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Optimism and Architecture
Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025

38,00 €

Edited by Lesley Lokko and Cristina Steingräber

Description

The volume Optimism and Architecture presents the awarded and shortlisted projects for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025. The book explores the myriad ways in which optimism and hope are fundamentally linked to better design outcomes, highlighting architecture’s capacity to serve as a catalyst for pluralism, social trans­formation, cultural dialogue, and climate-responsive design. Unpublished material offers deep insights into the broad social, political, and cultural contexts that shape our built environments. The publication sheds light on the extensive jury and in-depth review processes for which the Award is renowned. Through essays and conversations, this volume examines how architecture can reinvigorate tradition through thoughtful innovation, connect local practices with global conversations, touch the earth lightly yet profoundly, and create inclusive spaces where diverse cultures and histories converge. Architecture is considered not only as a physical structure but also as a cultural practice that shapes pub­lic life, sparks social engagement, and reimagines heritage and identity in a rapidly changing world. This publication provides an optimistic and vivid portrait of contemporary architecture’s role in fostering more inclusive and interconnected futures.

With contributions by Azra Akšamija, Lucia Allais, David Basulto, Farrokh Derakhshani, Yvonne Farrell, Hanif Kara, Yacouba Konaté, Lesley Lokko, Raafat Majzoub, Deen Sharp, and Cristina Steingräber.

Details

Weight 950 g
Dimensions 245 × 170 × 30 mm
Edited by

Lesley Lokko and Cristina Steingräber
Texts by

With contributions by
Azra Akšamija, Lucia Allais, David Basulto, Farrokh Derakhshani, Yvonne Farrell, Hanif Kara, Yacouba Konaté, Lesley Lokko, Raafat Majzoub, Deen Sharp, and Cristina Steingräber.
Language

English
Art Director

Julia Wagner, grafikanstalt
Features

Hardback, full color, stich bound, finishing with UV-varnish and embossing
Size

17 x 24,5 cm, 6.7 x 9.6 in
Illustrations

approx. 210
Page count

304 pages
Date

September 2025
ISBN

978-3-96680-040-2

Projects

The book presents  the awarded and shortlisted projects for the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

Bangladesh
Khudi Bari, in various locations, by Marina Tabassum Architects, is a replicable solution for displaced communities affected by climatic and geographic changes, which can be easily disassembled and reassembled to adapt to the users’ circumstances.  

China
West Wusutu Village Community Centre, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, by Zhang Pengju, provides social and cultural spaces for residents and artists, while addressing the religious needs of the local Hui Muslims. Built from reclaimed bricks, it comprises indoor and outdoor multifunctional spaces that foster community cohesion. 

Egypt
Revitalisation of Historic Esna, by Takween Integrated Community Development, addresses cultural tourism challenges in Upper Egypt through physical interventions, socioeconomic initiatives, and innovative urban strategies, transforming Esna from a neglected site centred on the Temple of Khnum into a prospering historic city. 

Indonesia
The Arc at Green School, in Bali, by IBUKU / Elora Hardy, is the produce of 15 years of bamboo experimentation at the Green School Bali. The Arc is a new community wellness centre designed on the existing foundations of a former temporary gymnasium. The structure bridges high-precision engineering and local craftsmanship.

Islamic Centre Nurul Yaqin Mosque, in Palu, Central Sulawesi, by Dave Orlando and Fandy Gunawan, is erected on the site of a former mosque destroyed by a tsunami in 2018. The new Islamic Centre serves as a space for gathering and worship. Open to the landscape, it is surrounded by a shallow reflective pool which can be drained to accommodate more people.

Microlibraries in various cities, by SHAU / Daliana Suryawinata, Florian Heinzelmann who initiated the project, engage with stakeholders at every level to offer quality public spaces in several Kampung and parks in Indonesia. Six have been built so far, and 100 are envisioned by 2045. 

Iran
Majara Residence and Community Redevelopment, in Hormuz Island by ZAV Architects / Mohamadreza Ghodousi is famous for its colourful domes which provide sustainable accommodations for tourists who visit the unique landscape of Hormuz. Built by upskilled local workers, it also offers new facilities for the islanders who come there to socialise, pray, or use the library.

Jahad Metro Plaza in Tehran, by KA Architecture Studio, is built to supersede the poor-quality existing structures. It transformed the site into an appreciated landmark designed for pedestrians. Clad in local handmade brick, the arched vaults vary in height to allow light and air into the space they shelter. 

Israel
Khan Jaljulia Restoration in Jaljulia by Elias Khuri, is an economical intervention, situated among the remains of a fourteenth century Khan. It reconnects the people to their cultural heritage by transforming the deserted historical site into a vibrant public space for communal activities. 

Kenya
Startup Lions Campus, in Turkana by Kéré Architects is an educational and entrepreneurial hub which provides a space for technology-driven education, business incubation and community engagement. Built with local volcanic stone, the design integrates rainwater harvesting, solar energy and tall ventilation towers reminiscent of surrounding termite mounds. 

Morocco
Revitalisation of Lalla Yeddouna Square in the medina of Fez, by Mossessian Architecture and Yassir Khalil Studio aims to reconnect to the riverfront, and enhances pedestrian circulation in the area. Existing structures were preserved and new spaces designed for the benefit of local residents, artisans, and visitors from around the world. 

Pakistan
Vision Pakistan, in Islamabad by DB Studios / Mohammad Saifullah Siddiqui, accommodates a tailoring training centre operated by Vision Pakistan, a charity that aims to empower disadvantaged youths. Located in a dense area, this multistorey facility echoes the city’s architecture from the 1960s while boasting flamboyant jaalis inspired by Pakistani and Arab crafts.

Denso Hall Rahguzar Project, in Karachi by Heritage Foundation Pakistan / Yasmeen Lari, a heritage-led eco-urban enclave, was created by using low-carbon materials, in response to the harsh climate of Karachi, prone to floods and heatwaves. The handcrafted terracotta cobbles absorb rainwater and irrigate the newly planted “forests”, which in turn cool and clean the air. 

Palestine
Wonder Cabinet, in Bethlehem by AAU Anastas, is a multi-purpose, non-profit exhibition and production space in Bethlehem, founded by the architects. Built with the input of local artisans and contractors, the three-floor concrete building is becoming a key hub for craft, design, innovation and learning. 

Qatar
The Ned Hotel, in Doha by David Chipperfield Architects, a Middle Eastern brutalist architecture once hosted the Ministry of Interior, before being carefully adapted into a 90-room boutique hotel, therefore contributing to architectural regeneration in the area. 

Saudi Arabia
Shamalat Cultural Centre, in Riyadh, by Syn Architects / Sara Alissa, Nojoud Alsudairi, is a cultural space on the periphery of Diriyah, developed from an old mud house transformed by artist Maha Malluh. Juxtaposing old and new, the centre offers a sensitive perspective on heritage conservation in the region, aiming to integrate historic spaces into everyday life. 

Senegal
Rehabilitation and Extension of Dakar Railway Station, in Dakar by Ga2D, to accommodate the passengers of a new express railway line, creates a deliberate contrast between the old and new structures. Vehicular circulation was relegated at the back of the site, giving back the forecourt to pedestrian travellers. 

Türkiye
Rami Library, by Han Tümertekin Design & Consultancy, the largest library in Istanbul. It took up quarters in the former Rami Barracks, a large single-storey structure with high volumes, built in the 18th century. A minimal intervention approach was chosen to preserve the original spatial qualities of the structure while accommodating new library functions.  

United Arab Emirates
Morocco Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai, by Oualalou + Choi, has been designed to outlive the Expo 2020 and to be converted into a cultural facility. The pavilion pioneers the advancement of large-scale rammed earth construction methods. It obtained the gold LEED certification for its use of passive cooling strategies which keep mechanical air-conditioning to a bare minimum. 

About the Award

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture recognises examples of architectural excellence in the fields of contemporary design, social housing, community improvement and development, historic preservation, reuse and area conservation, as well as landscape design and improvement of the environment.  

Particular attention is given to building schemes that use local resources and appropriate technology in innovative ways and to projects likely to inspire similar efforts elsewhere. It should be noted that the Award not only rewards architects, but also identifies municipalities, builders, clients, master artisans and engineers who have played important roles in the project. 

To be eligible for consideration in the 2025 Award cycle, projects had to be completed between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2023 and should have been in use for at least one year. Projects commissioned by His Highness the Aga Khan or any of the institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) are ineligible for the Award. 

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture is part of the Aga Khan Development Network. Founded by His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan (Prince Rahim Aga Khan V), AKDN works in 30 countries to improve the quality of life and to create opportunity for people of all faiths and origins. Its agencies operate over 1,000 programmes and institutions – some more than a century old. The Network’s approach to development spans a range of cultural, social, economic and environmental endeavours. The mandates of its agencies include education and health, agriculture and food security, micro-finance, human habitat, crisis response and disaster reduction, protection of the environment, art, music, architecture, urban planning and conservation, and cultural heritage and preservation. AKDN employs approximately 96,000 people, most of whom are based in developing countries. AKDN’s annual expenditures for non-profit development activities is around US$ 1 billion.   

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Khudi Bari, in various locations, by Marina Tabassum Architects, is a replicable solution for displaced communities affected by climatic and geographic changes, which can be easily disassembled and reassembled to adapt to the users' circumstances.
Khudi Bari, in various locations, by Marina Tabassum Architects, is a replicable solution for displaced communities affected by climatic and geographic changes, which can be easily disassembled and reassembled to adapt to the users' circumstances.
West Wusutu Village Community Centre, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, by Zhang Pengju, provides social and cultural spaces for residents and artists, while addressing the religious needs of the local Hui Muslims. Built from reclaimed bricks, it comprises indoor and outdoor multifunctional spaces that foster community cohesion.
West Wusutu Village Community Centre, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, by Zhang Pengju, provides social and cultural spaces for residents and artists, while addressing the religious needs of the local Hui Muslims. Built from reclaimed bricks, it comprises indoor and outdoor multifunctional spaces that foster community cohesion.
Revitalisation of Historic Esna, by Takween Integrated Community Development, addresses cultural tourism challenges in Upper Egypt through physical interventions, socioeconomic initiatives, and innovative urban strategies, transforming Esna from a neglected site centred on the Temple of Khnum into a prospering historic city.
Revitalisation of Historic Esna, by Takween Integrated Community Development, addresses cultural tourism challenges in Upper Egypt through physical interventions, socioeconomic initiatives, and innovative urban strategies, transforming Esna from a neglected site centred on the Temple of Khnum into a prospering historic city.
The Arc at Green School, in Bali, by IBUKU / Elora Hardy, is the produce of 15 years of bamboo experimentation at the Green School Bali. The Arc is a new community wellness centre designed on the existing foundations of a former temporary gymnasium. The structure bridges high-precision engineering and local craftsmanship.
The Arc at Green School, in Bali, by IBUKU / Elora Hardy, is the produce of 15 years of bamboo experimentation at the Green School Bali. The Arc is a new community wellness centre designed on the existing foundations of a former temporary gymnasium. The structure bridges high-precision engineering and local craftsmanship.
Islamic Centre Nurul Yaqin Mosque, in Palu, Central Sulawesi, by Dave Orlando and Fandy Gunawan, is erected on the site of a former mosque destroyed by a tsunami in 2018. The new Islamic Centre serves as a space for gathering and worship. Open to the landscape, it is surrounded by a shallow reflective pool which can be drained to accommodate more people.
Islamic Centre Nurul Yaqin Mosque, in Palu, Central Sulawesi, by Dave Orlando and Fandy Gunawan, is erected on the site of a former mosque destroyed by a tsunami in 2018. The new Islamic Centre serves as a space for gathering and worship. Open to the landscape, it is surrounded by a shallow reflective pool which can be drained to accommodate more people.
Microlibraries in various cities, by SHAU / Daliana Suryawinata, Florian Heinzelmann who initiated the project, engage with stakeholders at every level to offer quality public spaces in several Kampung and parks in Indonesia. Six have been built so far, and 100 are envisioned by 2045.
Microlibraries in various cities, by SHAU / Daliana Suryawinata, Florian Heinzelmann who initiated the project, engage with stakeholders at every level to offer quality public spaces in several Kampung and parks in Indonesia. Six have been built so far, and 100 are envisioned by 2045.
Majara Complex and Community Redevelopment, in Hormuz Island by ZAV Architects / Mohamadreza Ghodousi is famous for its colourful domes which provide sustainable accommodations for tourists who visit the unique landscape of Hormuz. Built by upskilled local workers, it also offers new facilities for the islanders who come there to socialise, pray, or use the library.
Majara Complex and Community Redevelopment, in Hormuz Island by ZAV Architects / Mohamadreza Ghodousi is famous for its colourful domes which provide sustainable accommodations for tourists who visit the unique landscape of Hormuz. Built by upskilled local workers, it also offers new facilities for the islanders who come there to socialise, pray, or use the library.
Jahad Metro Plaza in Tehran, by KA Architecture Studio, is built to supersede the poor-quality existing structures. It transformed the site into an appreciated landmark designed for pedestrians. Clad in local handmade brick, the arched vaults vary in height to allow light and air into the space they shelter.
Jahad Metro Plaza in Tehran, by KA Architecture Studio, is built to supersede the poor-quality existing structures. It transformed the site into an appreciated landmark designed for pedestrians. Clad in local handmade brick, the arched vaults vary in height to allow light and air into the space they shelter.
Khan Jaljulia Restoration in Jaljulia by Elias Khuri, is an economical intervention, situated among the remains of a fourteenth century Khan. It reconnects the people to their cultural heritage by transforming the deserted historical site into a vibrant public space for communal activities.
Khan Jaljulia Restoration in Jaljulia by Elias Khuri, is an economical intervention, situated among the remains of a fourteenth century Khan. It reconnects the people to their cultural heritage by transforming the deserted historical site into a vibrant public space for communal activities.
Campus Startup Lions, in Turkana by Kéré Architects is an educational and entrepreneurial hub which provides a space for technology-driven education, business incubation and community engagement. Built with local volcanic stone, the design integrates rainwater harvesting, solar energy and tall ventilation towers reminiscent of surrounding termite mounds.
Campus Startup Lions, in Turkana by Kéré Architects is an educational and entrepreneurial hub which provides a space for technology-driven education, business incubation and community engagement. Built with local volcanic stone, the design integrates rainwater harvesting, solar energy and tall ventilation towers reminiscent of surrounding termite mounds.
Revitalisation of Lalla Yeddouna Square in the medina of Fez, by Mossessian Architecture and Yassir Khalil Studio aims to reconnect to the riverfront, and enhances pedestrian circulation in the area. Existing structures were preserved and new spaces designed for the benefit of local residents, artisans, and visitors from around the world.
Revitalisation of Lalla Yeddouna Square in the medina of Fez, by Mossessian Architecture and Yassir Khalil Studio aims to reconnect to the riverfront, and enhances pedestrian circulation in the area. Existing structures were preserved and new spaces designed for the benefit of local residents, artisans, and visitors from around the world.
Vision Pakistan, in Islamabad by DB Studios / Mohammad Saifullah Siddiqui, accommodates a tailoring training centre operated by Vision Pakistan, a charity that aims to empower disadvantaged youths. Located in a dense area, this multistorey facility echoes the city's architecture from the 1960s while boasting flamboyant jaalis inspired by Pakistani and Arab crafts.
Vision Pakistan, in Islamabad by DB Studios / Mohammad Saifullah Siddiqui, accommodates a tailoring training centre operated by Vision Pakistan, a charity that aims to empower disadvantaged youths. Located in a dense area, this multistorey facility echoes the city's architecture from the 1960s while boasting flamboyant jaalis inspired by Pakistani and Arab crafts.
Denso Hall Rahguzar Project, in Karachi by Heritage Foundation Pakistan / Yasmeen Lari, a heritage-led eco-urban enclave, was created by using low-carbon materials, in response to the harsh climate of Karachi, prone to floods and heatwaves. The handcrafted terracotta cobbles absorb rainwater and irrigate the newly planted "forests", which in turn cool and clean the air.
Denso Hall Rahguzar Project, in Karachi by Heritage Foundation Pakistan / Yasmeen Lari, a heritage-led eco-urban enclave, was created by using low-carbon materials, in response to the harsh climate of Karachi, prone to floods and heatwaves. The handcrafted terracotta cobbles absorb rainwater and irrigate the newly planted "forests", which in turn cool and clean the air.
Wonder Cabinet, in Bethlehem by AAU Anastas, is a multi-purpose, non-profit exhibition and production space in Bethlehem, founded by the architects. Built with the input of local artisans and contractors, the three-floor concrete building is becoming a key hub for craft, design, innovation and learning.
Wonder Cabinet, in Bethlehem by AAU Anastas, is a multi-purpose, non-profit exhibition and production space in Bethlehem, founded by the architects. Built with the input of local artisans and contractors, the three-floor concrete building is becoming a key hub for craft, design, innovation and learning.
The Ned Hotel, in Doha by David Chipperfield Architects, a Middle Eastern brutalist architecture once hosted the Ministry of Interior, before being carefully adapted into a 90-room boutique hotel, therefore contributing to architectural regeneration in the area.
The Ned Hotel, in Doha by David Chipperfield Architects, a Middle Eastern brutalist architecture once hosted the Ministry of Interior, before being carefully adapted into a 90-room boutique hotel, therefore contributing to architectural regeneration in the area.
Shamalat Cultural Centre, in Riyadh, by Syn Architects / Sara Alissa, Nojoud Alsudairi, is a cultural space on the periphery of Diriyah, developed from an old mud house transformed by artist Maha Malluh. Juxtaposing old and new, the centre offers a sensitive perspective on heritage conservation in the region, aiming to integrate historic spaces into everyday life.
Shamalat Cultural Centre, in Riyadh, by Syn Architects / Sara Alissa, Nojoud Alsudairi, is a cultural space on the periphery of Diriyah, developed from an old mud house transformed by artist Maha Malluh. Juxtaposing old and new, the centre offers a sensitive perspective on heritage conservation in the region, aiming to integrate historic spaces into everyday life.
Rehabilitation and Extension of Dakar Railway Station, in Dakar by Ga2D, to accommodate the passengers of a new express railway line, creates a deliberate contrast between the old and new structures. Vehicular circulation was relegated at the back of the site, giving back the forecourt to pedestrian travellers.
Rehabilitation and Extension of Dakar Railway Station, in Dakar by Ga2D, to accommodate the passengers of a new express railway line, creates a deliberate contrast between the old and new structures. Vehicular circulation was relegated at the back of the site, giving back the forecourt to pedestrian travellers.
Rami Library, by Han Tümertekin Design & Consultancy, the largest library in Istanbul. It took up quarters in the former Rami Barracks, a large single-storey structure with high volumes, built in the 18th century. A minimal intervention approach was chosen to preserve the original spatial qualities of the structure while accommodating new library functions.
Rami Library, by Han Tümertekin Design & Consultancy, the largest library in Istanbul. It took up quarters in the former Rami Barracks, a large single-storey structure with high volumes, built in the 18th century. A minimal intervention approach was chosen to preserve the original spatial qualities of the structure while accommodating new library functions.
Morocco Pavilion Expo Dubai 2020, by Oualalou + Choi, has been designed to outlive the Expo 2020 and to be converted into a cultural facility. The pavilion pioneers the advancement of large-scale rammed earth construction methods. It obtained the gold LEED certification for its use of passive cooling strategies which keep mechanical air-conditioning to a bare minimum.
Morocco Pavilion Expo Dubai 2020, by Oualalou + Choi, has been designed to outlive the Expo 2020 and to be converted into a cultural facility. The pavilion pioneers the advancement of large-scale rammed earth construction methods. It obtained the gold LEED certification for its use of passive cooling strategies which keep mechanical air-conditioning to a bare minimum.

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