Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 15 September 2025 – Seven architectural projects that shield communities from climate risk, preserve cultural heritage and create affordable housing were honoured this evening 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 $1 million, demonstrate the power of architecture to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Projects include flood-resistant bamboo homes that can be relocated when rivers shift; an incremental, community-led restoration of urban heritage; and a community centre that transforms abandoned oil company ruins into lively public space.

Distinguished laureates joined national officials, architecture experts, the Award’s Steering Committee and Master Jury, and other dignitaries for the event, which marks the culmination of the Award’s 16th triennial cycle. A series of events this week in Bishkek have brought together architects, designers, policymakers and community leaders to celebrate the transformative potential of architecture and urban planning to improve the world.

Established by His late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in 1977, the Aga Khan Award is unique among architecture prizes. It spotlights projects that not only demonstrate design excellence but also improve quality of life, and considers the contributions of municipalities, builders, clients, master artisans and engineers alongside architects.

Since its inception, the Award has recognised more than 130 projects worldwide, influencing the global discourse on architecture in the Muslim world and beyond.

In his remarks to guests, Chairman Kasymaliev praised the distinctive nature of this architecture prize, which “unlike many other awards, the Aga Khan Award celebrates buildings not only for their beauty or form; it also considers their impact on society, their role in preserving cultural heritage and their significance in community development. This Award clearly demonstrates that architecture is not a display of wealth, but a necessity and a responsibility to future generations.”

Chairman Kasymaliev also spoke of its history and contributions over the past 48 years: “This Award, which holds special significance for the global community, has for nearly half a century been not only a recognition of outstanding architectural projects but also a symbol of humanism, cultural diversity and the pursuit of harmony between people and nature.” Read Chairman Kasymaliev’s speech.

His Highness the Aga Khan elaborated on the importance of this pursuit: “Today, with the climate more volatile than ever, architects have a great responsibility, and an opportunity, to use their creativity to design the buildings that will buffer that volatility and protect us all – and especially the most vulnerable – from climatic risk,” he said.

“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.”

Buildings, he added, have the power to raise living standards, inspire reverence and solve problems for generations to come. “Great architecture,” he went on to say, “has the power to answer directly to the most acute development challenges, and to create the inclusive, safe, dignified world that we want for everyone.” Read His Highness the Aga Khan’s speech.

Earlier in the day, His Highness met with Chairman Kasymaliev to discuss the AKDN’s long standing relationship with the Kyrgyz Republic. They also attended a special stamp cancellation ceremony, in which the Kyrgyz postal service issued a specially designed postage stamp to commemorate this year’s Award ceremony in Bishkek.

The ceremony coincided with the 25th anniversary of AKDN’s agreement of cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic, a partnership which has led to significant contributions to the quality of life of communities in the country and wider region. These include the main campus of the University of Central Asia in Naryn; the Aga Khan School, Osh; the First MicroFinance Company; the Kyrgyz Investment Credit Bank; the Medical and Diagnostic Centre in Naryn; development initiatives supporting over 520,000 people in Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken and Naryn; and music and arts education.

About the Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Established in 1977 by His late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the Award recognises architectural excellence in projects that improve quality of life, particularly in societies with significant Muslim populations. The Award considers the contributions of all stakeholders – from architects to artisans – in shaping the built environment. The 2025 cycle’s winning projects will share a total prize of $1 million, one of the largest in the field. This year’s seven winners were selected by an independent Master Jury from a shortlist of 19 projects.

For more information, please contact:

Nadia Siméon, Deputy Director, Aga Khan Award for Architecture
[email protected]