Mawlana Hazar Imam established the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1977 to help revitalise the rich Muslim architectural traditions that were being lost in the modern world. He spoke about the impact and future direction of the award at the 13th prize-giving ceremony held on 6 November 2016.
“Architecture is the only art form which has a direct, daily impact on the quality of human life,” remarked Mawlana Hazar Imam, Chairman of the Award’s Steering Committee. The ceremony was held at the Al Jahili Fort, a World Heritage Site in Al Ain, UAE.
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in architecture. In recent times, the Award has helped to identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of communities in which Muslims have a significant presence.
Looking back on the range of projects that the Award has recognised over the years — “from skyscrapers to mud huts, from residences to work and gathering spaces, from reforestation and financing projects to cemeteries, bridges and parks” — Mawlana Hazar Imam observed that “this pluralistic approach may not echo the usual definition of the word ‘architecture’, but it is the closest we can get to the central inclusive message we want this Award to convey.”
“We hope that the Aga Khan Award for Architecture will always point towards an architecture of optimism and harmony, a powerful force in elevating the quality of human life.”
The full speech is available to stream or download now via the Gems of Wisdom podcast.
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