2 Bangladeshi projects shortlisted for Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Two architectural projects in Bangladesh, the Arcadia Education structure in South Kanarchor, and the Amber Denim Loom Shed in Gazipur, have been shortlisted for the 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

The announcement was made by Director of the Award Farrokh Derakhshani in a ceremony in Russia’s Kazan on Thursday.

A total 20 projects across the globe were shortlisted for the Award with the winner set to earn $1 million in prize money.

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in the field of architecture.

It selects projects, ranging from slum upgrading to high-rise “green” buildings, which not only exhibit architectural excellence but also improve the overall quality of life.

The Award rewards architects, but also identifies municipalities, builders, clients, master artisans and engineers who have played important roles in the realization of a project.

“The factory workers took an active part in the building process of the ‘Loom Shed’, which ensured that their concerns were addressed,” said Farrokh Derakhshani, referring to one of the shortlisted projects.

“For the Maleka Welfare Trust, the solution they found was an amphibious school that could operate even when the site was flooded. Both projects show how architecture can be adapted to the needs of individuals.”

The “Loom Shed” combines traditional Bangladeshi residential architecture with contemporary elements.

The building has a simple layout comprising a large open space that accommodates loom machines, a buyers’ lounge, a dining space for workers, a prayer area and washrooms.

The high ceiling, bamboo screen walls and open space allows natural light and ventilation, thereby eliminating the need for artificial air-conditioning or lighting.

The Maleka Welfare Trust, a private social welfare organization, wanted to relocate one of their preschools and develop additional social facilities, such as a hostel for single women, a nursery and a vocational training centre.

However, the site they purchased was flooded for almost five months each year. Conventional solutions like raising the land with sand or building on stilts were not compatible with the topography.

The final design was a modular amphibious structure, anchored to the site, which could remain operational during both dry and wet seasons.

It was built mainly out of local bamboo, but other diverse materials were also used, including upcycled steel drums and old car tyres.

The sites will now undergo a rigorous investigation by experts who will visit and evaluate each project on-site.

Their reports are the basis for the Master Jury’s selection of the eventual laureates.

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established by 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.

So far, 116 projects have received the award and more than 9,000 building projects have been documented.