A new architecture prize has been launched in memory of talented architect David Lindner who disappeared in Iran in 1993.

The prize will be awarded to an individual whose submission generates ideas for solving challenges facing cities and towns, and contributes to the profession as well as the broader community.

Lindner was a talented and dedicated Sydney architect who spent the bulk of his career in the Government Architect’s Office, where his diverse range of projects made him one of the rising stars in the office.

His major projects included the Tresillian Family Care Centre at Nepean Hospital, for which he received the Horbury Hunt Award in 1992, and the Serpentaria Building at Taronga Zoo.

Lindner was an enthusiastic traveller and he used this as a means to broaden his understanding of architecture and in 1993 embarked on a six month trip with the intention of returning to Australia overland from Europe, through the Middle East and India.

While in Iran, Lindner tragically disappeared – he was 27 years old.

Tresillian Family Care Centre at Nepean Hospital.

This award has been initiated by the Lindner family as a means to honour his memory and was launched at a special reception at the NSW Government Architect’s Office on Friday 22 March.

"David was passionate about architecture and urban design, immersing himself in all aspects of his career including architectural theory as well as recording his own observations of architecture through sketching," said Robyn Lindner, David’s sister.

"David really believed architecture and architects could improve the world," she said.

To nominate for the Prize entrants must submit a written proposal dedicated to encouraging new research on architecture in the public realm.

The Jury are seeking proposals on a broad range of topics relevant to current architectural discourse in Australia and internationally.

Entries close on 30 April 2013 with the winning proposal to be announced at the 2013 NSW Architecture Awards on 27 June 2013 at the heritage Jones Bay Wharf.

The winner will also receive funding of $5,000 for the development of the research proposal which will also be published in an edition of Architecture Bulletin and featured at a public exhibition to coincide with the Sydney Architecture Festival.

For more information on the prize, including entry requirements and judging criteria, click here.