"Construction of buildings - whatever it might be - houses, schools, hospitals ... architecture is of great importance for human life and development". In 1977, His Highness founded this Award to promote the construction of quality buildings in a way that makes them convenient for a person to live in a house that meets the necessary requirements. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha underlined that all architectural projects influencing modern environment are eligible to participate in the Award process. "Projects from wide range sectors are accepted for the Award - from modest, small buildings to large complexes, from detached buildings to skyscrapers - as well as projects in the field of housing, construction of campuses and medical centres. Urban and rural development planning projects are especially welcome. Projects for the conservation and development of large territories are allowed to participate, provided that one can be assured that this project will be fully completed and sustainable."

The programme of public spaces development in Tatarstan is among the winners of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA). This is the only Russian project in the 42 years of AKAA’s history. "This is a great honour for us to be awarded together with five more projects from Bangladesh, Palestine, UAE, Senegal and Bahrain. We congratulate them from the bottoms of our hearts",said Mintimer Shaimiev, the State Counselor of the Tatarstan Republic. "Your Highness, we consider this Award as a high appreciation of our multifaceted activities that are carried out in the Republic for people" addressed Mintimer Shaimiev to His Highness. The founder of the Award said in his welcoming speech that the peculiarity of the Award was that it took into account not only architectural aspects but also how it improved quality of life of people.