Aga Khan Centre
Opening in summer 2018 in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, the Aga Khan Centre, will be a place for education, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim civilisations.
The Aga Khan Centre, designed by Maki and Associates, led by Fumihiko Maki, one of Japan’s most distinguished contemporary architects, provides a new home for a number of UK based organisations founded by His Highness the Aga Khan: The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) and the Aga Khan Foundation UK (AKF UK). These Institutions have been operating in the UK for many years and are part of a mission and mandate to increase knowledge and understanding of Muslim civilisations and help improve the quality of life for people around the world.
Through research and publications, higher education and a public programme of lectures and exhibitions, the organisations located in the Aga Khan Centre will continue to serve as bridges in building understanding about Muslim cultures and societies. The Aga Khan Library, London, houses the unique collections of IIS and AKU-ISMC, providing space for the collections, space for study and secure archival storage for rare books and manuscripts.
The Aga Khan Centre will help connect the public to global development issues and the Aga Khan Foundation’s work to improve the quality of life for people of all faiths and backgrounds in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
This centre is designed to represent the values of openness, dialogue and respect for different viewpoints (pluralism). A distinctive feature of the Aga Khan Centre is its six gardens, courtyards and terraces inspired by Islamic landscape design from Spain, North Africa and the Middle East to Central and South Asia. Garden tours will be open to the public at scheduled times.
Victoria Hall King’s Cross, across the way from the Aga Khan Centre, is a halls of residence which provides accommodation for students of the IIS and AKU-ISMC as well as other students studying in London. Victoria Hall also has two outdoor spaces – a courtyard on the first floor and a terraced garden on the eighth floor, both designed by Vladimir Djurovic who also designed the Aga Khan Park in Toronto. The eight gardens at the Aga Khan Centre and Victoria Hall as well as two gardens in the public realm, form a ribbon of green spaces which seeks to reflect the rich diversity of cultures across the world of Islam.
http://www.akdn.org/where-we-work/europ ... han-centre
Photos at:
http://www.akdn.org/where-we-work/europ ... han-centre
Related link in this forum:
King's Cross Central finalising details
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... pic&t=7548
Aga Khan Centre, United Kingdom
Aga Khan Centre, United Kingdom
Last edited by kmaherali on Fri Jun 22, 2018 3:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
http://www.akdn.org/where-we-work/europ ... han-centre
Aga Khan Centre one of the Ismaili communities constitutional Centres globally is in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter.
Aga Khan Centre, will be a place for education, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim civilisations
The Aga Khan Centre, designed by Maki and Associates, led by Fumihiko Maki, one of Japan’s most distinguished contemporary architects, provides a new home for a number of UK based Ismaili community constitutional organisations founded by His Highness the Aga Khan:
The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) and the Aga Khan Foundation UK (AKF UK).
These Institutions have been operating in the UK for many years and are part of a mission and mandate to increase knowledge and understanding of Muslim civilisations and help improve the quality of life for people around the world.
Through research and publications, higher education and a public programme of lectures and exhibitions, the organisations located in the Aga Khan Centre will continue to serve as bridges in building understanding about Muslim cultures and societies.
The Aga Khan Library, London, houses the unique collections of IIS and AKU-ISMC, providing space for the collections, space for study and secure archival storage for rare books and manuscripts.
The Aga Khan Centre will help connect the public to global development issues and the Aga Khan Foundation’s work to improve the quality of life for people of all faiths and backgrounds in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
This centre is designed to represent the values of openness, dialogue and respect for different viewpoints (pluralism).
A distinctive feature of the Aga Khan Centre is its six gardens, courtyards and terraces inspired by Islamic landscape design from Spain, North Africa and the Middle East to Central and South Asia. Garden tours will be open to the public at scheduled times.
Victoria Hall King’s Cross, across the way from the Aga Khan Centre, is a halls of residence which provides accommodation for students of the IIS and AKU-ISMC as well as other students studying in London. Victoria Hall also has two outdoor spaces – a courtyard on the first floor and a terraced garden on the eighth floor, both designed by Vladimir Djurovic who also designed the Aga Khan Park in Toronto. The eight gardens at the Aga Khan Centre and Victoria Hall as well as two gardens in the public realm, form a ribbon of green spaces which seeks to reflect the rich diversity of cultures across the world of Islam.
Aga Khan Centre one of the Ismaili communities constitutional Centres globally is in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter.
Aga Khan Centre, will be a place for education, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim civilisations
The Aga Khan Centre, designed by Maki and Associates, led by Fumihiko Maki, one of Japan’s most distinguished contemporary architects, provides a new home for a number of UK based Ismaili community constitutional organisations founded by His Highness the Aga Khan:
The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) and the Aga Khan Foundation UK (AKF UK).
These Institutions have been operating in the UK for many years and are part of a mission and mandate to increase knowledge and understanding of Muslim civilisations and help improve the quality of life for people around the world.
Through research and publications, higher education and a public programme of lectures and exhibitions, the organisations located in the Aga Khan Centre will continue to serve as bridges in building understanding about Muslim cultures and societies.
The Aga Khan Library, London, houses the unique collections of IIS and AKU-ISMC, providing space for the collections, space for study and secure archival storage for rare books and manuscripts.
The Aga Khan Centre will help connect the public to global development issues and the Aga Khan Foundation’s work to improve the quality of life for people of all faiths and backgrounds in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
This centre is designed to represent the values of openness, dialogue and respect for different viewpoints (pluralism).
A distinctive feature of the Aga Khan Centre is its six gardens, courtyards and terraces inspired by Islamic landscape design from Spain, North Africa and the Middle East to Central and South Asia. Garden tours will be open to the public at scheduled times.
Victoria Hall King’s Cross, across the way from the Aga Khan Centre, is a halls of residence which provides accommodation for students of the IIS and AKU-ISMC as well as other students studying in London. Victoria Hall also has two outdoor spaces – a courtyard on the first floor and a terraced garden on the eighth floor, both designed by Vladimir Djurovic who also designed the Aga Khan Park in Toronto. The eight gardens at the Aga Khan Centre and Victoria Hall as well as two gardens in the public realm, form a ribbon of green spaces which seeks to reflect the rich diversity of cultures across the world of Islam.
Aga Khan Centre to be inaugurated during Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee visit to the UK
Next week, the Aga Khan Centre will be opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam. Situated at the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, the Aga Khan Centre — home to the UK institutions founded by Mawlana Hazar Imam — will be a place for education, cultural exchange, and insight into Muslim civilisations.
Nestled amongst landscaped walkways, pavement cafés, and a crop of new buildings within London’s revitalised King’s Cross, stands the Aga Khan Centre, providing a purpose-built space for contemplation, collaboration, and contribution to knowledge and scholarship. The precise accuracy of the building’s architectural features contrasts with the organic plant life and flowing water of its gardens. The resulting combination of flexible multi-use spaces will offer areas for learning and research, public programming, private events, and tranquil places for quiet reflection.
The Aga Khan Centre, designed by Maki and Associates, led by Fumihiko Maki, one of the world’s most distinguished contemporary architects, provides a new home for a number of UK based organisations founded by Mawlana Hazar Imam: The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) and the Aga Khan Foundation UK (AKF UK). These Institutions have been operating in the UK for many years and are part of a mission and mandate to increase knowledge and understanding of Muslim civilisations and help improve the quality of life for people around the world.
Through research and publications, higher education and a public programme of lectures and exhibitions, the organisations located at the Aga Khan Centre will continue to serve as bridges, building understanding about Muslim cultures and societies. The Aga Khan Library, London, situated across two floors at the heart of the new building, will house the unique collections of IIS and AKU-ISMC, and provide space for study as well as secure archival storage for rare books and manuscripts.
The Aga Khan Centre will also provide a venue to connect the public to global development issues and the Aga Khan Foundation’s work to improve the quality of life for people of all faiths and backgrounds in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
Designed to represent the values of openness, dialogue, and pluralism, a central atrium as well as open-plan work and study areas, will create opportunities for new encounters and dialogue amongst the different users of the building. A distinctive feature of the Aga Khan Centre is its six gardens, courtyards and terraces inspired by Islamic landscape design from Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, to Central and South Asia. Garden tours will be open to the public at scheduled times from the end of September 2018.
Victoria Hall King’s Cross, across the way from the Aga Khan Centre, is a halls of residence which provides accommodation for students of the IIS and AKU-ISMC as well as other students studying in London. The residence which opened in 2016, also has two outdoor spaces – a courtyard garden on the first floor and a terraced garden on the eighth floor, both designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic who also designed the Aga Khan Park in Toronto. The eight gardens at the Aga Khan Centre and Victoria Hall as well as two public gardens adjoining the buildings, form a ribbon of green spaces, which seek to reflect the rich diversity of cultures across the world of Islam.
https://the.ismaili/diamond-jubilee/aga ... e-visit-uk
Next week, the Aga Khan Centre will be opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam. Situated at the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, the Aga Khan Centre — home to the UK institutions founded by Mawlana Hazar Imam — will be a place for education, cultural exchange, and insight into Muslim civilisations.
Nestled amongst landscaped walkways, pavement cafés, and a crop of new buildings within London’s revitalised King’s Cross, stands the Aga Khan Centre, providing a purpose-built space for contemplation, collaboration, and contribution to knowledge and scholarship. The precise accuracy of the building’s architectural features contrasts with the organic plant life and flowing water of its gardens. The resulting combination of flexible multi-use spaces will offer areas for learning and research, public programming, private events, and tranquil places for quiet reflection.
The Aga Khan Centre, designed by Maki and Associates, led by Fumihiko Maki, one of the world’s most distinguished contemporary architects, provides a new home for a number of UK based organisations founded by Mawlana Hazar Imam: The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) and the Aga Khan Foundation UK (AKF UK). These Institutions have been operating in the UK for many years and are part of a mission and mandate to increase knowledge and understanding of Muslim civilisations and help improve the quality of life for people around the world.
Through research and publications, higher education and a public programme of lectures and exhibitions, the organisations located at the Aga Khan Centre will continue to serve as bridges, building understanding about Muslim cultures and societies. The Aga Khan Library, London, situated across two floors at the heart of the new building, will house the unique collections of IIS and AKU-ISMC, and provide space for study as well as secure archival storage for rare books and manuscripts.
The Aga Khan Centre will also provide a venue to connect the public to global development issues and the Aga Khan Foundation’s work to improve the quality of life for people of all faiths and backgrounds in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
Designed to represent the values of openness, dialogue, and pluralism, a central atrium as well as open-plan work and study areas, will create opportunities for new encounters and dialogue amongst the different users of the building. A distinctive feature of the Aga Khan Centre is its six gardens, courtyards and terraces inspired by Islamic landscape design from Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, to Central and South Asia. Garden tours will be open to the public at scheduled times from the end of September 2018.
Victoria Hall King’s Cross, across the way from the Aga Khan Centre, is a halls of residence which provides accommodation for students of the IIS and AKU-ISMC as well as other students studying in London. The residence which opened in 2016, also has two outdoor spaces – a courtyard garden on the first floor and a terraced garden on the eighth floor, both designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic who also designed the Aga Khan Park in Toronto. The eight gardens at the Aga Khan Centre and Victoria Hall as well as two public gardens adjoining the buildings, form a ribbon of green spaces, which seek to reflect the rich diversity of cultures across the world of Islam.
https://the.ismaili/diamond-jubilee/aga ... e-visit-uk
Aga Khan Centre to be opened at London's Kings Cross by HRH The Prince of Wales, in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan on 26 June 2018 - ceremony, to commence 1:45pm BST, will be live streamed on this link:
https://the.ismaili/live
https://the.ismaili/live
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/ ... 72041.html
King's Cross Aga Khan Centre shows wonders of the Islamic world
Britain's largest collection of Islamic gardens, terraces and courtyards is to be opened today by Prince Charles at a new Muslim education hub in the capital.
The Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross, designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, will have six landscaped open spaces inspired by different Muslim cultures from around the world.
There will also be four other havens of calm surrounding the ten-storey building, in what is the heart of one of London’s biggest regeneration districts.
Today’s inauguration will be attended by Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, also known as Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, also known as Aga Khan (Dominic Lipinski)
The white limestone building will house The Institute of Ismaili Studies, the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, and the Aga Khan Foundation UK.
The aim is to promote greater understanding of muslim cultures. Matt Reed, chief executive of the Aga Khan Foundation UK, said the gardens were a core feature of the design.
Mr Reed said: “He thought of them as an entry point into discovering and understanding the history and cultures of the Muslim world as well as making new public spaces for London.”
Atrium artwork “Rhapsody in Four Colours” by artist Rasheed Araeen, at the Aga Khan Centre (Edmund Sumner)
Islamic gardens are traditionally divided into four parts by water channels or walkways, reflecting the four gardens of paradise from the Qur’an.
The six gardens at the Aga Khan Centre include a covered “loggia” with a central fountain; a terrace inspired by the cloisters of southern Spain, Morocco and Egypt; a “courtyard of harmony” reminiscent of an “iwan” (a three-sided outdoor room found in the Middle East and Central Asia); a rooftop space based on the gardens of the Mughal empire; a “terrace of discovery” inspired by a Persian throne known as a “talar”, and a “garden of light”.
The spaces, collectively known as the “Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross” will be open for public tours from September 22, as well as annual events such as Open House London every autumn.
King's Cross Aga Khan Centre shows wonders of the Islamic world
Britain's largest collection of Islamic gardens, terraces and courtyards is to be opened today by Prince Charles at a new Muslim education hub in the capital.
The Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross, designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, will have six landscaped open spaces inspired by different Muslim cultures from around the world.
There will also be four other havens of calm surrounding the ten-storey building, in what is the heart of one of London’s biggest regeneration districts.
Today’s inauguration will be attended by Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, also known as Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, also known as Aga Khan (Dominic Lipinski)
The white limestone building will house The Institute of Ismaili Studies, the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, and the Aga Khan Foundation UK.
The aim is to promote greater understanding of muslim cultures. Matt Reed, chief executive of the Aga Khan Foundation UK, said the gardens were a core feature of the design.
Mr Reed said: “He thought of them as an entry point into discovering and understanding the history and cultures of the Muslim world as well as making new public spaces for London.”
Atrium artwork “Rhapsody in Four Colours” by artist Rasheed Araeen, at the Aga Khan Centre (Edmund Sumner)
Islamic gardens are traditionally divided into four parts by water channels or walkways, reflecting the four gardens of paradise from the Qur’an.
The six gardens at the Aga Khan Centre include a covered “loggia” with a central fountain; a terrace inspired by the cloisters of southern Spain, Morocco and Egypt; a “courtyard of harmony” reminiscent of an “iwan” (a three-sided outdoor room found in the Middle East and Central Asia); a rooftop space based on the gardens of the Mughal empire; a “terrace of discovery” inspired by a Persian throne known as a “talar”, and a “garden of light”.
The spaces, collectively known as the “Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross” will be open for public tours from September 22, as well as annual events such as Open House London every autumn.
Last edited by Admin on Thu Jun 28, 2018 10:43 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Aga Khan Centre has been inaugurated at London's Kings Cross by HRH The Prince of Wales, in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan this 26 June 2018 - - The opening was attended by members of the Noorani family (Prince Amyn, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain, Princess Zahra, Prince Aly Muhammad), Prince Charles, the Mayor of London and many other dignitaries.
We will be adding several videos below later tonight
We will be adding several videos below later tonight
Last edited by Admin on Tue Jun 26, 2018 12:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2018-06-26
VIDEO: Noorani family members coming to the inauguration of the new Aga Khan Centre in London by Prince Charles in the presence of Mowlana Hazar Imam.
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/20180626-akc1.mp4
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/20180626-akc2.mp4
many videos to be added later tonight here
VIDEO: Noorani family members coming to the inauguration of the new Aga Khan Centre in London by Prince Charles in the presence of Mowlana Hazar Imam.
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/20180626-akc1.mp4
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/20180626-akc2.mp4
many videos to be added later tonight here
Aga Khan Centre inaugurated in King’s Cross, London
Earlier today, the Aga Khan Centre was opened by HRH the Prince of Wales in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam, at an inauguration ceremony to coincide with Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee visit to the UK. Mawlana Hazar Imam was joined by Prince Amyn, Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Princess Salwa, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad, for a momentous occasion in the history of the Ismaili Imamat and the global Jamat.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Foreign Office Minister; and Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, were also present at the opening ceremony of the Aga Khan Centre, situated at the heart of London’s thriving Knowledge Quarter, located in the revitalised area of King’s Cross.
In his speech, Mawlana Hazar Imam called the Centre “a beautiful new architectural accomplishment” and spoke of his expectations for the institutions that will call the Centre home, including the Institute of Ismaili Studies, the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, and the Aga Khan Foundation (UK).
“These institutions - through their teaching and research, their rich library and archival resources, as well as their tours and public programmes - will enrich the lives of people from the entire world,” Hazar Imam said. “For those of us who have seen these institutions grow from infancy, it will be a special joy to see them pursue their mission from this beautiful setting.”
The building was designed by Maki and Associates - the third that Mawlana Hazar Imam has commissioned, following the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Prince of Wales commented on the importance of understanding the intellectual and cultural contributions that Islamic civilisations have made to the world.
His Royal Highness noted that Mawlana Hazar Imam’s vision had enabled the Aga Khan Development Network to grow into an organisation of international importance, addressing development needs across the globe, and bridging the boundaries of race and religion with his message of hope, compassion, and pluralism.
The Prince of Wales also commented on the values of the Ismaili community, saying that in holding dear the values of humility, honour, magnanimity, and hospitality, the Ismaili community took its inspiration from their Imam, and from his extraordinary "Greatness of Soul." He continued by saying that in similarly inspiring this Centre, the Imam had set it on a path to serve the world with great distinction, just as he had done throughout his remarkable life.
Referring to the collection of open and outdoor spaces within the Aga Khan Centre and nearby Victoria Hall, Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “What we will see as we walk along are not only beautiful buildings - but also a unique series of gardens, courtyards and terraces - eight of them, in all, across our two buildings.”
Addressing the audience, Hazar Imam continued “Taken together, this winding ribbon of special spaces is an eloquent tribute to the rich diversity of the Muslim world. What they will make possible for those who walk these pathways, the people who will live and work here and public visitors as well, is a wonderful journey of refreshment and discovery.”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/aga-khan-inaug ... oss-london
MHI's Speech:
http://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highness ... tre-london
Earlier today, the Aga Khan Centre was opened by HRH the Prince of Wales in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam, at an inauguration ceremony to coincide with Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee visit to the UK. Mawlana Hazar Imam was joined by Prince Amyn, Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Princess Salwa, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad, for a momentous occasion in the history of the Ismaili Imamat and the global Jamat.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Foreign Office Minister; and Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, were also present at the opening ceremony of the Aga Khan Centre, situated at the heart of London’s thriving Knowledge Quarter, located in the revitalised area of King’s Cross.
In his speech, Mawlana Hazar Imam called the Centre “a beautiful new architectural accomplishment” and spoke of his expectations for the institutions that will call the Centre home, including the Institute of Ismaili Studies, the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, and the Aga Khan Foundation (UK).
“These institutions - through their teaching and research, their rich library and archival resources, as well as their tours and public programmes - will enrich the lives of people from the entire world,” Hazar Imam said. “For those of us who have seen these institutions grow from infancy, it will be a special joy to see them pursue their mission from this beautiful setting.”
The building was designed by Maki and Associates - the third that Mawlana Hazar Imam has commissioned, following the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Prince of Wales commented on the importance of understanding the intellectual and cultural contributions that Islamic civilisations have made to the world.
His Royal Highness noted that Mawlana Hazar Imam’s vision had enabled the Aga Khan Development Network to grow into an organisation of international importance, addressing development needs across the globe, and bridging the boundaries of race and religion with his message of hope, compassion, and pluralism.
The Prince of Wales also commented on the values of the Ismaili community, saying that in holding dear the values of humility, honour, magnanimity, and hospitality, the Ismaili community took its inspiration from their Imam, and from his extraordinary "Greatness of Soul." He continued by saying that in similarly inspiring this Centre, the Imam had set it on a path to serve the world with great distinction, just as he had done throughout his remarkable life.
Referring to the collection of open and outdoor spaces within the Aga Khan Centre and nearby Victoria Hall, Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “What we will see as we walk along are not only beautiful buildings - but also a unique series of gardens, courtyards and terraces - eight of them, in all, across our two buildings.”
Addressing the audience, Hazar Imam continued “Taken together, this winding ribbon of special spaces is an eloquent tribute to the rich diversity of the Muslim world. What they will make possible for those who walk these pathways, the people who will live and work here and public visitors as well, is a wonderful journey of refreshment and discovery.”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/aga-khan-inaug ... oss-london
MHI's Speech:
http://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highness ... tre-london
Aga Khan Center 2018 Videos
2018-06-26
26 June 2018
Aga Khan Center inauguration in London in the presence of Noorani Family, the Mayor of London, Prince Charles and many dignitaries.
Testimony from one of the Murids there. Many had tears of joy and hugged and wished each other.
“Shukhar Mowla!!!it was a very very happy moment. Prince Charles brought Mowla right up to us and he told Mowla this is your loving and caring community. And Mowla said, “these are My kids” and both of them shook our hands. It was so unexpected, it was so extraordinary, it was so out of this world that I was positively stunned! I almost fainted with the overwhelming emotions.
VIDEO
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/2018-0 ... khan-3.mp4
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/2018-06-26-charles.mp4
26 June 2018
Aga Khan Center inauguration in London in the presence of Noorani Family, the Mayor of London, Prince Charles and many dignitaries.
Testimony from one of the Murids there. Many had tears of joy and hugged and wished each other.
“Shukhar Mowla!!!it was a very very happy moment. Prince Charles brought Mowla right up to us and he told Mowla this is your loving and caring community. And Mowla said, “these are My kids” and both of them shook our hands. It was so unexpected, it was so extraordinary, it was so out of this world that I was positively stunned! I almost fainted with the overwhelming emotions.
VIDEO
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/2018-0 ... khan-3.mp4
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/2018-06-26-charles.mp4
http://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highness ... tre-london
SPEECH OF H.H. THE AGA KHAN AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE AGA KHAN CENTRE, LONDON.
Opening of the Aga Khan Centre, London
SPEECH DELIVERED BY His Highness the Aga Khan
LOCATION
London, UK (26 June 2018)
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Your Royal Highness,
Lord Ahmad, Foreign Office Minister, Mr Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London,
The leadership of Camden,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen
What a pleasure it is to welcome you to this celebration!
We celebrate today a beautiful new architectural accomplishment. As we do so, we also honor those who have made this Centre possible - and the values that have inspired their work.
Two of those values which deserve special mention today - the value of education as a force for cooperation and healing in our world - and the value of architecture as a source of inspiration and illumination.
Both of these values - education and architecture - have been significant in the life and work of today’s guest of honor, His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. As you know, Prince Charles’ commitment to creative education - through organisations such as the Prince’s Trust and the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts - has transformed the lives of countless young people from many backgrounds - over many years, and in many places.
Prince Charles has also consistently affirmed the transformative power of architecture - including the rich traditions of Islamic architecture. You may know, for example, about his development of an award-winning Islamic garden at his home in Highgrove.
The value of education, of course, is at the heart of this project. We are proud to open here a new home for two important educational institutions associated with the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili Imamat. One is the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations of the Aga Khan University. The other is the Institute of Ismaili Studies. The UK offices of the Aga Khan Foundation will also be located here.
These institutions - through their teaching and research, their rich library and archival resources, as well as their tours and public programmes - will enrich the lives of people from the entire world.
For those of us who have seen these institutions grow from infancy, it will be a special joy to see them pursue their mission from this beautiful setting.
And what a mission it is!
One of the central challenges that faces our world today is the challenge of harmonising many highly diversified voices within an increasingly globalised world.
I use the word “harmonising” carefully - for our ideal here is not a chorus that sings in unison, but one that blends many distinctive voices into an intelligent, resonant whole. But to do that requires a deep understanding of what makes each voice distinctive. And that is the essential function of the educational endeavors that will make this place their home.
The challenge is particularly important in the area of religion – and it has been especially challenging for Islamic-Western relations. For centuries, the Muslim and Western cultures were largely separated geographically – although there have been memorable periods of integration as well - on the Iberian Peninsula and in South Asia - among other places. But those were hopeful exceptions to what some observers came, over time, to describe as an inevitable pattern of clashing civilisations.
When I came to my role as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community - just sixty years ago - I found it impossible to accept the notion of inevitably clashing civilisations. My own early life experiences were in both worlds – and so were those of millions of Muslim peoples. So rather than talk about clashing civilisations, I began to talk - again and again, as some of you may recall - about a clash of ignorances. And the assumption behind that phrase was that ignorance could yield to understanding through the power of education.
That continuing conviction is what brings me here today. I believe that is what brings all of us here.
My strong expectation is that, from this new home, our education-oriented institutions will contribute powerfully to building new bridges of understanding across the gulfs of ignorance.
As that happens, one important source of inspiration will be the place from which these institutions will be working - and that brings us to the second value I mentioned earlier - the inspiring power of architecture.
The places from which we look out at the world - and the places into which we welcome the world – can deeply influence how we understand ourselves - and our world.
And what place could be more ideal for both our educational hopes and our architectural enthusiasm than the place where we meet today - in the heart of London’s “Knowledge Quarter.” King’s Cross is one of the central connecting points for a city which itself has been one of the great connecting points for the entire world.
This place has been shaped by many diverse influences – and among them we now welcome the rich traditions of Islamic architecture.
One of those traditions - one that is appreciated by both the Islamic and the British cultures - is the special importance of the garden. We see the garden not merely as an adjunct to other constructions, but as a privileged space unto itself.
And that is why I have emphasised, since our role began here in 2010, my own hope that the value of garden spaces should be embraced here. As we perambulate together through these spaces today, I trust that you will share my delight in seeing how that hope has been fulfilled.
What we will see as we walk along are not only beautiful buildings - but also a unique series of gardens, courtyards and terraces - eight of them, in all, across our two buildings. Each one of them, moreover, has a distinctive identity: each one is inspired by a different region of the Islamic Ummah.
Taken together, this winding ribbon of special spaces is an eloquent tribute to the rich diversity of the Muslim world.
What they will make possible for those who walk these pathways, the people who will live and work here and public visitors as well, is a wonderful journey of refreshment and discovery.
Now, as I mentioned earlier, an extraordinary Islamic garden already exists in this part of the world, the one that Prince Charles created at his own home. But, since it is something of a journey to get out to Gloucestershire, we thought we might save people the trip by locating something here! For now they can actually see eight Islamic gardens right here in the heart of London!
As we open this remarkable site, it is a privilege to salute those who have brought us to this moment. I would recognise, in particular, our fine relationship with the government of this borough, this city, and this country, as well as our rewarding partnership with the people at Argent. We are grateful, as well, for the talents of Maki and Associates, Allies and Morrison, Madison Cox and Nelson Bird Woltz, as well as Rasheed Areen and the late Karl Schlamminger. I would also like to thank our splendid team of staff and volunteers, including my brother Prince Amyn, who have stewarded this project to completion.
And we especially salute the magnificent generosity of supportive donors from around the world.
Finally, as we open this building, I proudly welcome a guest whose commitment to the promise of inter-cultural education - and to the power of architecture - resonates ideally with the spirit of this place and this moment.
Ladies and gentlemen, His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.
http://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highness ... tre-london
SPEECH OF H.H. THE AGA KHAN AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE AGA KHAN CENTRE, LONDON.
Opening of the Aga Khan Centre, London
SPEECH DELIVERED BY His Highness the Aga Khan
LOCATION
London, UK (26 June 2018)
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Your Royal Highness,
Lord Ahmad, Foreign Office Minister, Mr Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London,
The leadership of Camden,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen
What a pleasure it is to welcome you to this celebration!
We celebrate today a beautiful new architectural accomplishment. As we do so, we also honor those who have made this Centre possible - and the values that have inspired their work.
Two of those values which deserve special mention today - the value of education as a force for cooperation and healing in our world - and the value of architecture as a source of inspiration and illumination.
Both of these values - education and architecture - have been significant in the life and work of today’s guest of honor, His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. As you know, Prince Charles’ commitment to creative education - through organisations such as the Prince’s Trust and the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts - has transformed the lives of countless young people from many backgrounds - over many years, and in many places.
Prince Charles has also consistently affirmed the transformative power of architecture - including the rich traditions of Islamic architecture. You may know, for example, about his development of an award-winning Islamic garden at his home in Highgrove.
The value of education, of course, is at the heart of this project. We are proud to open here a new home for two important educational institutions associated with the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili Imamat. One is the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations of the Aga Khan University. The other is the Institute of Ismaili Studies. The UK offices of the Aga Khan Foundation will also be located here.
These institutions - through their teaching and research, their rich library and archival resources, as well as their tours and public programmes - will enrich the lives of people from the entire world.
For those of us who have seen these institutions grow from infancy, it will be a special joy to see them pursue their mission from this beautiful setting.
And what a mission it is!
One of the central challenges that faces our world today is the challenge of harmonising many highly diversified voices within an increasingly globalised world.
I use the word “harmonising” carefully - for our ideal here is not a chorus that sings in unison, but one that blends many distinctive voices into an intelligent, resonant whole. But to do that requires a deep understanding of what makes each voice distinctive. And that is the essential function of the educational endeavors that will make this place their home.
The challenge is particularly important in the area of religion – and it has been especially challenging for Islamic-Western relations. For centuries, the Muslim and Western cultures were largely separated geographically – although there have been memorable periods of integration as well - on the Iberian Peninsula and in South Asia - among other places. But those were hopeful exceptions to what some observers came, over time, to describe as an inevitable pattern of clashing civilisations.
When I came to my role as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community - just sixty years ago - I found it impossible to accept the notion of inevitably clashing civilisations. My own early life experiences were in both worlds – and so were those of millions of Muslim peoples. So rather than talk about clashing civilisations, I began to talk - again and again, as some of you may recall - about a clash of ignorances. And the assumption behind that phrase was that ignorance could yield to understanding through the power of education.
That continuing conviction is what brings me here today. I believe that is what brings all of us here.
My strong expectation is that, from this new home, our education-oriented institutions will contribute powerfully to building new bridges of understanding across the gulfs of ignorance.
As that happens, one important source of inspiration will be the place from which these institutions will be working - and that brings us to the second value I mentioned earlier - the inspiring power of architecture.
The places from which we look out at the world - and the places into which we welcome the world – can deeply influence how we understand ourselves - and our world.
And what place could be more ideal for both our educational hopes and our architectural enthusiasm than the place where we meet today - in the heart of London’s “Knowledge Quarter.” King’s Cross is one of the central connecting points for a city which itself has been one of the great connecting points for the entire world.
This place has been shaped by many diverse influences – and among them we now welcome the rich traditions of Islamic architecture.
One of those traditions - one that is appreciated by both the Islamic and the British cultures - is the special importance of the garden. We see the garden not merely as an adjunct to other constructions, but as a privileged space unto itself.
And that is why I have emphasised, since our role began here in 2010, my own hope that the value of garden spaces should be embraced here. As we perambulate together through these spaces today, I trust that you will share my delight in seeing how that hope has been fulfilled.
What we will see as we walk along are not only beautiful buildings - but also a unique series of gardens, courtyards and terraces - eight of them, in all, across our two buildings. Each one of them, moreover, has a distinctive identity: each one is inspired by a different region of the Islamic Ummah.
Taken together, this winding ribbon of special spaces is an eloquent tribute to the rich diversity of the Muslim world.
What they will make possible for those who walk these pathways, the people who will live and work here and public visitors as well, is a wonderful journey of refreshment and discovery.
Now, as I mentioned earlier, an extraordinary Islamic garden already exists in this part of the world, the one that Prince Charles created at his own home. But, since it is something of a journey to get out to Gloucestershire, we thought we might save people the trip by locating something here! For now they can actually see eight Islamic gardens right here in the heart of London!
As we open this remarkable site, it is a privilege to salute those who have brought us to this moment. I would recognise, in particular, our fine relationship with the government of this borough, this city, and this country, as well as our rewarding partnership with the people at Argent. We are grateful, as well, for the talents of Maki and Associates, Allies and Morrison, Madison Cox and Nelson Bird Woltz, as well as Rasheed Areen and the late Karl Schlamminger. I would also like to thank our splendid team of staff and volunteers, including my brother Prince Amyn, who have stewarded this project to completion.
And we especially salute the magnificent generosity of supportive donors from around the world.
Finally, as we open this building, I proudly welcome a guest whose commitment to the promise of inter-cultural education - and to the power of architecture - resonates ideally with the spirit of this place and this moment.
Ladies and gentlemen, His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.
http://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highness ... tre-london
2018, June 26
Lively video of Prince Amyn and Princess Zahra leaving from the Aga Khan Center after the opening ceremony
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/201806 ... e-amyn.mp4
Lively video of Prince Amyn and Princess Zahra leaving from the Aga Khan Center after the opening ceremony
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/201806 ... e-amyn.mp4
2016, JUNE 26
VIDEO OF PRINCE RAHIM AND PRINCESS SALWA
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/2016-0 ... a-khan.mp4
VIDEO OF PRINCE RAHIM AND PRINCESS SALWA
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/2016-0 ... a-khan.mp4
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-w ... -in-london
Press release
UK welcomes His Highness the Aga Khan for the opening of new academic centre in London
FCO Minister Lord Ahmad attends official opening of the new Aga Khan Centre.
Published 26 June 2018
From:
Department for International Development, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Lord Ahmad
Foreign Office Minister for Human Rights Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon attended the official opening of the new Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross today (26 June) as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour of His Highness the Aga Khan.
The centre is a positive symbol of diversity, cross-cultural learning and shows Britain as a multicultural, multi-faith and tolerant nation.
The new development will be home to institutions and agencies including those of the non-profit Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international agencies dedicated to improving the quality of life in in the poorest countries of the world.
The UK Government works closely with the AKDN in Central Asia and Tanzania, as well as in Afghanistan where the Aga Khan Foundation implement Department for International Development (DfID) programmes including delivering an education programme under the Girls’ Education Challenge.
Speaking at the opening, Lord Tariq Ahmad said:
The opening of this spectacular new building in London is a concrete example of the privileged relationship the UK enjoys with the Aga Khan and the Ismaili community and is the ideal way to mark the Diamond Jubilee tour of His Highness the Aga Khan.
The work we do together makes a huge difference to people’s lives, not least in Afghanistan where 300,000 more girls are going to school thanks to our girls’ education programme there.
One of the Foreign Secretary’s key priorities is ensuring the world’s poorest girls receive 12 years of quality education. Appallingly, 90% of world’s poorest children leave school unable to read and write. That’s why we’ve committed £500 million of UKaid to help over 1.5 million vulnerable girls to learn.
Also in attendance for the official opening were His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Mayor of London.
The new centre in King’s Cross, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki includes gardens, terraces and courtyards inspired by different Muslim civilisations, although the centre will serve as an academic centre only and will not have a religious function. It brings together under one roof the
Aga Khan Foundation (UK), Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) and Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC).
Tomorrow His Highness will be attending a lunch at Lancaster House in his honour hosted by the International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, with Foreign Office Permanent Under-Secretary, Sir Simon McDonald, attending.
Notes to editors:
The Aga Khan is celebrating 60 years as Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims during 2017-18 by conducting official visits to countries where there are significant Ismaili communities including the UK, USA, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, India, Pakistan and UAE.
The UK office of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) was established in 1973 to support the broader AKDN by forming strategic partnerships with UK and European institutional partners including government agencies, policy institutes, corporations, foundations, NGOs, universities, associations and professional networks.
The Aga Khan University (AKU) is an autonomous, not-for-profit university that promotes human welfare through research, teaching and community service. It operates in Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the UK. The AKU’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (ISMC) was established in 2002 and provides research and teaching on the heritage of Muslim societies including in contemporary environments, with a Master’s programme in Muslim Cultures. The institute is listed with UKVI as an Overseas Provider as the degree is an AKU degree under its Pakistani charter. The AKU works with scholars abroad and in the UK including at Oxford, Cambridge and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
The Institute for Ismaili Studies (IIS) was established in 1977 to promote scholarship and learning of Muslim cultures and societies, historical and contemporary, and encourage a better understanding of their relationship with other societies and faiths. IIS collaborates with universities around the world and has two graduate programmes: Islamic Studies and Humanities and a joint double-Master’s Degree Programme in partnership with University College London’s Institute for Education.
Press release
UK welcomes His Highness the Aga Khan for the opening of new academic centre in London
FCO Minister Lord Ahmad attends official opening of the new Aga Khan Centre.
Published 26 June 2018
From:
Department for International Development, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Lord Ahmad
Foreign Office Minister for Human Rights Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon attended the official opening of the new Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross today (26 June) as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour of His Highness the Aga Khan.
The centre is a positive symbol of diversity, cross-cultural learning and shows Britain as a multicultural, multi-faith and tolerant nation.
The new development will be home to institutions and agencies including those of the non-profit Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international agencies dedicated to improving the quality of life in in the poorest countries of the world.
The UK Government works closely with the AKDN in Central Asia and Tanzania, as well as in Afghanistan where the Aga Khan Foundation implement Department for International Development (DfID) programmes including delivering an education programme under the Girls’ Education Challenge.
Speaking at the opening, Lord Tariq Ahmad said:
The opening of this spectacular new building in London is a concrete example of the privileged relationship the UK enjoys with the Aga Khan and the Ismaili community and is the ideal way to mark the Diamond Jubilee tour of His Highness the Aga Khan.
The work we do together makes a huge difference to people’s lives, not least in Afghanistan where 300,000 more girls are going to school thanks to our girls’ education programme there.
One of the Foreign Secretary’s key priorities is ensuring the world’s poorest girls receive 12 years of quality education. Appallingly, 90% of world’s poorest children leave school unable to read and write. That’s why we’ve committed £500 million of UKaid to help over 1.5 million vulnerable girls to learn.
Also in attendance for the official opening were His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Mayor of London.
The new centre in King’s Cross, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki includes gardens, terraces and courtyards inspired by different Muslim civilisations, although the centre will serve as an academic centre only and will not have a religious function. It brings together under one roof the
Aga Khan Foundation (UK), Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) and Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC).
Tomorrow His Highness will be attending a lunch at Lancaster House in his honour hosted by the International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, with Foreign Office Permanent Under-Secretary, Sir Simon McDonald, attending.
Notes to editors:
The Aga Khan is celebrating 60 years as Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims during 2017-18 by conducting official visits to countries where there are significant Ismaili communities including the UK, USA, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, India, Pakistan and UAE.
The UK office of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) was established in 1973 to support the broader AKDN by forming strategic partnerships with UK and European institutional partners including government agencies, policy institutes, corporations, foundations, NGOs, universities, associations and professional networks.
The Aga Khan University (AKU) is an autonomous, not-for-profit university that promotes human welfare through research, teaching and community service. It operates in Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the UK. The AKU’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (ISMC) was established in 2002 and provides research and teaching on the heritage of Muslim societies including in contemporary environments, with a Master’s programme in Muslim Cultures. The institute is listed with UKVI as an Overseas Provider as the degree is an AKU degree under its Pakistani charter. The AKU works with scholars abroad and in the UK including at Oxford, Cambridge and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
The Institute for Ismaili Studies (IIS) was established in 1977 to promote scholarship and learning of Muslim cultures and societies, historical and contemporary, and encourage a better understanding of their relationship with other societies and faiths. IIS collaborates with universities around the world and has two graduate programmes: Islamic Studies and Humanities and a joint double-Master’s Degree Programme in partnership with University College London’s Institute for Education.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/uk-w ... 82681.html
UK Welcomes High Highness The Aga Khan For Opening Of The New Academic Centre In London
Sumaira FH 12 hours ago Wed 27th June 2018 | 12:58 AM
The United Kingdom (UK) here on Tuesday welcomed High Highness Prince Karim Agha Khan for the opening of new academic center in London.
LONDON, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News, app - 27th Jun, 2018 ) :The United Kingdom (UK) here on Tuesday welcomed High Highness Prince Karim Agha Khan for the opening of new academic center in London.
According to a UK government statement issued here, Foreign Office Minister for Human Rights Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon attended the official opening of the new Aga Khan Centre in King's Cross today (26 June) as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour of His Highness the Aga Khan.
The centre is a positive symbol of diversity, cross-cultural learning and shows Britain as a multicultural, multi-faith and tolerant nation.
The new development will be home to institutions and agencies including those of the non-profit Agha Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international agencies dedicated to improving the quality of life in in the poorest countries of the world.
The UK Government works closely with the AKDN in Central Asia and Tanzania, as well as in Afghanistan where the Agha Khan Foundation implement Department for International Development (DfID) programmes including delivering an education programme under the Girls' Education Challenge.
Speaking at the opening, Lord Tariq Ahmad said, the opening of this spectacular new building in London is a concrete example of the privileged relationship the UK enjoys with the Agha Khan and the Ismaili community and is the ideal way to mark the Diamond Jubilee tour of His Highness the Agha Khan.
The work we do together makes a huge difference to people's lives, not least in Afghanistan where 300,000 more girls are going to school thanks to our girls' education programme there, he added.
Lord Tariq Ahmad said one of the Foreign Secretary's key priorities is ensuring the world's poorest girls receive 12 years of quality education. Appallingly, 90% of world's poorest children leave school unable to read and write. That's why we've committed �500 million of UKaid to help over 1.5 million vulnerable girls to learn.
Also in attendance for the official opening were His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Mayor of London.
The new centre in King's Cross, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki includes gardens, terraces and courtyards inspired by different Muslim civilisations, although the centre will serve as an academic centre only and will not have a religious function.
It brings together under one roof the Agha Khan Foundation (UK), Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) and Aga Khan University's Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC).
On Wednesday, Agha Khan will be attending a lunch at Lancaster House in his honour hosted by the International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, with Foreign Office Permanent Under-Secretary, Sir Simon McDonald, attending.
The UK office of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) was established in 1973 to support the broader AKDN by forming strategic partnerships with UK and European institutional partners including government agencies, policy institutes, corporations, foundations, NGOs, universities, associations and professional networks.
UK Welcomes High Highness The Aga Khan For Opening Of The New Academic Centre In London
Sumaira FH 12 hours ago Wed 27th June 2018 | 12:58 AM
The United Kingdom (UK) here on Tuesday welcomed High Highness Prince Karim Agha Khan for the opening of new academic center in London.
LONDON, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News, app - 27th Jun, 2018 ) :The United Kingdom (UK) here on Tuesday welcomed High Highness Prince Karim Agha Khan for the opening of new academic center in London.
According to a UK government statement issued here, Foreign Office Minister for Human Rights Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon attended the official opening of the new Aga Khan Centre in King's Cross today (26 June) as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour of His Highness the Aga Khan.
The centre is a positive symbol of diversity, cross-cultural learning and shows Britain as a multicultural, multi-faith and tolerant nation.
The new development will be home to institutions and agencies including those of the non-profit Agha Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international agencies dedicated to improving the quality of life in in the poorest countries of the world.
The UK Government works closely with the AKDN in Central Asia and Tanzania, as well as in Afghanistan where the Agha Khan Foundation implement Department for International Development (DfID) programmes including delivering an education programme under the Girls' Education Challenge.
Speaking at the opening, Lord Tariq Ahmad said, the opening of this spectacular new building in London is a concrete example of the privileged relationship the UK enjoys with the Agha Khan and the Ismaili community and is the ideal way to mark the Diamond Jubilee tour of His Highness the Agha Khan.
The work we do together makes a huge difference to people's lives, not least in Afghanistan where 300,000 more girls are going to school thanks to our girls' education programme there, he added.
Lord Tariq Ahmad said one of the Foreign Secretary's key priorities is ensuring the world's poorest girls receive 12 years of quality education. Appallingly, 90% of world's poorest children leave school unable to read and write. That's why we've committed �500 million of UKaid to help over 1.5 million vulnerable girls to learn.
Also in attendance for the official opening were His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Mayor of London.
The new centre in King's Cross, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki includes gardens, terraces and courtyards inspired by different Muslim civilisations, although the centre will serve as an academic centre only and will not have a religious function.
It brings together under one roof the Agha Khan Foundation (UK), Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) and Aga Khan University's Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC).
On Wednesday, Agha Khan will be attending a lunch at Lancaster House in his honour hosted by the International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, with Foreign Office Permanent Under-Secretary, Sir Simon McDonald, attending.
The UK office of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) was established in 1973 to support the broader AKDN by forming strategic partnerships with UK and European institutional partners including government agencies, policy institutes, corporations, foundations, NGOs, universities, associations and professional networks.
https://www.dhakatribune.com/world/2018 ... -in-london
Aga Khan Centre inaugurated in London
Tribune Desk
Published at 08:01 pm June 27th, 2018
This past Tuesday was the official inauguration of the Aga Khan Centre, a unique building in King’s Cross, at the heart of London’sthriving Knowledge Quarter. It was inaugurated by Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales.
The Aga Khan Centre is the new UK home for several educational and development institutions founded by Aga Khan. Designed primarily as an academic building for teaching and research, the organizations based at the Aga Khan Centre work to increase understanding of Muslim civilizations and improve the quality of life ofthe world’s most disadvantaged communities.
The building, designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, represents openness, dialogue, and respect for diverse viewpoints.
A series of roof gardens, terraces and courtyards – the Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross – showcase the diversity of Muslim cultures through landscape architecture.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prince Charles commented on the importance of understanding the intellectual and cultural contributions that Islamic civilizations have made to the world.
Prince Karim Aga Khan expressed his expectation that “from this new home, these education-oriented institutions would contribute powerfully to building new bridges of understanding across the gulfs of ignorance.”
Aga Khan Centre inaugurated in London
Tribune Desk
Published at 08:01 pm June 27th, 2018
This past Tuesday was the official inauguration of the Aga Khan Centre, a unique building in King’s Cross, at the heart of London’sthriving Knowledge Quarter. It was inaugurated by Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales.
The Aga Khan Centre is the new UK home for several educational and development institutions founded by Aga Khan. Designed primarily as an academic building for teaching and research, the organizations based at the Aga Khan Centre work to increase understanding of Muslim civilizations and improve the quality of life ofthe world’s most disadvantaged communities.
The building, designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, represents openness, dialogue, and respect for diverse viewpoints.
A series of roof gardens, terraces and courtyards – the Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross – showcase the diversity of Muslim cultures through landscape architecture.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prince Charles commented on the importance of understanding the intellectual and cultural contributions that Islamic civilizations have made to the world.
Prince Karim Aga Khan expressed his expectation that “from this new home, these education-oriented institutions would contribute powerfully to building new bridges of understanding across the gulfs of ignorance.”
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/334599 ... -in-london
The Aga Khan Centre, a unique building was inaugurated by Prince Charles in London
London: The Aga Khan Centre, a unique building, was opened by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at an inauguration ceremony hosted by His Highness the Aga Khan, in London. Among the guests were the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Foreign Office Minister for Human Rights, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon.
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The Aga Khan Centre (AKC) is a place for education, knowledge, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim civilisations. It is the new UK home for several education and development institutions founded by His Highness the Aga Khan including the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU ISMC), The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), and the Aga Khan Foundation UK (AKF UK). Together the organisations work to bridge the gap in understanding about Muslim cultures and to connect the public to global development issues and the work of the Aga Khan Foundation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, The Prince of Wales commented on the importance of understanding the intellectual and cultural contributions that Islamic civilisations have made to the world.
His Highness the Aga Khan expressed his strong expectation that “from this new home, these education-oriented institutions would contribute powerfully to building new bridges of understanding across the gulfs of ignorance.”
“One of the central challenges that faces our world today is the challenge of harmonizing many highly diversified voices within an increasingly globalized world,” His Highness the Aga Khan noted. “I use the word ’harmonizing‘ carefully - for our ideal here is not a chorus that sings in unison, but one that blends many distinctive voices into an intelligent, resonant whole. But to do that requires a deep understanding of what makes each voice distinctive. And that is the essential function of the educational endeavors that will make this place their home.”
AKC also houses the Aga Khan Library, London, which brings together the collections of the IIS and AKU-ISMC. Located over two floors, the library provides space for publications, areas for study and secure archival storage for rare books and manuscripts. The library collections include academic materials for teaching, research, comparative study and publications about Muslim civilisations, including a unique collection with a focus on Shia Islam and its Ismaili traditions.
The new 10,000 square metre building appears to ‘float’ with its cantilevered façade, hovering above glass walls at ground level. It re-arranges a traditional Islamic architectural format, of multiple spaces organised around ground level courtyards, to a vertical layout - placing a series of open learning and office spaces upwards around a central atrium. The building spans across 10 floors.
The building design, by world-renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, represents openness, dialogue and respect for diverse viewpoints.
Central to the building and across multiple floors is a series of terraces, gardens and courtyards. The Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross are inspired by the diversity of Muslim societies, drawing from regions ranging from North Africa and Spain to the Middle East, Persia and India. The beautiful spaces offer a series of contemporary, contemplative gardens which have been commissioned specifically to represent the diversity of the Muslim world, while jointly bringing a connected ‘ribbon’ of new green spaces to the developing King’s Cross area. These have been created by Maki and Associates as well as other leading garden designers, including Madison Cox and Nelson Byrd Woltz.****
The Aga Khan Centre, a unique building was inaugurated by Prince Charles in London
London: The Aga Khan Centre, a unique building, was opened by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at an inauguration ceremony hosted by His Highness the Aga Khan, in London. Among the guests were the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Foreign Office Minister for Human Rights, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon.
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Advertisement
The Aga Khan Centre (AKC) is a place for education, knowledge, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim civilisations. It is the new UK home for several education and development institutions founded by His Highness the Aga Khan including the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU ISMC), The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), and the Aga Khan Foundation UK (AKF UK). Together the organisations work to bridge the gap in understanding about Muslim cultures and to connect the public to global development issues and the work of the Aga Khan Foundation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, The Prince of Wales commented on the importance of understanding the intellectual and cultural contributions that Islamic civilisations have made to the world.
His Highness the Aga Khan expressed his strong expectation that “from this new home, these education-oriented institutions would contribute powerfully to building new bridges of understanding across the gulfs of ignorance.”
“One of the central challenges that faces our world today is the challenge of harmonizing many highly diversified voices within an increasingly globalized world,” His Highness the Aga Khan noted. “I use the word ’harmonizing‘ carefully - for our ideal here is not a chorus that sings in unison, but one that blends many distinctive voices into an intelligent, resonant whole. But to do that requires a deep understanding of what makes each voice distinctive. And that is the essential function of the educational endeavors that will make this place their home.”
AKC also houses the Aga Khan Library, London, which brings together the collections of the IIS and AKU-ISMC. Located over two floors, the library provides space for publications, areas for study and secure archival storage for rare books and manuscripts. The library collections include academic materials for teaching, research, comparative study and publications about Muslim civilisations, including a unique collection with a focus on Shia Islam and its Ismaili traditions.
The new 10,000 square metre building appears to ‘float’ with its cantilevered façade, hovering above glass walls at ground level. It re-arranges a traditional Islamic architectural format, of multiple spaces organised around ground level courtyards, to a vertical layout - placing a series of open learning and office spaces upwards around a central atrium. The building spans across 10 floors.
The building design, by world-renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, represents openness, dialogue and respect for diverse viewpoints.
Central to the building and across multiple floors is a series of terraces, gardens and courtyards. The Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross are inspired by the diversity of Muslim societies, drawing from regions ranging from North Africa and Spain to the Middle East, Persia and India. The beautiful spaces offer a series of contemporary, contemplative gardens which have been commissioned specifically to represent the diversity of the Muslim world, while jointly bringing a connected ‘ribbon’ of new green spaces to the developing King’s Cross area. These have been created by Maki and Associates as well as other leading garden designers, including Madison Cox and Nelson Byrd Woltz.****
London’s Aga Khan Centre comes alive with a series of Islamic Gardens
Peak inside its tranquil havens
London may have lost its Garden Bridge but now it’s got a ‘garden building’: the new Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross, featuring a series of six courtyards, terraces and gardens inspired by Muslim societies around the world.
The Muslim educational hub is a white limestone beacon designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki that will connect to a ‘ribbon’ of green spaces in the King’s Cross regeneration area when it fully opens on 22 September. Built as a centre for learning, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim cultures, the 10,000 sqm building is conceived as a calming sanctuary that – in an era of frayed relations – aims to reflect the Islamic values of ‘openness, dialogue and respect for pluralism
Photos and more at:
https://thespaces.com/2018/06/28/london ... c-gardens/
********
Photo Album
https://www.flickr.com/photos/agakhanfo ... 0574955998
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ISLAMIC GARDENS AND WELLBEING EXHIBITION
Exploring the significance of green spaces in Islamic culture
Be among the first to visit the Aga Khan Centre as it opens its doors this summer.
The inaugural exhibition, Islamic Gardens and Wellbeing, is a fascinating exploration of the role of gardens within Islamic cultures and civilisations, seen through the lenses of art, science, spirituality and the environment.
Islamic Gardens and Wellbeing exhibition will be on display from 6 August onwards, and is free to attend.
https://www.kingscross.co.uk/event/isla ... exhibition
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Fumihiko Maki’s Aga Khan Centre revealed at King’s Cross
The limestone-clad building – which is topped by Islamic roof gardens – provides academic, archive and office spaces arranged around a central atrium
The Aga Khan Centre in London, which opens in the autumn, is the first building in the city to be designed by Maki & Associates, led by 89-year-old Pritzker Prize-winner Fumihiko Maki. The design is intended to reflect the centre’s values of ’openness, dialogue and respect for pluralism’, inspired by Islam. Allies and Morrison was executive architect for the project.
The 11,000m² building, arranged over 10 storeys including a double-height basement, is a composite steel and concrete structure. Its main façades – clad in Adalusian limestone, of a type similar to that used at the Alhambra in Granada – are hung and cantilever above a glazed ground-floor level.
More and photos:
https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/bui ... 76.article
Peak inside its tranquil havens
London may have lost its Garden Bridge but now it’s got a ‘garden building’: the new Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross, featuring a series of six courtyards, terraces and gardens inspired by Muslim societies around the world.
The Muslim educational hub is a white limestone beacon designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki that will connect to a ‘ribbon’ of green spaces in the King’s Cross regeneration area when it fully opens on 22 September. Built as a centre for learning, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim cultures, the 10,000 sqm building is conceived as a calming sanctuary that – in an era of frayed relations – aims to reflect the Islamic values of ‘openness, dialogue and respect for pluralism
Photos and more at:
https://thespaces.com/2018/06/28/london ... c-gardens/
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Photo Album
https://www.flickr.com/photos/agakhanfo ... 0574955998
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ISLAMIC GARDENS AND WELLBEING EXHIBITION
Exploring the significance of green spaces in Islamic culture
Be among the first to visit the Aga Khan Centre as it opens its doors this summer.
The inaugural exhibition, Islamic Gardens and Wellbeing, is a fascinating exploration of the role of gardens within Islamic cultures and civilisations, seen through the lenses of art, science, spirituality and the environment.
Islamic Gardens and Wellbeing exhibition will be on display from 6 August onwards, and is free to attend.
https://www.kingscross.co.uk/event/isla ... exhibition
*******
Fumihiko Maki’s Aga Khan Centre revealed at King’s Cross
The limestone-clad building – which is topped by Islamic roof gardens – provides academic, archive and office spaces arranged around a central atrium
The Aga Khan Centre in London, which opens in the autumn, is the first building in the city to be designed by Maki & Associates, led by 89-year-old Pritzker Prize-winner Fumihiko Maki. The design is intended to reflect the centre’s values of ’openness, dialogue and respect for pluralism’, inspired by Islam. Allies and Morrison was executive architect for the project.
The 11,000m² building, arranged over 10 storeys including a double-height basement, is a composite steel and concrete structure. Its main façades – clad in Adalusian limestone, of a type similar to that used at the Alhambra in Granada – are hung and cantilever above a glazed ground-floor level.
More and photos:
https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/bui ... 76.article
AKDN
London, UK
On 26 June 2018 the Aga Khan expressed his strong expectation that "these education-oriented institutions [IIS, AKU-ISMC, AKF (UK)] would contribute powerfully to building new bridges of understanding across the gulfs of ignorance."
Prince Amyn and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, with H.H. The Aga Khan, Imam-e-Zaman of the Ismailis.
London, UK
On 26 June 2018 the Aga Khan expressed his strong expectation that "these education-oriented institutions [IIS, AKU-ISMC, AKF (UK)] would contribute powerfully to building new bridges of understanding across the gulfs of ignorance."
Prince Amyn and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, with H.H. The Aga Khan, Imam-e-Zaman of the Ismailis.
https://www.dezeen.com/2018/06/30/this- ... -aga-khan/
This week, Christo spoke to Dezeen and Fumihiko Maki's Aga Khan Centre completed
Danil Boparai | 9 hours ago Leave a comment
This week, artist Christo compared the creation of his works to building a skyscraper in an exclusive interview with Dezeen, and Fumihiko Maki's Aga Khan Centre was completed in London's King's Cross.
During an interview with Dezeen, Christo discussed the process behind his giant artworks including the recently installed London Mastaba, likening their construction to that of an architectural project such as a skyscraper or highway.
The 83-year-old Bulgarian also revealed how he self-funded the £3 million cost of the Mastaba by selling his own drawings and related artworks, saying it is "my money, it's my freedom."
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki completed an education centre featuring roof spaces and courtyards housing eight Islamic gardens for the Aga Khan Foundation, which forms part of the development of King's Cross in London.
There was an update on the Glasgow School of Art fire this week, as it was announced that a partial deconstruction of the building was set to begin "as soon as possible", after Glasgow City Council concluded that a sudden collapse was likely.
The news followed the revelation that a sprinkler system for the school had been delivered a day before the blaze, although it would have taken weeks for them to be installed and operational.
More in the link
This week, Christo spoke to Dezeen and Fumihiko Maki's Aga Khan Centre completed
Danil Boparai | 9 hours ago Leave a comment
This week, artist Christo compared the creation of his works to building a skyscraper in an exclusive interview with Dezeen, and Fumihiko Maki's Aga Khan Centre was completed in London's King's Cross.
During an interview with Dezeen, Christo discussed the process behind his giant artworks including the recently installed London Mastaba, likening their construction to that of an architectural project such as a skyscraper or highway.
The 83-year-old Bulgarian also revealed how he self-funded the £3 million cost of the Mastaba by selling his own drawings and related artworks, saying it is "my money, it's my freedom."
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki completed an education centre featuring roof spaces and courtyards housing eight Islamic gardens for the Aga Khan Foundation, which forms part of the development of King's Cross in London.
There was an update on the Glasgow School of Art fire this week, as it was announced that a partial deconstruction of the building was set to begin "as soon as possible", after Glasgow City Council concluded that a sudden collapse was likely.
The news followed the revelation that a sprinkler system for the school had been delivered a day before the blaze, although it would have taken weeks for them to be installed and operational.
More in the link
Video: Opening ceremony of the Aga Khan Centre
The Aga Khan Centre was opened by HRH the Prince of Wales in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam on 26 June 2018, at an inauguration ceremony to coincide with Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee visit to the UK. Mawlana Hazar Imam was joined by Prince Amyn, Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Princess Salwa, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad, for a momentous occasion in the history of the Ismaili Imamat and the global Jamat.
https://the.ismaili/diamond-jubilee/vid ... y-aga-khan
The Aga Khan Centre was opened by HRH the Prince of Wales in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam on 26 June 2018, at an inauguration ceremony to coincide with Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee visit to the UK. Mawlana Hazar Imam was joined by Prince Amyn, Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Princess Salwa, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad, for a momentous occasion in the history of the Ismaili Imamat and the global Jamat.
https://the.ismaili/diamond-jubilee/vid ... y-aga-khan
https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/ ... oss-london
Maki & Associates’ design the new Aga Khan Centre in London
Architecture / 20 Jul 2018 / By Harriet Thorpe
Maki & Associates, led by Fumihiko Maki, has designed a new London headquarters for the Aga Khan Foundation, the Aga Khan Centre in Kings Cross. The Pritzker prize-winning architecture practice cut out a series of Islamic courtyards and gardens from a ten-storey block providing offices, a library and exhibition space. With its light-coloured limestone facade, modern engineering and unique sheltered spaces for reflection, the architecture promotes openness and contemplation through its form.
The building brings the Institute of Ismaili Studies, the Aga Khan University, the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations and the Aga Khan Foundation UK together, after existing for 40 years in London at various locations, in their joint mission to open up a dialogue and understanding of Muslim cultures. A new library at the centre of the building provides a home for the centres’ unique collections of books and manuscripts.
As well as a standard brief of practical requirements, the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shi’a Imami Ismaili Muslims, delivered a handwritten letter that was a conceptual brief for the architects, creatively written from the heart. He expressed his hopes of what the Aga Khan Centre could provide for its inhabitants, specifying a ‘network of unique rooftop spaces’ that could communicate the teachings and essence of Islamic culture.
Aga Khan Centre London exterior
The exterior of the Aga Khan Centre. Photography: Edmund Sumner
‘If all the green spaces are relatively small, relatively secret and can be physically contained, then the overall approach gives us the opportunity to create for each space a sense of seclusion, environmental privilege and contained beauty,’ he wrote.
Gary Kamemoto, lead architect on the project and director at Maki & Associates, kept this letter on his desk throughout the entire design process, referring back to it for inspiration and guidance.
Developed into the plan are a series of terraces, gardens and courtyards. Each with different designs, influences and moods, they lift inspiration from Islamic garden traditions across the world from North Africa, Spain, Middle East, Persia and India. Maki & Associates worked with garden designers including Madison Cox, Nelson Byrd Woltz and Tom Stuart-Smith to create carefully crafted, unique feelings within each of the areas.
From the Spanish travertine-lined cloister with a purple garden of sage, rosemary and lavender; to the Syrian courtyard of red jasper tiles patterned with an abstraction of the Sufi script planted with pomegranate trees that reach up to a framed piece of sky; and the rooftop ‘community garden’ paved with Indian sandstone and planted with quince, hazelnut and wild strawberries for picking – each garden expresses a new facet of Islamic culture in an elegant and poetic way.
Aga Khan Centre London courtyard garden
The Garden of Tranquillity, inspired by covered loggias found in the Middle East, Persia and Egypt, at the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross. Photography: Hufton+Crow
Kamemoto describes the Aga Khan Centre as ‘mille-feuille’ the delicately layered vanilla French pastry. ‘It’s layered vertically with different tones,’ he says of the architecture, through which the layered materials and design express the different functions within the building: the ground floor is a layer of glass, letting the building become one with public space around it – a Turkish restaurant, stationary shop, café and exhibition space will bring people into the building, while an entrance at the north and the south of the plan allows it to be a permeable thoroughfare.
The library at the centre of the ‘vertical university campus’ on the second and third floors, is expressed through a glass double-height entrance. The upper floors above, with their square windows, hold the offices, with the top floor, the icing sugar on the top, is a peak of glass and light, a ceremonial space for the Aga Kahn foundation.
The building overlooks Cubitt Square in Kings Cross, where it neatly slots into the carefully planned masterplan, that specified the size and shape limits of the architecture to allow light to street level and the preservation of historic views.
While Kings Cross has an industrial architectural history of red, brown and black bricks, Kamemoto was inspired by the use of limestone in bands around windows at St Pancras. Further research revealed that it was a Portland Limestone, present in all buildings commissioned by the British crown in London – a material that can be seen in the architecture lining the historic crossroads of Regents and Oxford street. Kamemoto searched for a material that could reflect this royal heritage in a new way, finding the Calizia Capri hard limestone in Granada and Cordoba – Spanish cities known for their Islamic architecture.
In a subversion of the old buildings of central London where windows are recessed deep into their stone facades, the Aga Khan Centre’s windows sit flush against the stone in a continuous surface reflecting the modernism of a Mies van der Rohe skyscraper or a sculptural Bauhaus residence. ‘It’s a very modern building, but it’s our interpretation of melding Islamic culture and the tradition of London architecture,’ says Kamemoto.
Atrium artwork ‘Rhapsody in Four Colours’ by artist, Rasheed Araeen, at the Aga Khan Centre, King’s Cross. Photography: Edmund Sumner
Inside, a silver travertine from Italy completes the flooring in the ground floor lobby and the central staircase that leads up to the first floor atrium. A huge artwork pulses 40m through heart of the building. The colourful waterfall of primary coloured gridded shapes is designed by Rasheed Aareen, a UK-based Pakistani artist, who was selected from a design competition.
Geometric patterning inspired by Islamic decorative art was used creatively by the architects across the building. For each out of the three buildings the architects have designed for the Aga Khan, Maki & Asociates have designed a unique pattern. At the Aga Khan centre in London, the pattern is based upon an octagonal shape, seen at first entry, repeating across the glass ground floor facade. Playing with the one-inch air gap between the insulated glass, the architects layered the opaque pattern twice, creating a three-dimensional pattern enhanced by light and shadow that hints at the Jali, the traditional Islamic screen. The pattern can be seen again in many different instances across the building such as embedded into the carpet, printed across material or carved into stone.
The Aga Khan Centre opens on 22 September 2018. §
Aga Khan Centre viewed from the south west. Photography: Edmund Sumner
The ‘Garden of Light’ inspired by Islamic courtyards of Spain, at the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross. Photography: Hufton+Crow
Ceiling detail of the ‘Garden of Tranquillity’ inspired by covered loggias found in the Middle East, Persia and Egypt, at the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross. Photography: Hufton+Crow
Maki & Associates’ design the new Aga Khan Centre in London
Architecture / 20 Jul 2018 / By Harriet Thorpe
Maki & Associates, led by Fumihiko Maki, has designed a new London headquarters for the Aga Khan Foundation, the Aga Khan Centre in Kings Cross. The Pritzker prize-winning architecture practice cut out a series of Islamic courtyards and gardens from a ten-storey block providing offices, a library and exhibition space. With its light-coloured limestone facade, modern engineering and unique sheltered spaces for reflection, the architecture promotes openness and contemplation through its form.
The building brings the Institute of Ismaili Studies, the Aga Khan University, the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations and the Aga Khan Foundation UK together, after existing for 40 years in London at various locations, in their joint mission to open up a dialogue and understanding of Muslim cultures. A new library at the centre of the building provides a home for the centres’ unique collections of books and manuscripts.
As well as a standard brief of practical requirements, the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shi’a Imami Ismaili Muslims, delivered a handwritten letter that was a conceptual brief for the architects, creatively written from the heart. He expressed his hopes of what the Aga Khan Centre could provide for its inhabitants, specifying a ‘network of unique rooftop spaces’ that could communicate the teachings and essence of Islamic culture.
Aga Khan Centre London exterior
The exterior of the Aga Khan Centre. Photography: Edmund Sumner
‘If all the green spaces are relatively small, relatively secret and can be physically contained, then the overall approach gives us the opportunity to create for each space a sense of seclusion, environmental privilege and contained beauty,’ he wrote.
Gary Kamemoto, lead architect on the project and director at Maki & Associates, kept this letter on his desk throughout the entire design process, referring back to it for inspiration and guidance.
Developed into the plan are a series of terraces, gardens and courtyards. Each with different designs, influences and moods, they lift inspiration from Islamic garden traditions across the world from North Africa, Spain, Middle East, Persia and India. Maki & Associates worked with garden designers including Madison Cox, Nelson Byrd Woltz and Tom Stuart-Smith to create carefully crafted, unique feelings within each of the areas.
From the Spanish travertine-lined cloister with a purple garden of sage, rosemary and lavender; to the Syrian courtyard of red jasper tiles patterned with an abstraction of the Sufi script planted with pomegranate trees that reach up to a framed piece of sky; and the rooftop ‘community garden’ paved with Indian sandstone and planted with quince, hazelnut and wild strawberries for picking – each garden expresses a new facet of Islamic culture in an elegant and poetic way.
Aga Khan Centre London courtyard garden
The Garden of Tranquillity, inspired by covered loggias found in the Middle East, Persia and Egypt, at the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross. Photography: Hufton+Crow
Kamemoto describes the Aga Khan Centre as ‘mille-feuille’ the delicately layered vanilla French pastry. ‘It’s layered vertically with different tones,’ he says of the architecture, through which the layered materials and design express the different functions within the building: the ground floor is a layer of glass, letting the building become one with public space around it – a Turkish restaurant, stationary shop, café and exhibition space will bring people into the building, while an entrance at the north and the south of the plan allows it to be a permeable thoroughfare.
The library at the centre of the ‘vertical university campus’ on the second and third floors, is expressed through a glass double-height entrance. The upper floors above, with their square windows, hold the offices, with the top floor, the icing sugar on the top, is a peak of glass and light, a ceremonial space for the Aga Kahn foundation.
The building overlooks Cubitt Square in Kings Cross, where it neatly slots into the carefully planned masterplan, that specified the size and shape limits of the architecture to allow light to street level and the preservation of historic views.
While Kings Cross has an industrial architectural history of red, brown and black bricks, Kamemoto was inspired by the use of limestone in bands around windows at St Pancras. Further research revealed that it was a Portland Limestone, present in all buildings commissioned by the British crown in London – a material that can be seen in the architecture lining the historic crossroads of Regents and Oxford street. Kamemoto searched for a material that could reflect this royal heritage in a new way, finding the Calizia Capri hard limestone in Granada and Cordoba – Spanish cities known for their Islamic architecture.
In a subversion of the old buildings of central London where windows are recessed deep into their stone facades, the Aga Khan Centre’s windows sit flush against the stone in a continuous surface reflecting the modernism of a Mies van der Rohe skyscraper or a sculptural Bauhaus residence. ‘It’s a very modern building, but it’s our interpretation of melding Islamic culture and the tradition of London architecture,’ says Kamemoto.
Atrium artwork ‘Rhapsody in Four Colours’ by artist, Rasheed Araeen, at the Aga Khan Centre, King’s Cross. Photography: Edmund Sumner
Inside, a silver travertine from Italy completes the flooring in the ground floor lobby and the central staircase that leads up to the first floor atrium. A huge artwork pulses 40m through heart of the building. The colourful waterfall of primary coloured gridded shapes is designed by Rasheed Aareen, a UK-based Pakistani artist, who was selected from a design competition.
Geometric patterning inspired by Islamic decorative art was used creatively by the architects across the building. For each out of the three buildings the architects have designed for the Aga Khan, Maki & Asociates have designed a unique pattern. At the Aga Khan centre in London, the pattern is based upon an octagonal shape, seen at first entry, repeating across the glass ground floor facade. Playing with the one-inch air gap between the insulated glass, the architects layered the opaque pattern twice, creating a three-dimensional pattern enhanced by light and shadow that hints at the Jali, the traditional Islamic screen. The pattern can be seen again in many different instances across the building such as embedded into the carpet, printed across material or carved into stone.
The Aga Khan Centre opens on 22 September 2018. §
Aga Khan Centre viewed from the south west. Photography: Edmund Sumner
The ‘Garden of Light’ inspired by Islamic courtyards of Spain, at the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross. Photography: Hufton+Crow
Ceiling detail of the ‘Garden of Tranquillity’ inspired by covered loggias found in the Middle East, Persia and Egypt, at the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross. Photography: Hufton+Crow
The story of the Aga Khan Centre
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... hhYpbsnKlU
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The story of Victoria Hall and its gardens
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... LEZudx2fSo
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... hhYpbsnKlU
******
The story of Victoria Hall and its gardens
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... LEZudx2fSo
Last edited by kmaherali on Fri Aug 24, 2018 4:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Aga Khan Centre, King’s Cross
A number of water features have been provided by The Fountain Workshop for the series of outdoor spaces and rooftop gardens that feature in this new centre of Islamic Studies
A key theme used throughout all of the Aga Khan Foundation’s buildings is that the education of the people in those buildings should not simply start and end with their lessons. The architecture, and to an extent the entire environment, should also reflect the architecture and environments of wider Islamic world. It is, therefore, unsurprising that the water features The Fountain Workshop provided for the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross have a notable similarity to those we provided for the Qasr Al Muwaiji Fort in the United Arab Emirates.
More....
https://www.fountains.co.uk/project/aga ... ings-cross
A number of water features have been provided by The Fountain Workshop for the series of outdoor spaces and rooftop gardens that feature in this new centre of Islamic Studies
A key theme used throughout all of the Aga Khan Foundation’s buildings is that the education of the people in those buildings should not simply start and end with their lessons. The architecture, and to an extent the entire environment, should also reflect the architecture and environments of wider Islamic world. It is, therefore, unsurprising that the water features The Fountain Workshop provided for the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross have a notable similarity to those we provided for the Qasr Al Muwaiji Fort in the United Arab Emirates.
More....
https://www.fountains.co.uk/project/aga ... ings-cross
Secret garden
Islamic-inspired gardens are the delight of Maki and Associates’ new Aga Khan Centre, so it’s a pity they are barely visible on the exterior
‘This is perhaps a strange question to leave to the end of a two-hour press tour,’ I say to one of the representatives who has accompanied the press group around the new eponymously named centre in King’s Cross, London, ‘but who exactly is the Aga Khan, where is he based, and how is he paying for this £50 million building with a “generous private donation”?’
More....
https://www.ribaj.com/buildings/aga-kha ... lle-priest
******
Visit Six Gardens of the new Aga Khan Centre – Open House London | 22–23 September 2018
More....
https://openhouselondon.open-city.org.uk/listings/7273
Islamic-inspired gardens are the delight of Maki and Associates’ new Aga Khan Centre, so it’s a pity they are barely visible on the exterior
‘This is perhaps a strange question to leave to the end of a two-hour press tour,’ I say to one of the representatives who has accompanied the press group around the new eponymously named centre in King’s Cross, London, ‘but who exactly is the Aga Khan, where is he based, and how is he paying for this £50 million building with a “generous private donation”?’
More....
https://www.ribaj.com/buildings/aga-kha ... lle-priest
******
Visit Six Gardens of the new Aga Khan Centre – Open House London | 22–23 September 2018
More....
https://openhouselondon.open-city.org.uk/listings/7273
Open House London 2018: 10 incredible buildings to visit
Excerpt:
To help you decide which addresses to add to your list, we’ve picked 10 of the best buildings to visit during Open House London, from the newly refurbished Royal Opera House to the peaceful Aga Khan Centre…
More...
https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifes ... ngs-visit/
Excerpt:
To help you decide which addresses to add to your list, we’ve picked 10 of the best buildings to visit during Open House London, from the newly refurbished Royal Opera House to the peaceful Aga Khan Centre…
More...
https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifes ... ngs-visit/
A source of inspiration and illumination
For the first time since its opening, the Aga Khan Centre will open its doors to the public this weekend, as part of Open House London 2018. Nestled amongst landscaped walkways, pavement cafés, and a crop of new buildings, the Aga Khan Centre provides a purpose-built space for contemplation, collaboration, and contribution to knowledge and scholarship.
Photos and more:
https://the.ismaili/united-kingdom/sour ... lumination
For the first time since its opening, the Aga Khan Centre will open its doors to the public this weekend, as part of Open House London 2018. Nestled amongst landscaped walkways, pavement cafés, and a crop of new buildings, the Aga Khan Centre provides a purpose-built space for contemplation, collaboration, and contribution to knowledge and scholarship.
Photos and more:
https://the.ismaili/united-kingdom/sour ... lumination