Muscat – One of the most respected architecture awards in the world, the Agha Khan Award for Architecture announced the winners of 2022 on Thursday, in addition to naming Oman host of the prestigious award ceremony at the end of October.

The six award winners, who will share the US$1mn award, one of the largest in architecture, show promise for communities, innovation and care for the environment.

Held every three years, 2022 saw 463 contesting projects from around the world.

H E Sayyid Said Sultan al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture in the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture, and head of the team tasked with hosting the award, said the announcement affirms that Oman has become a global destination for culture, literature and art.

He pointed out that the event will achieve the objectives of the sultanate’s cultural strategy and show that Oman’s cultural activities go hand in hand with global developments.

Farrokh Derakhshani, director of the award, said, “We are very pleased to announce that Oman will host the 15th edition of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. A selection of architects and experts will gather in Muscat at the end of October to celebrate the rich architectural heritage of the Islamic world, with special focus on outstanding projects achieved in the last decade.”

The selection process for award is in line with the physical, social and economic needs of people, as well as their cultural aspirations. The award recognises architectural projects that stand out in terms of innovative design and ‘social’ housing improvement and development.

The 2022 winners include two from Bangladesh – Urban River Spaces, Jhenaidah; and Community Spaces in Rohingya Refugee Response, Cox’s Bazar; and one each from Indonesia – Banyuwangi International Airport, Blimbingsari, East Java; Iran – Argo Contemporary Art Museum and Cultural Centre, Tehran; Lebanon – Renovation of Niemeyer Guest House, Tripoli; and Senegal – Kamanar Secondary School, Thionck Essyl.