The 15th cycle of the Aga Khan Award for architecture concluded with a prize-giving ceremony in Muscat recently, said a press release of the Aga Khan Development Network issued on Wednesday.
Distinguished laureates joined officials of the Sultanate of Oman, architectural experts, the Award’s Steering Committee and members of its Master Jury, as well as dignitaries from around the world.
Of the 463 projects from 55 countries nominated for this year’s award, the Master Jury selected 20 to visit and evaluate.
Six of these projects were chosen to share the $1m prize.
They come from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Lebanon and Senegal, and range equally widely in their execution. The Urban River Spaces project provides residents with access to the Nabaganga River.
The six temporary community spaces of the Rohingya Refugee Response programme are responding to emergency needs, while the Banyuwangi International airportlooks to the future of East Java.
The Argo Contemporary Art Museum and Cultural Centre – a former brewery – that has been converted into a private museum for contemporary art, and the Niemeyer Guest House have both renovated existing structures, while the Kamanar Secondary School is an entirely new creation consisting of classroom pods around existing tree canopies. Yet each of these projects demonstrates innovation, care for the environment and a focus on humans in their creation, use and conservation of historical memory.
The Master Jury explained their selection of winners. “Open, free, public spaces… have the capacity to heal and restore a sense of dignity.
Guests of the Award for Architecture toured the historic sites and attended the Winners Seminar, which, over the years, has become a hallmark of the triennial Award.
The evening included a performance by the Aga Khan Master Musicians with special guest Yurdal Tokcan, an eminent oud player who served on the Master Jury of the 2022 Music Awards, and the screening of a film on the 2022 Award recipients, the press release said.
“The Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of the ceremony of the Aga Khan Awards for Architecture and Music and its accompanying events support the objectives of Oman’s cultural strategy, which calls for an identity open to the cultures of peoples; affirms the continuous support for culture, literature and the arts; and puts the role of the Sultanate of Oman on the world map of culture as well as achieves partnership and integration with local and international institutions in the cultural fields,” said Sayyid bin Sultan Al-Busaidi, addressing the gathering.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan, representing His Highness the Aga Khan at the Awards, paid tribute to the host, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, and the Sultanate of Oman, as well as His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitam Al Said for his presence.
“Celebrating the Award here in Oman,” she said to the gathering, “reflects a deep and shared conviction that buildings can do more than simply house people and programmes, they can also reflect our deepest values.”
