9 MENA projects shortlisted for Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Out of 348 projects, the Aga Khan Award has announced the 19 shortlisted projects for the 2016 competition, of which 9 are from the MENA region. Competing for $1 million in prize money, the projects chosen not only exhibit architectural excellence but also "improve the overall quality of life."

The projects are currently under review by architects, structural engineers, and conservation specialists. Take a look:

The initial purpose was threefold: the revival of historically significant hand-woven textile traditions of Kashan; the renovation, restoration and revitalization of a historic house and aimed to draw attention to the architectural heritage in danger; and raising awareness of the cultural, artistic and technological traditions embedded in the Islamic architectural traditions.

Upper view of the courtyard showing the southern and eastern wings after restoration.

The view from the south toward the bridge and Alborz Mountains in the background.

A three-dimensional truss with two continuous deck levels, providing a lower level which is usable in all seasons.

Iranian historic traditions of Persian carpets and building bricks were fused into a contemporary facade that appears as a collection of intricately interwoven modules.

Designed brick by brick, the mesh creates effects of light and shadow, transparent and opaque.

The basic philosophy behind the architecture of the building was that it would use the parts of nature which have been injured in the past, instead of adding a new intervention on virgin land.

Aljouni lime stone is used as both an architectural finish and a structural element.

Part of the American University of Beirut,  the design of the building aims to significantly reduce the building's footprint by "floating" a reading room, a workshop conference room and research spaces above the entrance courtyard in the form of a 21-meter-long cantilever to preserve the existing landscape.

Comprising a 250-seat lecture hall, classrooms, laboratories, study rooms, library, offices, sports grounds and staff accommodation, the campus is connected by a series of canopies, creating sheltered walkways and seating areas.

A transport hub designed to anticipate 25 million passenger trips per year in the future.

A cylindrical tower, made of steel and concrete, that measures 45 meters in diameter.