The prize is awarded every three years, and this time its 11th edition is presented. It is awarded to projects in one way or another related to the Muslim world (most often located within its geographical boundaries), reflecting its cultural values, the principles of "green" and, in general, innovative architecture, improving the quality of life of the people for whom they are intended.
This time, special attention of the organizing committee and the main jury, which included, among others, Anish Kapoor and Jean Nouvel, was paid to the problem of globalization, the positive trends associated with it (the spread of advanced technologies, etc.) and negative aspects, such as the loss of cultural identity and the destruction of the architectural heritage. Therefore, the organizers were guided in the selection of winners from 401 submitted projects by the criterion of an attentive, sensitive attitude to the context - both narrow, local, and broader, for example, national or religious and cultural. In their opinion, working in line with this method, an architect can create a project that harmoniously interacts with the environment - natural, physical, economic, and social.
This is not the first time among the laureates there are modest (but innovative and really effective) projects. In 2010, Li Xiaodong Atelier, China's “Bridge School” in Xiaashi, was an example of minimum funds and maximum results, which already won the Architectural Review magazine's Emerging Architects Award last year. The construction of traditional materials is thrown across the river dividing the village in two; there is a pedestrian bridge under it for residents. The facades of the school facing different sides can be used as a stage for performances. Thus, the building became useful not only for students: it significantly improved the life of all villagers.
Another award-winning project, the Ipekyol textile factory in Edirne in the European part of Turkey by EAA - Emre Arolat Architects, is dedicated to the quality of life, in particular, to the working atmosphere. The architects have combined all the functions of the building in a single horseshoe-shaped room, which allows both efficient use of space from an industrial point of view, and provides each employee with natural illumination of the workplace and a view of the natural landscape. Also, the hierarchical division between administrative and industrial premises was eliminated and additional recreation areas for workers were arranged.
Museum Madinat al-Zahra in Cordoba workshop "Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos" is located on the site of the eponymous city-palace of the 10th century. It houses finds from the still ongoing archaeological excavations. The building, on the one hand, is inscribed in the landscape, on the other, it is oriented towards the plan of the disappeared palace. Restrained forms and materials, archetypal motives (courtyards, galleries) contribute to the successful performance of functions - a research institute, an educational center, an exhibition hall - without distracting from the historical significance of Madinat al-Zahra.
Much more ambitious than the above is the reconstruction project of the "hypercenter" of Tunisia - a building area of the 19th - early 20th centuries. Association for the Conservation of the Tunisian Medina (AOM). During it, many streets were turned into pedestrian zones, public buildings were restored and opened to the public. It is important to note that we are talking about monuments of the colonial era, and attention to them reflects a modern, more balanced attitude towards the newest period of Tunisian history.
But the largest of this year's laureates was a project to regenerate the Wadi Hanifa marshy valley near Riyadh by Moriyama & Teshima Planners and Buro Happold engineers. With an area of more than 4,000 km2, it is a unique natural object for this arid region, but for a long time it was mercilessly exploited, which caused significant damage to its ecosystem. Following a remediation program, the valley was converted into an ecological reserve and recreational area; there, agricultural land was improved and an environmentally friendly water treatment plant was established to supply water to the rural and urban population.
The French researcher Oleg Grabar, son of the distinguished Byzantine scholar André Grabar, received a special Chairman's Prize, recognizing his vital contribution to the study and development of Islamic architecture. Oleg Grabar (born 1929) is the author of over thirty scientific papers and over 100 articles. He served as Director of the American School of Oriental Studies in Jerusalem, was a member of the executive committee of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, founder and editor of Mukarnas magazine and a member of the organizing committee (1978-1988) and jury (1989) of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, actively taught, was a laureate of professional awards.
