Article Author: Bahrain Pearling Revitalization Project wins Aga Khan Award for Architecture
Media Source: Bahrain this week (Bahrain)
Date: 16 September 2019
The Revitalization Project in Muharraq in Bahrain, which highlights the World Heritage site’s pearling history, is one among the winners of the 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The project evolved into a comprehensive programme that aimed to re-balance the city’s demographic makeup by creating public spaces, providing community and cultural venues, and improving the overall environment. The pearling industry was historically crucial to Bahrain’s economy, with the former capital Muharraq as its global centre. The preservation/restoration of the traditional buildings included reinstating lost wind towers for natural climate control. The materials employed match the originals – notably coral stone reused from demolished structures, and wood.
