Nagaur Fort in award contention

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon, Portugal has announced the shortlist of nominees for the 2013 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The 20 nominees, including the Nagaur Fort in Rajasthan of India, range from a modern high-rise apartment block to projects showcasing the revival of traditional building techniques. The award entails a prize money of US$ 1 million.

The Indian project shortlisted for the award is the rehabilitation of the Nagaur Fort in Rajasthan. The fort, at the heart of the ancient city of Nagaur, was built in the early 12th Century and repeatedly altered over centuries. The rehabilitation involved the training of many artisans and craftsmen, adhering to the principles of minimum intervention. Materials and construction methods of an earlier era were rediscovered, and paintings and architectural features conserved. The fort’s buildings and spaces, both external and internal, serve as the venue, stage and home to the Sufi Music Festival.

The other shortlisted projects are located in 15 countries, including China, Indonesia, Iran, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The shortlisted projects are now being technically reviewed by a select group of architects, urban planners and engineers.

The reviews, which emphasise on both the impact on quality of life and architectural excellence, will then be closely evaluated by a nine-member Master Jury. Five to six finalists will be selected and the winner will be announced at a ceremony to be held in Lisbon in September 2013.