What is the role of architecture in improving quality of life? Since 1977, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture has recognized examples of architectural excellence that link exemplary built work to the quality of life of its inhabitants.
Join us at the Ismaili Centre on Nov. 2, 2022 at 6:30pm for a conversation with celebrated Canadian architect Brigitte Shim and a panel of experts in architecture, design, & Islamic art, as they explore these themes & the Award's 2022 shortlisted projects.
Doors open at 6:30pm and the event begins at 7:00pm.
An exhibition of the Award's 2022 shortlisted projects will be on display during the event, and can be viewed before the event begins or afterwards during refreshments.
About the Aga Khan Award for Architecture:
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established by His Highness the Aga Khan in 1977 and is one of the most prestigious architectural prizes in the world. Since its launch 45 years ago, 121 projects have received the award and nearly 10,000 building projects have been documented. The Award not only rewards architects, but also identifies municipalities, builders, clients, master artisans and engineers who have played important roles in the project.
About the Speakers:
Brigitte Shim is Principal at Shim-Sutcliffe Architects & Professor at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design. Brigitte has served as a member of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture's Master Jury & Steering Committee. She has been recognized for her holistic approach to architecture, meticulous attention to detail, and the care with which the environment and site are considered in her work. In January 2013, Brigitte Shim and her partner A. Howard Sutcliffe were both awarded the Order of Canada, “for their contributions as architects designing sophisticated structures that represent the best of Canadian design to the world.”
Aziza Chaouni is trained as both a structural engineer and as an architect, with 14 years working experience in Morocco, France and the USA. Aziza graduated Cum Laude from Columbia University and with Distinction from Harvard Graduate School of Design. Her firm, Aziza Chaouni Projects, has won several top design Awards and Recognitions including the Holcim Gold Award for Sustainable Construction in 2009. Aziza is also an Associate Professor at the Daniels School of Architecture Landscape and Design, where she leads the Designing Ecological Tourism lab.
Ruba Kana’an (DPhil, Oxford) is Assistant Professor in Islamic art and architecture at the University of Toronto, and Associate Chair at the Department of Visual Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga. She was the founding Head of Education and Scholarly Programs at the Aga Khan Museum (2011-2017). She is co-editor of the forthcoming issue of Material Cultures in the Muslim World (MCMW) entitled Approaching Architecture in the Muslim World and working on a book entitled The Friday Mosque: Law, Architecture, and Authority in Pre-Modern Muslim Societies. Ruba's experience spans the worlds of academia, museums, architectural practice, and community-based art education.
Arriz Hassam (B.Arch, B.E.S) is an award-winning designer and owner of Arriz+co based in Toronto. Soon after graduating from University of Waterloo with degrees in Professional Architecture and Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Arriz was a founding principal of renowned design firm 3rd UNCLE design (1993-2012). Arriz+co’s projects include the interiors of the Ismaili Centre Toronto, the recently opened Diwan pavilion at Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton, and Manhattan Jamatkhana in NYC. His work has been published internationally.