Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Architecture of Coexistence, Building Pluralism

Architecture of Coexistence is a concept that goes beyond the physical design of buildings and spaces. It encompasses creating environments that foster understanding, inclusivity, and harmony among diverse communities. In an increasingly interconnected but also changing world, the need for an architecture that promotes coexistence has become more crucial than ever.

https://amazingarchitecture.com/books/architecture-of-coexistence-building-pluralism

ArchiTangle

Architecture of Coexistence, Building Pluralism Architecture of Coexistence is a concept that goes beyond the physical design of buildings and spaces. It encompasses creating environments that foster understanding, inclusivity, and harmony among diverse communities

NIGHT SHIFT

Organised in collaboration with DOMA Initiatives Architecture Foundation and SHIFT2024, the exhibition on the winning projects of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2024 will be held at the GDP Campus for 2 weeks from September 21st - October 6th, 2024. Together with a dialogue with Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, selected award recipients, and technical reviewers as part of the SHIFT 2024 International Architecture Conference to be held at Taylor’s University, this exhibition serves as a compendium that aims to heighten awareness of the importance of architecture in bringing positive impact to communities.

https://www.domainitiatives.org/shift2024?utm_medium=website&utm_source=archdaily.com

Last week, Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, was a keynote speaker at the 2nd International Conference on Architecture Across Boundaries in Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China.

The conference highlighted the challenges and opportunities brought by the new technologies to research and practices, whether they have no boundaries or create new boundaries to the built environment, a topic that has rarely been discussed from multiple perspectives.

(c) XJLTU ARCHITECTURE

Last week, Tomà Berlanda, an On-Site Reviewer for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, recently attended the CAA symposium in Kigali.

On Thursday, August 22, Professor Berlanda took part in a panel with Alex Ndibwami, Mark Olweny, and Annette Fisher on “Future Competencies for Praxis," discussing what the core competencies architectural education needs to ensure are addressed across the diversity and plurality of programs in the Commonwealth.

On Friday, August 23, he hosted a panel with Peter Oborn, outgoing president of the Commonwealth Association of Architects, Akram Elkhalifa, Head of the Architecture Department at the University of Rwanda, and Paulin Ineza, a 4th year architecture student at the University of Rwanda. Under the general framework of discussing academic exchanges and collaborations, the conversation took off after I delivered a presentation with the title “The Impact of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in Sub-Saharan Africa” that looked at the long history of the Award and the effect nominated, shortlisted, and awarded projects have had in the “construction of taste” in terms of contributing to what is understood under the label of “African architecture”.

The 2nd International Conference on Architecture Across Boundaries is taking place at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China, from 30 August to 1 September 2024.

The conference will highlight, debate, and discuss the challenges and opportunities brought by the new technologies to research and practices, whether they have no boundaries or create new boundaries to the built environment, a topic that has rarely been discussed from multiple perspectives.

Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, will be a keynote speaker at the conference.

For more information, please visit the link below.

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/architecture-across-boundaries-2024/keynote-speakers/farrokh-derakhshani

The 16th cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture is now well under way!

If your project meets the eligibility criteria for the 2023-2025 Award cycle:
https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-trust-culture/aga-khan-award-for-architecture/eligibility-criteria

Download and fill-in the submission form:
https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-trust-culture/aga-khan-award-for-architecture/submission-procedures

Submitted projects will be reviewed by nominators.

Email the form to us akaa(at)akdn.org

More information on the Award: www.akdn.org/architecture

Deadline 15 September 2024

We look forward to receiving your submission!

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© Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Mario Wibowo (photographer) © Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Deed Studio (photographer) © AKTC / Rajesh Vora © AKTC / Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh © Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Reha Günay (photographer) © Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden (photographer)

Professor Fumihiko Maki’s contribution to the world architectural discourse will be missed. He was a member of the AKAA Master Jury in 1986 and again in 1992. Subsequently His Highness the Aga Khan requested his participation as designer of the Aga Khan Centre in London, UK, the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, Canada and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada. These buildings and their spaces are reflections of Maki-San’s intercultural approach, and further testimonies of his architectural legacy.



Photograph © Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Jacques Bétant (photographer) showing both the Steering Committee and the Master Jury of 1986, with His Highness the Aga Khan. Fumihiko Maki is the second person seated, from the left.

Thursday 16 May 2024 – 18:30
Pavillon Sicli, Geneva, Switzerland
Free entry / without registration

Simplexity Conference:
Noura Al Sayeh and Anne Holtrop perform as a duo as part of the Simplexity cycle

Simplexity synthesizes simplicity and complexity in a productive, conceptually compelling duality. It results into simple design strategies that may lead to the emergence of complex looking formal outcomes.

Noura Al Sayeh won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2019 for the Revitalization of Muharraq project in Bahrain.

Anne Holtrop’s project Rehabilitation of the Manama Post Office, also in Bahrain, was shortlisted in 2022.

More information:
https://www.pavillonsicli.ch/fr/evenement/noura-al-sayeh-and-anne-holtrop

Fondation Pavillon Sicli Unesco World Heritage ETH Zürich Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities UNESCO

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Manama post office: (c) Aga Khan Trust for Culture/ Maxime Delvaux (photographer)

Revitalisation of Muharraq: (c) Aga Khan Trust for Culture/ Cemal Emden (photographer)

The 2022 Award book "Inclusive Architecture: Aga Khan Award for Architecture" is now available to download.

Edited by Sarah M. Whiting, the publication presents the 20 projects shortlisted for the AKAA 2022, including the six recipients. The Award's mission is to promote new models of excellence in the field of architecture and the built environment, recognising projects beyond the regular scope of building, planning and preservation through their substantial impact on the needs and aspirations of societies.

Click the link below to download.

https://www.archnet.org/publications/15055

ArchiTangle | |

Join us for an action-packed afternoon on February 25, 5pm at the Jameel Arts Centre! We'll start off with a short film on the 15th cycle of of Aga Khan Award for Architecture, followed by a panel discussion.

The discussion includes Tala Gharagozlou, Project Manager Design, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project; Ahmed Bukhash, Chief Architect and Founder, ARCHIDENTITY and Director Urban Planning Dubai Development Authority, Government of Dubai; and Farrokh Derakhshani, Director, Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Together, they will delve into the experience of the 2022 edition of the award, showcasing projects that serve as dynamic examples of the current state of the built environment of Muslim societies today.

Through insightful discussions, they will explore the pressing issues facing contemporary societies, with a special focus on the six winners who have collectively received the prestigious USD 1 million prize.

https://jameelartscentre.org/whats-on/talk-inclusive-practices-processes-and-publics/

Art Jameel

Today, Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of Aga Khan Award for Architecture, will be speaking at the Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia.

Congratulations to Francis Kéré, who has been awarded the 2024 Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Francis Kéré won The Aga Khan Award for Architecture for the Gando Primary School in 2004 and was a member of the Master Jury in 2022.

He received the 2024 Crystal Award for his exemplary leadership in providing the Gando community the means towards a socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable future through projects that focus on education, health and the environment.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/01/2024-crystal-award-meet-this-years-winners/

Kéré Architecture

Francis Kéré at the AKAA Ceremony 2010, Doha, Qatar © Miko Mayer
Francis Kéré at the AKAA Ceremony 2004, New Delhi, India © Gary Otte
AKAA Master Jury in Lisbon, with Anne Lacaton and Kazi K. Ashraf 2022 © Jorge Simao.jpeg
AKAA Master Jury in Geneva, 2022 © Geraldo Pestalozzi
Francis Kéré at AKAA Ceremony 2004, New Delhi, India © Gary Otte

Congratulations to Lesley Lokko on receiving the Royal Gold Medal 2024 for architecture - one of the world’s highest honours in architecture.

Lokko was a member of the Master Jury for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016 and is a member of the current Steering Committee.

The Royal Gold Medal – presented on behalf of His Majesty the King – recognises Lokko’s commitment to championing diverse approaches to architectural practice and education.

For over two decades, Lokko has devoted her career to amplifying under-represented voices and examining the complex relationship between architecture, identity and race, profoundly impacting architectural education, dialogue and discourse.

In 2023, she was awarded an OBE for services to architecture and education and was appointed curator of the 18th International Architecture Biennale in Venice.

Congratulations Professor Lesley Lokko!

For more information visit: https://www.dezeen.com/2024/01/18/royal-gold-medal-lesley-lokko-video/

Lesley Lokko at 2025 AKAA Steering Committee meeting: © Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Justin Knight (photographer)
2025 AKAA Steering Committee © Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Justin Knight (photographer)
2016 Master Jury: © Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Kristian Skeie (photographer)

African Futures Institute
Royal Institute of British Architects

On Tuesday, 28 November 2023, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) hosted a two-part seminar at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). During the evening of presentations on the latest cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA), critical issues of the built environment, sustainability, and heritage, with case studies from around the world were also discussed. The seminar coincided with the week-long World Architecture Festival 2023 in Singapore, featuring presentations by hundreds of renowned architects and upcoming designers.

“Singapore is the hotbed of sustainability, conservation and world-class architecture, which has produced exemplars such as WOHA architects and Kerry Hill Architects who have won awards at previous award cycles. The Southeast Asian region is increasingly finding its niche in the global environment, and we are pleased to have had representatives in previous AKAA Master Juries,” said Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. An exhibition of 2022 award winners will be on display at SUTD until 28 December 2023.

The panels of stellar architects included the most recent and past award winners, academics, and practitioners from Southeast Asia included Andra Matin (andramatin); Daliana Suryawinata (SHAU) Dr Chong Keng Hua (Singapore University of Technology and Design); Wong Mun Summ (WOHA Architects); Kamil Merican (GDP Architects), Ms. I-Jin Chew – WATG and Wimberly Interiors; Dr Imran Tajuddin (National University of Singapore); and moderators Dr Hossein Rezai (Ramboll & Milan Research Lab), and Sarah Ichioka (Desire Lines Pte Ltd).

© Aga Khan Trust for Culture / RT Photography Services

On 2 December, Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan for Architecture, participated in ‘Inclusive Architecture’, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The event was in conversation with Sean Anderson, Associate Professor at the Cornell University School of Architecture, and moderated by Channa Daswatte, Director/Partner of MICDA. The event was in association with the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects.

Aga Khan Award for Architecture Seminar + Exhibition Launch
 
Join us for an evening celebrating excellence in architecture, design, and social inclusion through the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. We will honor and celebrate projects that uplift communities and environments, in discussion with current and past AKAA winners and other architectural thinkers and practitioners.
 
Building 2 Auditorium, Singapore University of Technology & Design, 8 Somapah Road
 
Tuesday, 28 November 2023, 5 - 8PM
Event Schedule:
4:30 PM - Registration
5:00 PM - Seminar Discussion
7:00 PM - Exhibition Viewing and Networking Reception
Ticket Price: Complimentary
 
Register: https://bit.ly/AKAA_RSVP
 
We are grateful to our event partners: SUTD, SIA, SILA and Ismaili CIVIC

As part of its continued commitment to architecture, this week the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art will be hosting the fifth edition of "The Álvaro Siza Talks", an event that brings together architects, scholars and students for the discussion of issues relevant to contemporary architecture while celebrating the spirit of Álvaro Siza's work.

2022 Aga Khan Award for Architecture winner Ahmadreza Schricker (ASA North, New York) is one of the architects participating in this year's edition.

The Scientific Committee of “The Álvaro Siza Talks” is composed of Eduardo Souto de Moura, Farrokh Derakhshani (Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture), Philippe Vergne (Director of the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art) and Carles Muro (coordinator of The Álvaro Siza Talks).

"The Álvaro Siza Talks" are organised by the Serralves Foundation in collaboration with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

Speakers
Yvonne Farrell, Shelley McNamara (Grafton Architects, Dublin)
Stéphanie Bru (BRUTHER, Paris)
Emanuel Christ (Christ & Gantenbein, Basel)
Ahmadreza Schricker (ASA North, New York)
João Pedro Serôdio (Serôdio, Furtado, Porto)
Francesca Torzo (Genoa)

Programme

Wednesday, November 08
19:00 Welcome
19:30 Opening lecture: Yvonne Farrell, Shelley McNamara (Grafton Architects)

Thursday, November 09
17:30 Ahmadreza Schricker
18:30 Francesca Torzo
19:30 João Pedro Serôdio

Friday, November 10
18:30 Stéphanie Bru
19:30 Emanuel Christ

https://www.serralves.pt/en/atividades-serralves/siza-talks-2023/

On Friday, October 20th the Architecture Lecture Series presented by the University of Maryland's School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation took place. Speakers included Nasser Rabbat, Hasan-Uddin Khan, and Farrokh Derakhshani (Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture).

In case you missed it - click the link below to watch the recording. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B52Bv_Nu9A

The Kibel Gallery exhibit "Embracing Differences" featured the winning projects from the 2022 Aga Khan Award for . The displayed information on the vision, selection process, and historical data on past winners.

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture has announced the members of the Steering Committee for the 2023-2025 cycle. The Steering Committee governs the Award and is chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan. The other members of the Steering Committee are:

- Meisa Batayneh, Principal Architect, Founder, maisam architects and engineers, Amman, Jordan
- Souleymane Bachir Diagne, Professor in the departments of French and Philosophy, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Lesley Lokko, Founder & Director, African Futures Institute, Accra, Ghana
- Gülru Necipoğlu, Director and Professor of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
- Hashim Sarkis, Dean, School of Architecture and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
- Sarah M. Whiting, Dean, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA

A new committee is constituted each cycle to establish the eligibility criteria for project submissions, provide thematic direction in response to emerging priorities and issues, and develop plans for the future of the Award. One of its most important tasks is to select an independent Master Jury which, in turn, selects award recipients from projects nominated.

“The Award has been most effective when at the forefront of identifying key issues facing the built environment and selecting relevant projects to address these concerns,” said Princess Zahra Aga Khan, at the Steering Committee’s inaugural meeting. “The challenges of climate change and environmental degradation are today intertwined with geopolitical shifts, migration, natural disasters and rapid urbanisation. I would therefore urge members of the Steering Committee to emphasise in this cycle, infrastructure, climate change as well as the important role of civil society actors in shaping how we live, work and play.”

Established in 1977, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture is given every three years to projects that set new standards of excellence in architecture, planning practices, historic preservation and landscape architecture.

Aga Khan Award for Architecture announces Steering Committee for 2025 Award The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Our multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.

Join us on Friday, October 20th, for an enriching experience at the Architecture Lecture Series presented by the University of Maryland's School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. Speakers include Nasser Rabbat, Hasan-Uddin Khan, and Farrokh Derakhshani (Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture).

📅 Save the date: Friday 20 October 2023
🕟 Time: 4:30 - 6pm (EDT)

📌 Location: In person (University of Maryland, Architecture Auditorium) | Zoom (Virtually)

https://arch.umd.edu/events/architecture-lecture-series-nasser-rabbat-hasan-uddin-khan-farrokh-derakhshani

IAP X AKAA WEBINAR SERIES // SEASON 02 // SESSION 02

In collaboration with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the Institute of Architects, Pakistan presents a webinar series presenting the winning projects and their architects in discussion with the Steering Committee, Master Jury, and reviewers from the Aga Khan Awards for Architecture Cycle 2020-2022.

The second session of the webinar is scheduled for October 13, 2023, at 18:00‬ PKT.

The Zoom registration link for the session is as follows;

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y11hIHIhRiqAscs5pAaygQ

After the success of IAP x AKAA Season One, Institute of Architects, Pakistan proudly presents the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Cycle 2020-2022 Webinar Series, Season Two.

The webinar series, in collaboration with Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA), presents the winning projects and their Architects in discussion with the Steering Committee, Master Jury and Reviewers from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Cycle 2020-2022.

The schedule for the 2-part Webinar Series is as follows;

Friday, 6th October 2023, 18:00 (PKT) - Banyuwangi International Airport // INDONESIA
- Argo Contemporary Art Museum & Cultural Centre // IRAN
- Renovation of Niemeyer Guest House // LEBANON

Friday, 13th October 2023, 18:00 (PKT) - Urban River Spaces // BANGLADESH
- Community Spaces in Rohingya Refuge Response // BANGLADESH
- Kamanar Secondary School // SENEGAL

To receive an invitation for the session, please register on the following link;

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LUYjGGLRS4y41i8AzUipMg

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further updates.

After the success of IAP x AKAA Season One, Institute of Architects, Pakistan proudly presents the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Cycle 2020-2022 Webinar Series, Season Two.

The webinar series, in collaboration with Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA), presents the winning projects and their Architects in discussion with the Steering Committee, Master Jury and Reviewers from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Cycle 2020-2022.

The schedule for the 2-part Webinar Series is as follows;

Friday, 6th October 2023, 18:00 (PKT) - Banyuwangi International Airport // INDONESIA
- Argo Contemporary Art Museum & Cultural Centre // IRAN
- Renovation of Niemeyer Guest House // LEBANON

Friday, 13th October 2023, 18:00 (PKT) - Urban River Spaces // BANGLADESH
- Community Spaces in Rohingya Refuge Response // BANGLADESH
- Kamanar Secondary School // SENEGAL

The sessions will be conducted via Zoom for which the registration link will be shared prior to each session.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further updates.

On Monday 18 September, a local event in collaboration with BRAC and Action Aid took place at Cox’s Bazar in to celebrate the 2022 winning project `Community Spaces in Rohingya Refugee Response`

On 17 September 2023 at the Sheraton Dhaka, Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA), celebrated the two 2022 winning Bangladeshi projects: ‘Community Spaces in Rohingya Refugee Response’ and ‘Urban River Spaces’.
Guests at this auspicious gathering included Government Officials, Diplomats, Members of Civil Society, Business, Media, Heads and Staff of AKDN Agencies and Members of the Ismaili Community.