UCA and AKDN Host Aga Khan Award for Architecture Events in Bishkek and Naryn
The University of Central Asia (UCA) and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) recently co-hosted a special lecture series in Naryn and Bishkek titled “Architecture & Optimism”. The series focused on sustainable development, climate resilience, and the role of architecture in shaping societies.
The lectures were delivered by Farrokh Derakhshani, Global Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA), and Prof. Akylbek Kozhaliev, Head of the Department of Architectural Environment Design at Kyrgyz State Technical University.
The event introduced the Aga Khan Award for Architecture—one of the world’s most prestigious architectural prizes—and underscored the importance of Kyrgyzstan as host of the 2025 Award Ceremony. “The 2025 Award is coming to Bishkek because of the 25-year relationship between Kyrgyzstan and the Aga Khan Development Network. By bringing international experts here, we hope to foster the exchange of ideas and dialogue,” said Mr. Derakhshani.
Prof. Kozhaliev highlighted the accessible, human-centered approach of this year’s shortlisted projects: “There are 19 projects on the Award’s shortlist that provide simple yet essential solutions for daily life. As the saying goes, everything genius is simple, and the projects presented here embody that very principle.”
The events, held at UCA’s Naryn campus and at Ololo Planet in Bishkek, brought together Kyrgyz architects, students from Naryn State University, Naryn Pedagogical College, and other architecture institutions, as well as experts and officials. Ms. Aidana Imanalieva, Plenipotentiary Deputy Representative of the President in Naryn Oblast, attended the Naryn event. Dr. Barkat Fazal, Diplomatic Representative of the AKDN, welcomed the guests.
Speakers emphasised how the shortlisted projects reflect excellence in design while addressing social and environmental challenges—advancing the AKAA’s mission to promote architecture that meets the needs and aspirations of communities worldwide.
Established in 1977 by His Highness the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture is presented every three years to projects that set new benchmarks in architecture, urban planning, historic preservation, and landscape design. The 2025 Award Ceremony will take place in Bishkek on 15–16 September 2025, under the joint chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Aga Khan Development Network. Approximately 200 officials, architects, and scholars from around the world will gather with their Central Asian counterparts to discuss architecture’s vital role in sustainable development, climate adaptation, and quality of life.
On 15 September, the 2025 laureates will be presented with certificates and share a USD 1 million prize fund—one of the most significant awards in the field of architecture. Public lectures, exhibitions, and a major architectural seminar will follow on 16 September.
These events also coincide with the 25th anniversary of bilateral cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Aga Khan Development Network, as well as the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the University of Central Asia—underscoring a shared commitment to cultural dialogue and sustainable development.
