The Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) recently announced 20 shortlisted projects for the 2022 Award cycle. The projects will compete for a share of the US$ 1 million prize, one of the largest in architecture.
The 20 shortlisted projects were selected by an independent Master Jury from a pool of 463 projects nominated for the 15th Award Cycle (2020-2022).
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established by His Highness the Aga Khan in 1977 to identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of communities in which Muslims have a significant presence. Since it was launched 45 years ago, 121 projects have received the award and nearly 10,000 building projects have been documented. The AKAA’s selection process emphasises architecture that not only provides for people’s physical, social and economic needs, but that also stimulates and responds to their cultural aspirations.
One of the shortlisted projects titled, Niamey 2000, in Niamey, Niger includes Associate Professor of Architecture, Elizabeth Golden. This project was a collaborative effort by the united4design team that also includes Yasaman Esmaili, Mariam Kamara, Philip Straeter.
As a response to a housing shortage amid rapid urban expansion, this prototype housing of six family units seeks to increase density while remaining culturally appropriate.