The BA Hosts an Exhibition on the Aga Khan Award for Architecture
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Alexandria—
As part of the celebrations on the occasion of the BA's fifth anniversary, the BA will organize from the period from 24 October 2007 until 20 November 2007, an exhibition entitled "The Aga Khan Award for Architecture Retrospective", which was awarded to the BA in 2004.
His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan the Fourth, the Founder of the Aga Khan Award, and Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria will inaugurate the exhibition. The Exhibition shows the breadth and variety of the 95 projects selected from 28 countries over the last 30 years to receive the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA).
Dr. Ismail Serageldin stated that the (AKAA) was a pioneering and visionary effort to induce improvement in the built environment of Muslims by highlighting worthy examples of effective solutions and brilliant design. He added that the (AKAA) is considered the premier Architectural award for buildings. It is highly regarded and appreciated. The bold vision of HH the Aga Khan was successfully implemented with unwavering commitment to excellence, and a thoughtful, incredibly thorough “nomination – technical review – selection” process. The integrity of the process, the caliber of the people selected to participate in it, and the quality of the results all contributed to the high standing that the Award received.
Dr. Serageldin mentioned that the Award was visionary in many ways: It was the first to recognize that conservation of heritage is as important for Muslim societies as the construction of elegant new buildings. It was the first that recognized that resolving social problems was an essential function of those who address the built environment, and that good design is not hostage to money, but could have a liberating and inspiring effect on the communities involved.
It is worth mentioning that the Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established by His Highness the Aga Khan in 1977. It is part of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which co-ordinates the cultural activities of the Aga Khan Development Network. The Award is given every three years to several projects in Islamic countries to encourage architectural and developmental initiatives within Islamic societies to link the contemporary Islamic world with its heritage.
For updates and information on the BA fifth anniversary celebrations, click here.