Architecture and Polyphony:

At no time in recent history have architecture, urban planning, rehabilitation and reconstruction been as important to the Islamic World as they are today. The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established in 1977 to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Islamic culture as expressed through architecture. Previous winners of this prestigious award, which is given every three years, include such architects as Geoffrey Bawa, Balkrishna Doshi, Ken Yeang, Jean Nouvel, Charles Correa, Frei Otto and Hassan Fathy. For this current cycle, the Award is paying special attention to identifying more examples of the new types of architecture that are emerging throughout the Muslim world. The documented projects represent efforts in the categories of infrastructure, landscaping, community development, public urban spaces and responses to the growing crisis of housing shortage in many Muslim societies. For this year's award, the steering committee includes Charles Correa, Jacques Herzog, Mohsen Mostafavi and Glenn Lowry. With each of the winning schemes profiled and illustrated in depth, and critical essays that consider the challenges and rewards confronting architects working in Muslim lands, this important yet accessibly priced publication provides valuable insights into a wide array of practices, methods and design solutions.