NEW DELHI, Nov 27: The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and a project to revitalize Old Jerusalem were among seven architectural achievements named here on Saturday as winners of the Aga Khan award for architecture.

The prizes were presented by the Aga Khan at a sunset ceremony in the gardens of the picturesque Humayun's Tomb. The ceremony was attended by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The triennial awards, worth 500,000 dollars, reward "outstanding examples of architectural excellence" which also reflect "the values of the primarily Muslim societies the projects are intended to serve", according to the Aga Khan Award For Architecture.

The Aga Khan, speaking in front of Humayan's Tomb - spectacularly lit up as night fell under a full moon - said the aim of his group in presenting the awards was to "recognize projects that cover the entire spectrum of human endeavour and human need".

Bemoaning the decline in Islamic architecture which "has lost its identity and inspiration" and was now "absorbing western architectural language and materials", he said any effort to "support diversity and cultures under threat is a worthwhile venture". -AFP