The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced it will reassess submissions for its recent monument design competition following claims that the winning designs were generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The competition, intended to enhance 17 Hulhumalé roundabouts with creative monuments, aimed to improve traffic flow while adding aesthetic value to the city.
Theme Focused on Dhivehi Heritage
Launched in September, the competition was centered around the theme "Dhivehinge Raajje" (Maldivians' Maldives), celebrating local culture and heritage. The initiative promised a grand prize of MVR 100,000 for the best design, encouraging participants to showcase their creativity and vision.
However, the announcement of the winning design quickly sparked controversy. Social media platforms were flooded with allegations that the selected entries were AI-generated. Many participants voiced their frustration, highlighting the time and effort they had dedicated to their submissions.
HDC Responds to Public Outcry
In response to the backlash, HDC released a public statement addressing the growing concerns. The corporation revealed that seven parties had submitted entries, which were initially evaluated by a panel of professional judges.
"We have received multiple complaints regarding the winning designs, leading us to reevaluate the competition’s results," HDC stated.
Acknowledging the importance of transparency, the corporation assured participants and the public that the reevaluation process would be thorough and impartial.
Supporting Local Creativity
The competition was launched to spotlight the artistic talents of Dhivehi creators. HDC emphasized its commitment to fostering opportunities for genuine, locally inspired artwork. By promoting authentic creativity, the corporation hopes to strengthen its connection to the community and ensure a fair platform for future competitions.
The move to reassess submissions is being viewed as a step towards upholding the integrity of the event and maintaining trust in the process.
The Role of AI in Artistic Competitions
The controversy has also sparked a broader debate about the role of AI in creative industries. While AI tools can generate impressive designs, their use in competitions intended for human creativity raises ethical questions.
HDC’s response highlights the growing need for clear guidelines to address AI-generated content in future artistic contests. Ensuring transparency and fairness will likely remain a priority for the corporation moving forward.
HDC encouraged public feedback to improve the structure and fairness of its future initiatives. The corporation’s focus remains on celebrating Dhivehi culture through innovative projects while maintaining high standards of fairness and inclusivity.
As the reevaluation process unfolds, participants and the public await further updates from HDC, hoping for a resolution that honors genuine effort and creativity.
