The 20 shortlisted projects for the 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture were announced recently. The shortlisted projects, which are located in 16 different countries, will compete for USD 1 million in prize money

Msheireb Museums, Doha, Qatar

Four historic courtyard houses dating from the early 20th century have been remodelled and extended to accommodate unified, state-of-the-art museums that together comprise a central element of the development of Downtown Doha.

Revitalisation of Muharraq, Bahrain

This site is an exceptional testimony to the pearl trade in the Arabian Peninsula, on which Bahrain thrived during the 19th century.

Concrete at Alserkal Avenue Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Alserkal Avenue, a former industrial complex in Dubai has been transformed into a cultural hub. This project took four existing warehouses and reimagined them to create Concrete, a flexible, multipurpose space for artists and cultural events in the centre of the complex.

Arcadia Education Project, South Kanarchor, Bangladesh

Maleka Welfare Trust, a private social welfare organization, purchased a patch of land 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.

Amber Denim Loom Shed Gazipur, Bangladesh

The “Loom Shed” is a new design that employs a traditional Bangladeshi residential architecture with contemporary elements that give it a modern twist.

Taman Bima Microlibrary, Bandung, Indonesia

A pilot project for a series of lowcost, eco-conscious reading facilities in urban and rural villages, the Microlibrary aims to help combat Indonesia’s low literacy rates.

Beyazit State Library Renovation, Istanbul, Turkey

Founded in 1884 inside a 16th century building, Beyazit State Library, one of the oldest and largest libraries in Istanbul, underwent an important restoration.