Shortlist for 2025 Aga Khan Award

Established in 1977, the Aga Khan Award takes place every three years “to identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of communities in which Muslims have a significant presence.”

Eligible projects span the whole built environment, be it contemporary design, social housing, community improvement and development, historic preservation, reuse and area conservation, as well as landscape design and improvement of the environment. Projects had to be completed between the first day of 2018 and last day of 2023, and in use for at least a year.

For the 2023-2025 cycle, the 19 shortlisted projects selected by the master jury* come from 15 countries, as listed below with links to the Aga Khan Award website and text descriptions courtesy of AKDN. The jury will meet again in the summer to perform on-site reviews of the shortlisted projects and determine the final recipients of the award.

BANGLADESH:

• Khudi Bari, in various locations, by Marina Tabassum Architects, “is a replicable solution for displaced communities affected by climatic and geographic changes, which can be easily disassembled and reassembled to adapt to the users' circumstances.”

CHINA:

• West Wusutu Village Community Centre, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, by Zhang Pengju, “provides social and cultural spaces for residents and artists, while addressing the religious needs of the local Hui Muslims. Built from reclaimed bricks, it comprises indoor and outdoor multifunctional spaces that foster community cohesion.”

EGYPT:

• Revitalisation of Historic Esna, by Takween Integrated Community Development, “addresses cultural tourism challenges in Upper Egypt through physical interventions, socioeconomic initiatives and innovative urban strategies, transforming Esna from a neglected site centred on the Temple of Khnum into a prospering historic city.”

INDONESIA:

• The Arc at Green School, in Bali, by IBUKU / Elora Hardy, “is the product of 15 years of bamboo experimentation at the Green School Bali. The Arc is a new community wellness centre designed on the existing foundations of a former temporary gymnasium. The structure bridges high-precision engineering and local craftsmanship.”
• Islamic Centre Nurul Yaqin Mosque, in Palu, Central Sulawesi, by Dave Orlando and Fandy Gunawan, “is erected on the site of a former mosque destroyed by a tsunami in 2018. The new Islamic Centre serves as a space for gathering and worship. Open to the landscape, it is surrounded by a shallow reflective pool which can be drained to accommodate more people.”
• Microlibraries, in various cities, by SHAU / Daliana Suryawinata, Florian Heinzelmann “who initiated the project, engage with stakeholders at every level to offer quality public spaces in several Kampung and parks in Indonesia. Six have been built so far, and 100 are envisioned by 2045.”

IRAN:

• Majara Complex and Community Redevelopment, on Hormuz Island by ZAV Architects / Mohamadreza Ghodousi, “is famous for its colourful domes which provide sustainable accommodations for tourists who visit the unique landscape of Hormuz. Built by upskilled local workers, it also offers new facilities for the islanders who come there to socialise, pray, or use the library.”
• Jahad Metro Plaza, in Tehran, by KA Architecture Studio, “is built to supersede the poor-quality existing structures. It transformed the site into an appreciated landmark designed for pedestrians. Clad in local handmade brick, the arched vaults vary in height to allow light and air into the space they shelter.”

ISRAEL:

• Khan Jaljulia Restoration, in Jaljulia, by Elias Khuri, “is an economical intervention, situated among the remains of a 14th-century Khan. It reconnects the people to their cultural heritage by transforming the deserted historical site into a vibrant public space for communal activities.”

KENYA:

• Campus Startup Lions, in Turkana, by Kéré Architecture “is an educational and entrepreneurial hub which provides a space for technology-driven education, business incubation and community engagement. Built with local volcanic stone, the design integrates rainwater harvesting, solar energy and tall ventilation towers reminiscent of surrounding termite mounds.”

MOROCCO:

• Revitalisation of Lalla Yeddouna Square, in the medina of Fez, by Mossessian Architecture and Yassir Khalil Studio, “aims to reconnect to the riverfront and enhances pedestrian circulation in the area. Existing structures were preserved and new spaces designed for the benefit of local residents, artisans and visitors from around the world.”

PAKISTAN:

• Vision Pakistan, in Islamabad, by DB Studios / Mohammad Saifullah Siddiqui, “accommodates a tailoring training centre operated by Vision Pakistan, a charity that aims to empower disadvantaged youths. Located in a dense area, this multistorey facility echoes the city's architecture from the 1960s while boasting flamboyant jaalis inspired by Pakistani and Arab crafts.”
• Denso Hall Rahguzar Project, in Karachi, by Heritage Foundation of Pakistan / Yasmeen Lari, “a heritage-led eco-urban enclave, was created by using low-carbon materials, in response to the harsh climate of Karachi, prone to floods and heatwaves. The handcrafted terracotta cobbles absorb rainwater and irrigate the newly planted ‘forests,’ which in turn cool and clean the air.”

PALESTINE:

• Wonder Cabinet, in Bethlehem, by AAU Anastas, “is a multi-purpose, non-profit exhibition and production space in Bethlehem, founded by the architects. Built with the input of local artisans and contractors, the three-floor concrete building is becoming a key hub for craft, design, innovation and learning.”

QATAR:

• The Ned Hotel, in Doha, by David Chipperfield Architects, “where a Middle Eastern brutalist architecture once hosted the Ministry of Interior, before being carefully adapted into a 90-room boutique hotel, therefore contributing to architectural regeneration in the area.”

SAUDI ARABIA:

• Shamalat Cultural Centre, in Riyadh, by Syn Architects / Sara Alissa, Nojoud Alsudairi, “is a cultural space on the periphery of Diriyah, developed from an old mud house transformed by artist Maha Malluh. Juxtaposing old and new, the centre offers a sensitive perspective on heritage conservation in the region, aiming to integrate historic spaces into everyday life.”

SENEGAL:

• Rehabilitation and Extension of Dakar Railway Station, in Dakar, by Ga2D, “to accommodate the passengers of a new express railway line, creates a deliberate contrast between the old and new structures. Vehicular circulation was relegated to the back of the site, giving back the forecourt to pedestrian travellers.”

TURKEY:

• Rami Library, by Han Tümertekin Design & Consultancy, the largest library in Istanbul. “It took up quarters in the former Rami Barracks, a large single-storey structure with high volumes, built in the 18th century. A minimal intervention approach was chosen to preserve the original spatial qualities of the structure while accommodating new library functions.”

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:

• Morocco Pavilion Expo Dubai 2020, by Oualalou + Choi, “has been designed to outlive the Expo 2020 and to be converted into a cultural facility. The pavilion pioneers the advancement of large-scale rammed earth construction methods. It obtained the gold LEED certification for its use of passive cooling strategies which keep mechanical air-conditioning to a bare minimum.”