The entire site is a harmonious union of the spiritual, artistic and natural worlds. The complex is a symbolic marker of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community in Canada, and an ambassadorial space intended to foster understanding of pluralism.
Projects — Arts & Cultural — Ismaili Centre
The Ismaili Centre uniquely responds to established Islamic building traditions, while incorporating contemporary architectural form, materiality and construction methods. The architectural language distinguishes a community that is both informed by its past and modern in its outlook, inviting peaceful faith and contemplation, intellectual discovery and public outreach.
The centerpiece of the project is the prayer hall, whose crystalline glass roof creates ever-changing interior lighting conditions. During the day, as sunlight is filtered and diffused through the translucent glass, the serene prayer hall inspires users to physically and spiritually connect with both the sky above and the ground below. At night, the glass roof glows like a beacon in the dark sky, rising elegantly above the surrounding landscape.
Set within a 6.8 hectare park (designed by Vladimir Djurovic with Moriyama & Teshima Planners), the Ismaili Centre shares a site with the Aga Khan Museum (designed by Fumihiko Maki with Moriyama & Teshima Architects). The complex is a symbolic marker of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community in Canada, and an ambassadorial space intended to foster understanding of pluralism.
Client
Imara (Wynford Drive) Limited
Size
86,111 SF
Team
Moriyama & Teshima Architects in association with Charles Correa Associates
Interior Design: arriz+co
Ted Teshima
Daniel Teramura
Brian Rudy
George Meng
Po Ma
Allan Yee, Andrew Bernaus, Chris Ertsenian, Chris Yen, Elias Saoud, Gene Ascenzi, Gord Doherty, Janice Chan, Jay Patel, Jeff Frackowiak, John Blakey, Joni Inouye, Mahera Qurbani, Melana Janzen, Nancy Chao, Norman Jennings, Peter Bogaczewicz, Roy Gill, Scott Wiseman, Shawn Geddes
Awards
OAA Design Excellence Award
OAA People’s Choice Award
Marble Institute of America (MIA) + BSI Pinnacle Award