A public park in Denmark, a Chinese arts centre, a three-storey pedestrian bridge in Iran and a library in Spain are among the leisure projects nominated for the architecture'>2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

The prize awards projects “from slum upgrading to high rise green buildings – that not only exhibit architectural excellence but also improve the overall quality of life.”

Since its establishment in 1977, more than 110 projects have received the award and more than 9,000 building projects have been documented.

This year, 19 projects from various sectors have been chosen from 348 submissions. Those shortlisted will be competing for US$1m (€878,000, £693,000) in prize money.

The projects are now undergoing “rigorous investigations” by on-site architects, conservation specialists or structural engineers. Their reports will be used by a Master Jury – featuring architects Emre Arolat and Dominique Perrault – to select a final winner.

The prize honours municipalities, builders, clients, master craftsmen and engineers as well as architects.

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was founded by Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, otherwise known as Aga Khan IV. He is the current Imam of the Nizari Ismailis, a figurehead for a branch of Shia Islam.

The mission of the awards is to “identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of communities in which Muslims have a significant presence.”

More information on the awards and this year’s shortlisted leisure projects can be found below.