Established in 2018, the ADA Awards recognise excellence in architecture, design and art, welcoming participants from all over Pakistan. To be eligible, submissions must showcase innovation, contextual relevance and a clear design philosophy that reflects contemporary concerns. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the most impactful works make the shortlist.

The fourth Architecture, Design and Art (ADA) Awards were held at the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore on February 12. Organised by ADA Magazine under the careful eye of founder and curator Maria Aslam, the biennial awards honour individuals and projects that push the boundaries of aesthetics, functionality and social responsibility.

The awards kicked off on February 11 at the Beaconhouse National University (BNU) Auditorium with a full-day seminar that brought together award nominees, jurors and design enthusiasts for discussions on contemporary creative practices. The day began with a welcome address by Rohma Khan, Associate Professor at the Mariam Dawood School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD), BNU, followed by speeches from Rashid Rana, Dean of SVAD, BNU and Maria Aslam, Curator of the ADA Awards. A series of invigorating seminars followed, including presentations from architects, curators and media experts, and a panel discussion exploring the role of activism and impact ‘by design.’ The day concluded with an exhibition of student work.

On February 12, the grand awards ceremony unfolded, recognising outstanding contributions across approximately 25 subcategories within the three main categories. Of these, 13 winners emerged: three in the art category, four in design and six in architecture, alongside 11 honourable mentions. Special accolades included two ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards,’ the ‘Environmental Leadership Award’ and the ‘Socially Responsive Award.’

Announced late last year, this year’s jury was chaired by eminent figures spanning the three main categories. The architecture jury included celebrated professionals known for their transformative designs, with Yasmeen Cheema as chair and George Arbid and Yahya Jan among the distinguished jurors. The design and art panels, chaired by Tazeen Hussain and Imran Qureshi, respectively, included notable names such as Shehnaz Ismail, Manal Naji and Hammad Nasar.

Among the honourees, Professor Hassan-Uddin Khan presented Anwar Said with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award in Architecture’ for his pioneering role in modernist architecture in Pakistan, particularly his transformative impact on Islamabad’s architectural landscape. In his citation for the evening, Professor Khan aptly noted, “To attempt to understand Anwar Said, the man and his architecture, it is worth placing him within an international context. Architecture is in Said’s very blood.” Similarly, the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award in Art’ was conferred upon Rafique Ahmed, popularly known as Feica, for his fearless and satirical political caricatures.

The ‘Socially Responsive Award’ was presented to Impact BBDO’s ‘Audio Nikahnama’ campaign run by Easypaisa. The jury noted that the campaign transcends being just a technological innovation – it is a socially responsive and transformative effort. “It not only educates and challenges social taboos but also inspires – advocating for a cultural shift toward greater inclusivity, equality and empowerment.” Meanwhile, Karim Khan’s installation ‘Still Life’ earned the ‘Environmental Leadership Award’ for its poignant commentary on climate change.

ADA Magazine, founded as Pakistan’s first dedicated architecture, design and art publication, has played a pivotal role in documenting and promoting the country’s creative endeavours. Over the years, the ADA Awards have evolved into a platform that not only honours excellence but also fosters dialogue, innovation and critical discourse within the creative community.

Speaking at the event, Maria Aslam emphasised the importance of recognising creative talent that not only excels in form but also engages with critical socio-political and environmental issues. “The ADA Awards encourage the pursuit of excellence because I don’t believe in perfection; I believe in excellence. We might not be supported by the government yet, but I feel confident in claiming that ADA is one of the only institutions in Pakistan presenting a softer image of the country upon the global stage.”

Zehra Khan is Program Assistant, South Asia Speaks. zehrakhan653@gmail.com