Vision Pakistan Shortlisted for the Prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025 has announced its shortlist of 19 remarkable projects selected from a pool of 369 nominations spanning 15 countries. These projects reflect innovative design solutions addressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges in Muslim-majority regions and beyond.
Among the diverse projects, one nomination stands out for Pakistan: Vision Pakistan. This moment is historic, as it marks the country’s return to the global architectural stage after 27 years of absence from the award’s shortlist. It is not just an architectural milestone but a moment of national pride for Pakistan’s creative community and architectural fraternity.
Vision Pakistan: Architecture with Purpose
Vision Pakistan is not just a building. It is a lifeline for marginalized youth. The charity offers a “second chance” to disadvantaged young men between 16 to 25 years old who have been affected by aggression, depression, crime, drug use, or social exclusion.
Through a holistic year-long programme, the institution trains participants as master tailors, while also equipping them with literacy, life skills, and peace-focused understanding of Islam. The goal is simple yet profound: to nurture self-reliant, socially responsible individuals who can reintegrate into society with dignity.
The Architecture of Hope
The facility, located in Ghauri Town, Islamabad, reflects thoughtful design rooted in function, community, and culture. The complex can house 40–50 students along with tutors, management, and support staff, ensuring a close-knit environment.
Key Features of the Design:
- Flexible Classrooms: Five classrooms designed for adaptability.
- Recreational & Communal Spaces: A dining hall, recreation zones, and exhibition areas.
- Spiritual & Sustainable Elements: Rooftop prayer area with a student-managed kitchen garden.
- Funding Sustainability: Certain spaces can be rented out to support operations.
A central atrium with a tall anchor tree brings natural light and ventilation while fostering calm and visual connectivity throughout the building.
The architecture celebrates local culture through colourful pierced metal screens (jaali) inspired by Pakistani and Arab crafts, as well as 1960s Islamabad architecture. These patterns provide shade, privacy, and vibrancy, turning bare concrete into a canvas of cultural pride.
Designed for ease of access by public transport, the site location ensures inclusivity, enabling every student to attend without barriers.
The Architect Behind Vision Pakistan: Mohammad Saifullah Siddiqui
At the heart of this achievement is Mohammad Saifullah Siddiqui, the Principal Architect of DB Studios and Co-Founder & CEO of Banjaiga Pvt Ltd. His vision combines social responsibility with innovative design, earning him recognition as one of Pakistan’s most dynamic architects.
His Achievements Include:
- Shortlisted Finalist, Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025 (decision pending).
- IAP Design Excellence Award (Socially Responsive Architecture) – 2024.
- 3rd Prize, National Monument Design Competition Yaadgaar-e-Dastoor – 2024.
- IAP Design Excellence Award (Residential Category) – 2022.
- IAP Young Architect Excellence Award – 2013.
Siddiqui’s work consistently demonstrates social impact, contextual sensitivity, and cultural pride—qualities that define the best of Pakistani architecture.
Banjaiga: Reimagining Pakistan’s Architectural Landscape
Beyond his architectural practice, Siddiqui co-founded Banjaiga, a pioneering platform that showcases Pakistan’s architectural talent and heritage to the world.
Banjaiga serves as a bridge between architects, clients, and suppliers, empowering creativity and collaboration. Through initiatives such as the Open House Exhibition Series, it provides a platform for dialogue on the built environment, encouraging contextual innovation and celebration of indigenous design.
By liberating Pakistani architects from the dominance of Western paradigms, Banjaiga fosters confidence, experimentation, and pride in local heritage. Today, it is recognized both nationally and internationally as a hub of architectural excellence.
