The Master Jury for the 16th Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2023–2025) has selected seven winning projects that will share a $1 million prize—one of architecture’s most prestigious honors. The winners were chosen after comprehensive site visits to projects that made the shortlist in June.
The winning projects span seven countries: Iran (two projects), Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Pakistan, and Palestine. Together, these works showcase how architecture can drive pluralism, strengthen communities, enable social change, promote cultural exchange, and respond effectively to climate challenges.
The official prize ceremony is scheduled for September 15, 2025, at the Toktogul Satylganov Kyrgyz National Philharmonic in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The Award recognizes not only architects but also the broader network of contributors including local governments, construction teams, clients, skilled craftspeople, and engineers who made these projects possible.
To accompany this recognition, ArchiTangle will publish “Optimism and Architecture,” edited by Lesley Lokko, in September 2025. This publication will feature both winning and shortlisted projects from the 2025 cycle, exploring how architecture bridges tradition with innovation, connects local expertise to global conversations, and creates welcoming spaces where different cultures and histories come together.
The Master Jury acknowledged the difficult global context surrounding this award cycle, stating: “This cycle of the Award has unfolded in a world in tumult, at a moment of global insecurity. When so many pressures are placed on living, the challenges of building may feel even greater.”
Despite these challenges, the Jury emphasized that the selected projects deliver “a message of hope,” demonstrating architecture’s power to point toward positive futures. The shortlisted works and their associated communities—including designers, residents, and caretakers—exemplify how societies can not only construct buildings but also flourish, building strength and optimism through thoughtful design.
Featuring Image courtesy: AKDN
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