Future Environments: Global Architecture, Local Futures : Aga Khan Award for Architecture — Exhibition & Public Conversation

Hosted by AUT School of Future Environments in collaboration with His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Australia and New Zealand

Join us at AUT for an evening of global architecture, ideas and conversation, alongside an exhibition showcasing projects recognised through the internationally renowned Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Brought to Auckland in collaboration with Ismaili Council for Australia and New Zealand

Featuring Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the evening brings together international, professional, academic and student voices to explore architecture, identity, culture and the future of practice.

About the Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Established in 1977, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) is one of the world's most significant international architecture awards. The Award recognises architectural excellence that goes beyond the building itself — celebrating projects that respond meaningfully to people, place, culture, community, environment and quality of life.

AUT will host a special exhibition of projects recognised through previous Award cycles, brought to Auckland in collaboration with Ismaili Centre Auckland.

Special Guest

Farrokh Derakhshani
Director, Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Geneva-based architect and urban planner Farrokh Derakhshani has been involved with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture since 1982 and has served as its director since 2006.

With more than 40 years of international experience, his work explores the relationship between architectural excellence, cultural context and social responsibility. He has contributed to exhibitions, publications and architectural programmes internationally and lectured at more than 50 universities worldwide.

Panel Discussion

Architecture, Identity & Future Practice

The conversation will explore how architecture responds to culture, identity and place, and how sustainability, technology, AI, changing communities and the next generation of architects are reshaping future practice.

Panel

Farrokh Derakhshani
Director, Aga Khan Award for Architecture
https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-trust-culture/aga-khan-award-for-architecture

Andrew Burgess
Head of Architecture, AUT School of Future Environments
Vice President, Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA)
https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/architecture-and-built-environment
https://aasa.org.au/

Laya Rasooli
AUT Architecture Student

Mark Abbott

New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) representative — TBC
https://www.nzia.co.nz/

Programme

5:30pm — Registration, Networking & Exhibition Preview

6:00pm — Welcome & Introduction

6:15pm — Opening Conversation

6:45pm — Architecture, Identity & Future Practice — Panel Discussion

7:30pm — Networking Reception & Exhibition Viewing

Hosted by AUT School of Future Environments
https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/architecture-and-built-environment
https://the.ismaili/nz/en/about/ismaili-community