Under the Eaves of Architecture

The Aga Khan is one of the most ardent patrons of architecture and historic preservation in the world. Since inheriting his title as spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, usually known as Ismailis, fifty years ago, he has fostered and commissioned numerous structures and restored a multitude of buildings from Asia to Africa. The prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture, first given in 1980, recognises projects that benefit the Muslim world for their excellence in contemporary design, community improvement and development, restoration, re-use and area conservation. This new anthology presents award winning projects that have taken place over the past 25 years from universities and historic restoration programmes that bear the Aga Khan's name to religious centres, museums and development efforts in more than twenty countries. Through the Aga Khan Development Network, the Aga Khan occupies a unique place in the world of architecture and this book reveals the range and breadth of his activities.