The Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony was recently held at the Castle of Sao Jorge in Lisbon, where five environment-friendly buildings from different countries, mostly Islamic, received awards from Aníbal Cavaco Silva, President of the Portuguese Republic and His Highness, the Aga Khan. According to a press release, the five winning projects include the Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery in Khartoum, Sudan; Revitalisation of Birzeit Historic Centre in Birzeit, Palestine; Rabat-Salé Urban Infrastructure Project in Morocco; Rehabilitation of Tabriz Bazaar in Tabriz, Iran and the Islamic Cemetery in Altach, Austria.
The Award was established back in 1977 and is given every three years. It recognises all types of building projects that affect today’s built environment — from modest, small-scale projects to sizable complexes. According to one of the recipients, the Award’s mandate is different from that of many other architecture prizes as it selects projects that not only exhibit architectural excellence but also improve the overall quality of life — from innovative mud and bamboo schools to state of the art ‘green’ buildings.
Like previous award-holders, this year’s recipients also have a story behind their existence. For example the Islamic cemetery in Austria was built as a result of a movement by NGO to allow funeral rights to Muslims in Austria. It is inspired by garden design and features roseate concrete walls, five staggered rectangular gravesite enclosures and a structure housing assembly and prayer rooms. The principal materials used were exposed reinforced concrete for the walls and oak wood for the ornamentation of the entrance facade and the interior of the prayer space.
Similarly, the Birzeit Historic Centre is part of a rehabilitation master plan initiated by the Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation. The project has transformed the decaying town of Birzeit, creating employment and reviving traditional crafts.
The one million dollar prize, which will be divided among the five recipients, does not necessarily go to the architect only. The Award also identifies municipalities, builders, clients, master craftsmen and engineers who have played important roles in the building of the project. A jury is given the job of dividing the money amongst all stakeholders as it sees fit.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2013.
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