Geneva, Switzerland – The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, a prestigious competition emphasizing architecture’s positive impacts on Muslim societies worldwide, has recently unveiled its master jury for the upcoming 2025 award cycle. This cycle will be the 16th since the award’s foundation in 1977 by Aga Khan IV, focusing on innovative solutions that address community needs across the Islamic world.
The independent jury for this cycle includes notable figures such as Yvonne Farrell, a 2020 Pritzker Prize laureate, and David Basulto, the founder of the architectural resource ArchDaily. They will be joined by Lucia Allais, director of the Buell Center, among other distinguished professionals from various related fields including architecture, arts, and academia.
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture stands out by offering a substantial monetary prize of US$1 million, distributed over three-year cycles. It aims to recognize architectural projects that integrate excellence in design with positive societal contributions, particularly in cities and communities predominantly inhabited by Muslims.
Prior to their final judgment, which reconvenes in the summer of 2025, the jury members will engage with shortlisted projects through on-site reviews conducted by independent experts. This direct interaction with the projects ensures a thorough evaluation based on firsthand observation of the architectural impact and relevance to local contexts.
The evaluation criteria for the award underline the necessity for projects to not only fulfill immediate physical, economic, and social needs but also to respect and integrate the cultural aspirations of the community. There is a strong emphasis on sustainability, the innovative use of local materials and techniques, and the potential of projects to inspire similar exceptional works globally.
Educational and cultural initiatives related to the Aga Khan Award form an integral part of the broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which includes other programs like the Aga Khan Music Awards and diverse cultural preservation projects. These efforts collectively aim to promote understanding and preservation of Islamic cultures.
Among the jury members is Azra Akšamija, a Sarajevo-born artist and architectural historian who champions cultural heritage through her leadership at MIT’s Art, Culture, and Technology Program. Also included is Noura Al-Sayeh Holtrop, an architectural curator steering cultural projects and heritage sites in Bahrain, known for her role in winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale.
The work involved in preparing for the 2025 cycle is extensive. Each member of the jury brings a wealth of expertise that spans across practical, theoretical, and cultural spectrums, providing a comprehensive approach to evaluating the nuances of each considered project.
As these jurors confer on the esteemed submissions, their selections will ultimately highlight projects that are not only architecturally sound but also socially beneficial and culturally respectful, setting benchmarks in the architecture industry for years to come.
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture continues to be a beacon for pioneering architectural endeavors across the Islamic world, fostering not just innovation in design but also the interweaving of architecture with societal enhancement and cultural celebration. The upcoming award cycle is eagerly anticipated, promising to bring forward designs that address complex challenges with innovative architectural solutions.