Seven architectural projects that shield communities from climate risk, preserve cultural heritage and create affordable housing were honoured last week at the Aga Khan Award for Architecture prize-giving ceremony at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic Hall. His Highness the Aga Khan accompanied His Excellency Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, to preside over the ceremony. The winning designs, which will share a prize of US $1 million, demonstrate the power of architecture to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. “This quality – flexibility in the face of the unexpected – was at the heart of the jury’s concerns in this cycle of the award.” As well as environmental justice, the built environment is well placed to help solve issues of social justice, His Highness explained in his address: “It is not an exaggeration to say that affordability of our housing, ease of access to green space, education, health and cultural heritage all hinge on the creativity of our architects and the wisdom of our civic planners.”