Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Accueil
Schweiz
Geneva
Aga Khan Award for Architecture

https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-trust-culture/aga-khan-award-for-architecture

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. Through its efforts, the Award seeks to identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of societies across the world, in which Muslims have a significant presence. The selection process emphasizes architecture that not only provides for people's physical, social and economic needs, but that also stimulates and responds to their cultural expectations. Particular attention is given to building schemes that use local resources and appropriate technology in innovative ways, and to projects likely to inspire similar efforts elsewhere. The Award is governed by a steering committee chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan. 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 to develop plans for the future of the Award. The steering committee is responsible for the selection and appointment of the master jury for each Award cycle, and for the Award's programme of international seminars, lectures, exhibitions and publications.

25/09/2026

As part of World Architecture Day 2026 at Form/Design Center in Malmö, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture brought together global voices for two inspiring sessions exploring pluralism, community, and design.

We kicked off with an international book talk featuring Farrokh Derakhshani (Director of AKAA) in conversation with Swedish writer and editor Dan Hallemar. Drawing from the ArchiTangle publication series—including Architecture of Commonality: Grounds for Hope, Architecture of Coexistence, and Inclusive Architecture — the discussion highlighted how physical spaces and cultural institutions can bridge divides in multicultural contexts.

This set the stage for our panel, "Optimism and Architecture". Joined by Azra Akšamija (Associate Professor at MIT) and Finn Williams (City Architect of Malmö), alongside moderator Toma Berlanda, the speakers shared powerful perspectives on how design can address real social needs, protect cultural identity, and serve as an optimistic force for the future.

📖 Get your copy of the series: Explore and purchase the full Aga Khan Award for Architecture book collection directly from ArchiTangle at the link in our bio!

Swipe through to see highlights from both discussions! 📸👇

----------
Lien livres:
https://architangle.com/book/architecture-of-commonality
https://architangle.com/book/architecture-of-coexistence
https://architangle.com/book/aga-khan-award-for-architecture-2022-inclusive-architecture

23/09/2026

In this week's edition of our Living Lessons series, we feature an iconic Paris landmark that continues to serve as a vital cultural crossroads.

Almost four decades after it received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the Institut du monde arabe in Paris continues to offer a compelling answer.

The building was conceived as a place of exchange between French and Arab cultures. Its programme brings together a museum, library, auditorium, exhibition spaces, offices and meeting rooms, creating a setting for cultural encounter in the heart of Paris. Its architecture translates this ambition into form. The translucent marble façade filters daylight, while 113 photosensitive panels reinterpret the traditional moucharabieh, responding to changing sunlight throughout the day.

The project demonstrates how inherited knowledge can become a starting point for innovation—and how technology can carry cultural memory into a contemporary architectural language. The Award jury recognised that the building was complex, while highlighting its greater achievement as a bridge between French and Arab cultures.

👉Link in bio for more information about the project.

Architects: Jean Nouvel, Pierre Soria and Gilbert Lezénés, with Architecture Studio

Photos © : Pascal Maréchaux

Jean Nouvel

17/09/2026

Architecture isn't just about buildings — it's about what those buildings make possible for the people who use them.

That idea sits at the heart of Architecture for Empowerment, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture exhibition now open at the The University of Melbourne. Seven award-winning projects from around the world, alongside a programme of lectures and conversations.

Open to all, no registration, until 25 September.

Read the full story on The Ismaili 👇
https://the.ismaili/nz/en/news/aga-khan-award-for-architecture-exhibition-opens-in-melbourne

17/09/2026

Architecture, Connections & Community 🌏🏛️

A special Auckland gathering marked the arrival of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture exhibition, bringing together an inspiring cross-section of leaders and changemakers.

We were honoured to welcome Her Excellency Ms Muanpuii Saiawi, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, as Guest of Honour, alongside Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

In her remarks, Her Excellency reflected on her own experiences in Mumbai, where she engaged with the Ismaili community, and spoke warmly of the strong connections between India and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

At her special request, Her Excellency was also given a private tour of the exhibition at AUT, led by Farrokh Derakhshani, offering an opportunity to explore the Award-winning projects and hear directly about the thinking and vision behind them.

The occasion also brought together leaders from Government, public service, academia, the creative sector, the Indian business community and beyond — creating a space for meaningful connection, conversation and collaboration.

India in New Zealand (High Commission of India, Wellington)
Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP
University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau
Creative New Zealand
Auckland Museum
Ministry for Ethnic Communities

16/09/2026

What makes architecture endure — not only as a structure, but as part of the life of a community?

At the ACM (Asian Civilisations Museum) in Singapore, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture together with The Ismaili Southeast Asia brought together leading voices in architecture, design, research and urban planning for a thoughtful conversation on the future of the built environment.

From social connection and ecological responsibility to the evolving needs of communities, the discussion explored how architecture can create places that remain meaningful, resilient and relevant across generations.

With:

• Farrokh Derakhshani, Director, Aga Khan Award for Architecture
• Wong Mun Summ, Founding Director, WOHA Architects
• Sarah Ichioka, Founding Director, Desire Lines
• Dr Hossein Rezai, Global Design Director, Ramboll & Milan Research Lab
• Assoc Prof Gareth Doherty, National University of Singapore

📸 Swipe through for highlights from the evening.
Photos: ©RT Photography

15/09/2026

One year ago today, we gathered in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, to honor the laureates of the 16th Cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, celebrating the projects that do far more than build. They elevate human dignity, foster community resilience, and set new benchmarks for environmental stewardship worldwide.

📸 Swipe through to revisit moments from the ceremony and our 2025 recipients:
1 - Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic: Highlights from the ceremony at the Toktogul Satylganov Kyrgiyz National Philharmonic hall
2 - Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic: Adylbek Aleshovich Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and His Highness the Aga Khan arriving
3 - Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic: Adylbek Aleshovich Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, giving speech
4 - Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic: His Highness the Aga Khan giving speech
5 - Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic: A traditional Kyrgyz musical performance during the ceremony
6 - Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic: A traditional Kyrgyz musical performance during the ceremony
7 - Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic: Winners on stage
8 - Khudi Bari, in various locations, by Marina Tabassum Architects
9 - West Wusutu Village Community Centre, in Hohhot, by Inner Mongolian Grand Architecture Design Co., Ltd
10 - Revitalisation of Historic Esna by Takween Integrated Community Development
11 - Majara Residence and Community Redevelopment, in Hormuz Island, by ZAV Architects
12 - Jahad Metro Plaza, in Tehran, by KA Architecture Studio
13 - Vision Pakistan, in Islamabad, by DB Studios
14 - Wonder Cabinet, in Bethlehem, by AAU ANASTAS

One year later, we continue to be inspired by how these spaces serve their communities.

Which 16th Cycle project resonated most with you? Share your thoughts below! 👇

14/09/2026

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture tour in Australia continued at the Melbourne School of Design!

The exhibition, Architecture for Empowerment: Lessons from Diverse Geographies, showcases the winning projects from the 2023–2025 AKAA cycle.

The launch featured a curator-led viewing joined by AKAA Director Farrokh Derakhshani, followed by the Dean's Lecture, Architecture of Transition, by acclaimed architect Marina Tabassum on how context-driven design empowers local communities.

🗓️ Exhibition is open until 25th September.

📍 Location: Atrium, Level 1, Glyn Davis Building, Melbourne School of Design The University of Melbourne

07/09/2026

Continuing our highlights from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) tour in Australia, we look back at a thoughtful exchange at UTS: University of Technology Sydney

Following the official opening of the exhibition, showcasing the winning projects from the 2023-2025 Award Cycle, the reception featured an insightful panel discussion: The Life of a Building: Architecture Beyond Completion.

Moderated by Prof. Anthony Burke, panelists Lee Hillam, Annette Pitman, Justin Hill, and AKAA Director Farrokh Derakhshani examined what happens after a project is handed over—exploring how built environments must be measured by their capacity to adapt, endure, and meaningfully serve human needs over time.

📍 Exhibition Open Through 11 September at UTS Central (Building 2, Level 4 Foyer).

TheIsmaili ANZ

02/09/2026

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) has officially arrived in Australia, featuring an exclusive exhibition of the 2025 Cycle Winners.

As part of the tour, AKAA Director Farrokh Derakhshani delivered a public lecture at UTS: University of Technology Sydney titled Beyond Design: How Architecture Is Judged. The talk explored how exceptional design extends far beyond aesthetics, highlighting projects like Bangladesh’s Rohingya Refugee Response community spaces, a 2022 Award winner.

📍 Visit the Exhibition at UTS Central | 1–11 Sept, 9am–6pm

TheIsmaili ANZ

01/09/2026

We are pleased to introduce a new series celebrating Aga Khan Award for Architecture winning projects that have also been inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage list.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Saïd is a testament to the harmony between built heritage, natural topography, and community life. Developed around the 12th–13th century tomb of Sufi master Sidi Bou Saïd, the village blends Mauresque and Italianate architectural elements surrounding its central mosque and suq. Recognized in our very first Award cycle for its pioneering approach to "Area Conservation," Sidi Bou Saïd’s protection was guided by a visionary 1978 management plan enacted to control commercial strain and safeguard its fragile cliffside environment.

Its UNESCO World Heritage inscription in July 2026 reflects how long-term conservation can help a place remain a living community.
Swipe through ➡️ to explore the story of Sidi Bou Saïd.

Municipalité de Sidi Bou Said
UNESCO

Adresse

1-3 Avenue De La Paix
Geneva
1202

Téléphone

022 909 72 00

Site Web

https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-trust-culture/aga-khan-award-for-architecture

Notifications

Soyez le premier à savoir et laissez-nous vous envoyer un courriel lorsque Aga Khan Award for Architecture publie des nouvelles et des promotions. Votre adresse e-mail ne sera pas utilisée à d'autres fins, et vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment.