Aga Khan Network opens architecture

The Aga Khan Development Network in Mozambique opens an exhibition of architecture projects today in Maputo, as part of an initiative based on its global premium architectural foundation. The exhibition, called ‘Building for a Better Life’, brings together 20 architectural projects selected from a field of 114 in a contest whose first prize divides around US$1.9 million dollars among the top five finalists."The intention is to reward projects that set new standards of excellence in architecture, planning practices, historic preservation and landscape architecture," Nazim Ahmad, Ambassador of the Aga Khan Development Network in Mozambique told LUSA.The competition has taken place every three years since 1977, with the exhibition being the first initiative promoted by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in Mozambique. It will be open to the public from 4 to 8 November at the Aga Khan’s historic building at the juncture of Avenidas 24 de Julho and Albert Lithuli in Maputo."Through the project, the Aga Khan network aims to publicize the prize, with the aim of identifying projects in Mozambique that could be nominated for the award," said Ambassador Ahmad, adding that the network would partner with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, civil society and architecture schools in the country in forwarding their agenda."The essence of the Aga Khan Award for culture is to examine, analyze and understand the dynamics of physical change in Islamic societies," said Ahmad, quoting the leader of the foundation.At the official opening of the exhibition, held on Monday, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Silva Dunduro, said that the Mozambican government will continue to foster public and private partnerships for the development of cultural tourism, adding that the initiative would "augment intellectual interest" in the field of architecture."The award has celebrated, since 1977, the cultural and artistic value of architectural design," said the Mozambican minister, highlighting the network;’s contribution to human development in Mozambique."These features demonstrate the commitment of this great institution to individual growth in the first place, and the growth of societies," he said, noting that each work showcased carries within it both a history and a culture.