Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2019 Winners

Kazan, Russia, 29 August 2019 – 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 winners of the 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture were announced today. Six magnificent architectural masterpieces have been chosen to share this prestigious award. The winners will share US$ 1 million between them.

Read 2019 Master Jury Statement: https://www.akdn.org/2019-master-jury-statement

Winning Projects:

REVITALISATION OF MUHARRAQ (BAHRAIN)

The Project, which highlights the World Heritage site’s pearling history, was first initiated as a series of restoration and reuse projects. The project evolved into a comprehensive programme that aimed to re-balance the city’s demographic makeup by creating public spaces, providing community and cultural venues, and improving the overall environment. More

ARCADIA EDUCATION PROJECT (BANGLADESH)

The Project in South Kanarchor is a modular structure that takes a novel approach to a riverine site that is often flooded for five months every year. Rather than disrupting the ecosystem to create a mound for building, the architect devised the solution of an amphibious structure that could sit on the ground or float on the water, depending on seasonal conditions. More

PALESTINIAN MUSEUM (PALESTINE)

The Project in Birzeit, which crowns a terraced hill overlooking the Mediterranean, is the recipient of the LEED Gold certification because of its sustainable construction. The zigzagging forms of the Museum’s architecture and hillside gardens are inspired by the surrounding agricultural terraces, stressing the link with the land and Palestinian heritage. More

PUBLIC SPACES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (RUSSIAN FEDERATION)

A programme in the Republic of Tatarstan that, to date, has improved 328 public spaces all over Tatarstan.  The ambitious programme sought to counter the trend toward private ownership by refocusing priorities on quality public spaces for the people of Tatarstan.  It has now become a model throughout the Russian Federation. More

ALIOUNE DIOP UNIVERSITY TEACHING AND RESEARCH UNIT (SENEGAL)

The Project in Bambey, where a scarcity of resources led to the use of bioclimatic strategies, includes a large double roof canopy and latticework that avoids solar radiation but allows air to flow through it. By employing familiar construction techniques and following sustainability principles, it succeeded in keeping costs and maintenance demands to a minimum, while still making a bold architectural statement. More

WASIT WETLAND CENTRE (UAE)

Wasit Wetland Centre, in Sharjah, is a design that transformed a wasteland into a wetland and functioned as a catalyst for biodiversity and environmental education. While its indigenous ecosystem has been restored, it has also proven to be a popular place for visitors to appreciate and learn about their natural environment. More