenbroek, Emirate architect Ahmad Al Ali, Bahraini urban planner Ma'moun Almoayed and the Culture Minister.

Organisers are also launching the People's Choice Award, where visitors to the pavilion can vote for their favourite design entry. The winners will be announced on March 1 at a special ceremony at the same location.

Entry to the pavilion is free and is open from 10am to 10pm every day. - TradeArabia News Service