Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj's chapter "Building Crafts in the Modern World" delves into the complexities of sustaining traditional craftsmanship in contemporary architecture. He begins by highlighting the Aga Khan Award for Architecture's focus on craftsmanship's importance in shaping community identity and achieving design excellence. Mr. Hallaj challenges the perception of modernity as opposing small-scale production techniques, urging a reevaluation of paradigms like authenticity, identity, and environmental harmony.

Mr. Hallaj argues that understanding craft requires moving beyond its traditional aspects of technique and social meaning, acknowledging its evolution and cultural significance. He notes the tendency to justify craft's value beyond its economic practicality, categorizing it as a luxury or cultural artifact, thus making its sustainability dependent on societal excess and political discourse.

The chapter emphasizes the dynamic nature of craft within economic and social environments, necessitating a contextual approach to preservation that extends beyond nostalgia. Mr. Hallaj observes that the economic rationale for craft preservation is often driven by donors or found in underdeveloped economies where traditional crafts are the only viable option. This points to the necessity of considering the entire supply and demand cycle and moving beyond superficial discourse.

Mr. Hallaj identifies three key areas for sustaining crafts: understanding the value chain, reevaluating the role of accountability, and addressing the need for adaptability and innovation. He explains how the value of craftsmanship has diminished in the modern production process and how traditional craftspeople face challenges in maintaining economic relevance and attracting new generations.

The chapter critiques current preservation practices for their limited approach, focusing on old pricing techniques and assuming replicability without considering the entire value chain. Mr. Hallaj suggests incorporating fair-trade principles to ensure a fair share of the value chain remains with craftspeople. However, he notes the difficulty in transferring these costs in the built environment, especially in tourism-driven economies.

Mr. Hallaj addresses the need for accountability in craft preservation, both in public and private realms, highlighting challenges in taxation and state involvement. He emphasizes the importance of crafts people’s responsibility to consumers and the necessity of re-integrating crafts into formal and informal accreditation systems.

Finally, Mr. Hallaj challenges the idea that tradition impedes innovation in crafts. He argues for the need to ensure that crafts remain adaptable, innovative, and relevant, addressing the deeper questions of modernity and sustainability. This approach reframes crafts not just as a preservation of heritage but as an active, evolving practice responsive to contemporary needs and contexts.