The 4,8-hectare Aga Khan Garden, which is one of the most comprehensive and first of its kind in the far north-west of the world, goes beyond its natural role as a place of rest and recreation, to act as a unique art gallery that reflects an aspect of the classical Islamic architecture blended in harmony with contemporary Canadian architecture of the Alberta region. Through its charming atmosphere and stunning natural and artistic elements, the Garden seeks to play an important and pivotal role in creating a new and calm social space that brings together people of different nationalities, races, and cultures, in a country known for its cultural and social pluralism. It invites all people to communicate, discuss, reflect, participate, and think together in the future of human civilisation.
Burkinabé architect Francis Kéré, founder of the Berlin-based firm Kéré Architecture, is the 2021 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Architecture. In 2004, his first-ever building was awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture, recognised not only for its innovative construction techniques and expressive care in craftsmanship, but also for being built cooperatively by the Gando community. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Architecture medal will be given during a virtual event. In recognition of this distinguished honor, the University of Virginia School of Architecture will host a virtual public talk with Francis Kéré on 12 April on Zoom.
In New Dehli, Sunder Nursery, renovated and revived by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) is not only a new attraction for the picnickers and backpackers, it also draws music lovers too in its lush green folds. AKTC has revived this 90 acre land with a great makeover holding its sanctity and mysticism intact. The nursery recently witnessed some remarkably great performances with compositions displayed by singers of the Indian classical genre. The event was organised by the British Council in association with AKTC.
Today’s urban environments face ever-increasing flows of human movement, natural disasters, and iterative economic crises. In response, city planning has developed innovative, hybrid forms that go beyond conventional ways of planning.
In Hyderabad, the Qutb Shahi tombs don’t usually find mention. But these tombs are marvels of architecture, design, craftsmanship and engineering. Come 2024, the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park will draw visitors from all over the world to see an outstanding conservation effort which not only puts the tombs back in all their intricacies, but revives around them 106 acres of greenery together with ancient water-harvesting structures. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) began the conservation project in Hyderabad in 2013, drawing on its immense success in Delhi with the revival of Humayun’s Tomb and surrounding monuments together with Sunder Nursery, Delhi’s Heritage Park. "When our work is completed in 2023-24, it is going to be a destination that people travel to Hyderabad to visit," said Ratish Nanda, CEO of AKTC in India.
A large part of the world’s population, including increasing numbers of people in the Muslim world, spend a majority of their time in places of production, such as factories, workshops, and industrial facilities.
In the last thirty years, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture has created an important body of people, thought and networks involved in evaluating the challenges and achievements of architecture in Muslim societies.
The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas has announced a joint project with the Afghan government and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) for research and the construction of a vast archeological park at the site of Bala Hissar Citadel in Kabul. "Interventions at Bala Hissar Citadel will ensure that one of the most significant historic sites in the country will be protected for posterity," said Ajmal Maiwandi, CEO of AKTC Afghanistan. The Kabul Bala Hissar is on more than 230 acres of land and has 22 towers.
