First prize design for the east branch of the Shanghai Library [Photo/Pudong Times]

The results of an international youth architect design competition were unveiled at Shanghai's Tongji University on May 15.

The competition started on Feb 23 and solicited architectural designs for the city's three key cultural projects – the east branches of the Shanghai Library and Shanghai Museum, and a new building for the Shanghai Opera House.

First prize design for the east branch of Shanghai Museum [Photo/Pudong Times]

Since its inception, the competition has drawn attention from young architects and has received 450 entries from China, Japan, US, Canada, France, and other countries.

After strict evaluation by a panel of experts, the entries were whittled down to the top three winners for each project. The winners were invited to participate in a forum held under the theme of “Culture Lights City”.

First prize design for the new building of the Shanghai Opera House [Photo/Pudong Times]

First prize winners will also receive 200,000 yuan ($30,500) and their designs will serve as references for the final designs of the three projects.

The construction of the cultural establishments forms an important part of the city's 13th Five-Year Plan, said Hu Minghua, head of the development and reform office under the city's publicity department.

"This reflects the city's determination to develop into a cultural metropolis," he said.