Aga Khan Award for Architecture
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established in 1977 to encourage good building practices and enhance Islamic culture as expressed through architecture. Its method is to recognize examples of architectural excellence that encompass concerns as varied as contemporary design, social housing, community improvement and development, restoration, re-use and area conservation, and landscaping and environmental issues. Through its effort, the Award seeks to identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the need and aspirations of Muslim societies.
The Award is held every three years, and is governed by a Steering Committee chaired by his Highness Aga Khan. Awards totaling up to US$500,000 - the largest architectural prize in the world - are given to projects selected by an independent Master Jury. Since its inception, the Award has recognized almost 100 projects that have set new standards of excellence in architecture, planning, conservation and landscape design.
Each triennial Award cycle culminates in a prize-giving ceremony that announces the Award recipients to the world. The 2007 Award Ceremony, marking the 30th anniversary of the Award and the completion of its 10th cycle, which is held at the Petronas Twin Towers on 4 September 2007, is in recognition of its iconic status as an international landmark and a symbol of the contemporary Malaysian society.
In 2004, the Petronas Twin Towers won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2004 for
"pointing to a new direction in skyscraper design with their technological innovations, rich spatial expression, and their sensitive response to the local environment".
The host of each Award Ceremony has issued specially designed commemorative stamps in honor of the Award. Previous Award Ceremonies were held at Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, Pakistan (1980), Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey (1983), Badi Palace in Marrakesh, Morocco (1986), Saladin's Citadel in Cairo, Egypt (1989), Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (1992), Karaton Surakarta in Solo, Indonesia (1995), the Alhambra in Granada, Spain (1998), the Citadel of Aleppo, Syria (2001), and the Gardens of Emperor of Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and the Agra Fort, India (2004).
50 Sen Stamp
The 50 sen stamp, to commemorate the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2007 features the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Petronas Twin Towers, with a height of 452 meters and joined by a sky bridge at the 41st and 42nd floor, won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2004 for pointing to a new direction in skyscraper design with their technology innovations, rich spatial expression, and their sensitive response to the local environment. The Petronas Twin Towers were designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates in association with KLCC architects.
POS Malaysia 30 August 2007, Thursday Press Release
POS MALAYSIA ISSUES STAMP AND FIRST DAY COVER TO COMMEMORATE THE AGA KHAN AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE 2007
In conjunction with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for 2007, Pos Malaysia will issue a special commemorative stamp and First Day Cover on 4 September 2007. The commemorative stamp will feature the image of the Petronas Twin Towers that has won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture on 2004.
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established in 1977 to encourage good building practices and enhance Islamic culture as expressed through architecture. Its method is to recognize examples of architectural excellence that encompass concerns as varied as contemporary design, social housing, community improvement and development, restoration, re-use and area conservation, and landscaping and environmental issues. Through its effort, the Award seeks to identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the need and aspirations of Muslim societies.
In 2004, the Petronas Twin Towers won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2004 for “pointing to a new direction in skyscraper design with their technological innovations, rich spatial expression, and their sensitive response to the local environment.”
“Pos Malaysia is honoured by the opportunity for us to be part of the celebration of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, which is one of the most prestigious awards for architecture in the world, specifically in terms of Islamic architecture. By highlighting the Petronas Twin Towers in the commemorative stamp as it exemplifies the benchmark for modern Islamic architecture,” said YBhg Dato’ Idrose Mohamed, Managing Director of Pos Malaysia.
“Furthermore, by depicting the Petronas Twin Towers in our commemorative stamp, we are also showcasing the uniqueness of one of Malaysia’s well-known and well-loved landmark to the world,” Dato’ Idrose added.
The stamp, 30mmX50mm in size is printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermark, phosphor coated paper and are available in one denomination 50 sen :
The 50sen stamp, in commemoration with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2007 features the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Petronas Twin Towers, with a height of 452 metres and joined by a sky bridge at the 41st and 42nd floor, won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2004 for pointing to a new direction in skyscraper design with their technology innovations, rich spatial expression, and their sensitive response to the local environment. The Petronas Twin Towers were designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates in association with KLCC architects.
The Award is held every three years, and is governed by a Steering Committee chaired by His Highness Aga Khan. Awards totalling up to US$500,000 - the largest architectural prize in the world - are given to projects selected by an independent Master Jury. Since its inception, the Award has recognised almost 100 projects that have set new standards of excellence in architecture, planning, conservation and landscape design.
Each triennial Award cycle culminates in a prize-giving ceremony that announces the Award recipients to the world. The 2007 Award Ceremony, marking the 30th anniversary of the Award and the completion of its 10th cycle, which is held at the Petronas Twin Towers on 4 September 2007, is in recognition of its iconic status as an international landmark and a symbol of the contemporary Malaysian society.
The host of each Award Ceremony have issued specially designed commemorative stamps in honour of the Award. The designs of the stamps are Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, Pakistan (1980), Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey (1983), Badi Palace in Marrakesh, Morroco (1986), Saladin’s Citadel in Cairo, Egypt (1989), Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (1992), Karaton Surakarta in Solo, Indonesia (1995), the Alhambra in Granada, Spain (1998), the Citadel of Aleppo, Syria (2001), and the Gardens of Emperor Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and the Agra Fort, India (2004).
First Day Cover at 30sen each can be purchased at all post offices nationwide. Folders at RM5 each is only available at selected post offices.
The reason that this issue was sought after and creating a premium was due to the fact that it was a single denomination stamp, unlike other issues which have more than one denominations. [But still is debated]
