The transformative power of generosity
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA320HqMeXo
An educational programme was hosted at the Aga Khan Centre in London in late-September, for supporters of its three resident institutions, namely AKF, IIS, and AKU. The two-day event was attended by Prince Amyn and Princess Zahra.
Aga Khan Centre, United Kingdom
Webinar - Pluralism in architecture
A partnership between Maki and Associates and the
Aga Khan Development Network
Saturday 19 September 2020 | 10am - 11:30am BST
Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/registe ... 25c8c5fc8d
A partnership between Maki and Associates and the
Aga Khan Development Network
Saturday 19 September 2020 | 10am - 11:30am BST
Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/registe ... 25c8c5fc8d
Pluralism in Architecture - a partnership between Maki and Associates and the AKDN
Spanning nearly two decades, the unique design partnership between Pritzker Prize winning Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki and the Aga Khan Development Network has resulted in a trilogy of signature buildings – The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (Ottawa, Canada), the Aga Khan Museum (Toronto, Canada) and most recently the Aga Khan Centre (London, UK).
As part of the Open House Festival 2020, Maki and Associates’ lead architect Gary Kamemoto joined us to share the fascinating story of how his firm’s partnership with AKDN evolved and took shape. Kamemoto’s presentation provided an in-depth look at the innovative processes and materials used to achieve this trio of iconic and distinct buildings that make up the Maki and Associates and AKDN trilogy.
This webinar was moderated by Victoria Jessen-Pike, an independent consultant who was part of the AKDN Design and Project team in King’s Cross London including the Aga Khan Centre. This webinar took place on 11 June 2020.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4wowLHLP4w
Spanning nearly two decades, the unique design partnership between Pritzker Prize winning Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki and the Aga Khan Development Network has resulted in a trilogy of signature buildings – The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (Ottawa, Canada), the Aga Khan Museum (Toronto, Canada) and most recently the Aga Khan Centre (London, UK).
As part of the Open House Festival 2020, Maki and Associates’ lead architect Gary Kamemoto joined us to share the fascinating story of how his firm’s partnership with AKDN evolved and took shape. Kamemoto’s presentation provided an in-depth look at the innovative processes and materials used to achieve this trio of iconic and distinct buildings that make up the Maki and Associates and AKDN trilogy.
This webinar was moderated by Victoria Jessen-Pike, an independent consultant who was part of the AKDN Design and Project team in King’s Cross London including the Aga Khan Centre. This webinar took place on 11 June 2020.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4wowLHLP4w
Aga Khan Centre
The Aga Khan Centre is a place of education, knowledge, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim civilisations. The building is the UK home for three organisations founded by His Highness Aga Khan IV, the hereditary spiritual leader of the Shi‘a Ismaili Muslims.
This building is designed to represent the values of openness, dialogue and respect for different viewpoints (pluralism). The architecture incorporates a collection of gardens, courtyards and terraces that provides an insight into the diversity and influence of Islamic landscape design around the world and through history.
The building was designed by Fumihiko Maki, one of Japan’s most distinguished contemporary architects. The Centre is primarily designed for an academic community, with places for students, scholars and staff to share ideas and work together alongside flexible teaching spaces and quiet research areas.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1QVvw0TJRw
The Aga Khan Centre is a place of education, knowledge, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim civilisations. The building is the UK home for three organisations founded by His Highness Aga Khan IV, the hereditary spiritual leader of the Shi‘a Ismaili Muslims.
This building is designed to represent the values of openness, dialogue and respect for different viewpoints (pluralism). The architecture incorporates a collection of gardens, courtyards and terraces that provides an insight into the diversity and influence of Islamic landscape design around the world and through history.
The building was designed by Fumihiko Maki, one of Japan’s most distinguished contemporary architects. The Centre is primarily designed for an academic community, with places for students, scholars and staff to share ideas and work together alongside flexible teaching spaces and quiet research areas.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1QVvw0TJRw
Making Paradise Opens at AKC Gallery
Paradise is referenced over 130 times in the verses of the Qur’an, indicating the importance of this theme to the Islamic faith. It is also the subject of myriad works of spiritual literature and poetry, where it appears as an expanse of luxuriant, verdant gardens, irrigated by rivers, ponds and fountains.
At Making Paradise’s online opening on April 29th, its curator Esen Kaya explained that the multi-sensory exhibition aimed to evoke a sense of delight and wonder around the concept of Paradise. It invites us to reflect on diverse interpretations of the concept made by artists from across the world, through a variety of materials and processes.
The exhibition brings together digital reproductions of classical miniature paintings from Aga Khan Museum’s permanent collection with other eastern and western depictions of elements associated with Paradise, including Islamic geometry, traditional ceramic work and calligraphy, gold work embroidery, hand-stitched textiles, collage and modern appliqué techniques.
The walls of the gallery have been transformed into the four symbolic quadrants of the Chahar Bagh, based on the ‘four gardens’ of Paradise in the Qur’an. The central focus is a silent fountain, designed by renowned Islamic garden designer Emma Clark. From this springs a bespoke paper-cut installation of organic forms, created by American collage and installation artist Clare Celeste Börsch.
During the online opening, Emma outlined the key elements of Islamic Paradise gardens, including water, enclosure, the harmonious interweaving of architecture, flowers, scent, the sense of divine unity and peace, all of which are incorporated in the exhibition. Tom Stuart-Smith, an eminent garden designer, officially opened the show, describing it as “subtle and enagaging”.
Visitors may also view a short film depicting the many historical garden restoration projects accomplished around the world by the Aga Khan Development Network, as well as new public gardens created to enhance the environment and ameliorate the lives of those living or working nearby. Crucially, the film conveys the message of His Highness the Aga Khan regarding the significance of gardens as important spaces that build bridges and bring communities together.
The Making Paradise exhibition is presented by Aga Khan Foundation-UK, Aga Khan University -Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations and The Institute of Ismaili Studies. The exhibition is also in partnerships with Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Aga Khan Museum, The Royal Horticultural Society Lindley Library, the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts and the Royal School of Needlework.
It will be accompanied in the coming months by a learning and engagement programme led by some of the artists featured in the exhibition, with details to follow.
Making Paradise runs until September 30th at the Aga Khan Gallery. Find out more and watch a short film about the exhibition here https://www.agakhancentre.org.uk/galler ... -paradise/
In line with government regulations surrounding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the exhibition will open by appointment only. Tickets will be available soon through Eventbrite.
Register for a series of talks with the artists featured in the exhibition https://www.agakhancentre.org.uk/events/
https://www.iis.ac.uk/news/making-parad ... kc-gallery
Paradise is referenced over 130 times in the verses of the Qur’an, indicating the importance of this theme to the Islamic faith. It is also the subject of myriad works of spiritual literature and poetry, where it appears as an expanse of luxuriant, verdant gardens, irrigated by rivers, ponds and fountains.
At Making Paradise’s online opening on April 29th, its curator Esen Kaya explained that the multi-sensory exhibition aimed to evoke a sense of delight and wonder around the concept of Paradise. It invites us to reflect on diverse interpretations of the concept made by artists from across the world, through a variety of materials and processes.
The exhibition brings together digital reproductions of classical miniature paintings from Aga Khan Museum’s permanent collection with other eastern and western depictions of elements associated with Paradise, including Islamic geometry, traditional ceramic work and calligraphy, gold work embroidery, hand-stitched textiles, collage and modern appliqué techniques.
The walls of the gallery have been transformed into the four symbolic quadrants of the Chahar Bagh, based on the ‘four gardens’ of Paradise in the Qur’an. The central focus is a silent fountain, designed by renowned Islamic garden designer Emma Clark. From this springs a bespoke paper-cut installation of organic forms, created by American collage and installation artist Clare Celeste Börsch.
During the online opening, Emma outlined the key elements of Islamic Paradise gardens, including water, enclosure, the harmonious interweaving of architecture, flowers, scent, the sense of divine unity and peace, all of which are incorporated in the exhibition. Tom Stuart-Smith, an eminent garden designer, officially opened the show, describing it as “subtle and enagaging”.
Visitors may also view a short film depicting the many historical garden restoration projects accomplished around the world by the Aga Khan Development Network, as well as new public gardens created to enhance the environment and ameliorate the lives of those living or working nearby. Crucially, the film conveys the message of His Highness the Aga Khan regarding the significance of gardens as important spaces that build bridges and bring communities together.
The Making Paradise exhibition is presented by Aga Khan Foundation-UK, Aga Khan University -Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations and The Institute of Ismaili Studies. The exhibition is also in partnerships with Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Aga Khan Museum, The Royal Horticultural Society Lindley Library, the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts and the Royal School of Needlework.
It will be accompanied in the coming months by a learning and engagement programme led by some of the artists featured in the exhibition, with details to follow.
Making Paradise runs until September 30th at the Aga Khan Gallery. Find out more and watch a short film about the exhibition here https://www.agakhancentre.org.uk/galler ... -paradise/
In line with government regulations surrounding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the exhibition will open by appointment only. Tickets will be available soon through Eventbrite.
Register for a series of talks with the artists featured in the exhibition https://www.agakhancentre.org.uk/events/
https://www.iis.ac.uk/news/making-parad ... kc-gallery
Aga Khan Centre’s Unique Gardens Showcased at Popular London Event
The Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross were one of 15 across the UK capital chosen to feature in London Open Gardens’ virtual event.
A short film of the roof gardens, terraces and courtyards in the Aga Khan Centre (AKC) on a sunny day was screened as part of the 90-minute broadcast on June 12th.
Students from The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) and the Aga Khan University-Institute for The Study Of Muslim Civilisations (ISMC) were filmed chatting and relaxing in the gardens and interviewed on what they value most about them.
Salima Bhatia, Head of Communications and Development at the IIS, gave a background to the six spaces, which are inspired by different parts of the Muslim world, from southern Spain and North Africa, to South and Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual event—an exploration of London’s formal squares, historic allotments and award-winning community spaces—moved online this year. It is now available to watch on demand https://londongardenstrust.org/whatson/open-gardens/ .
The contemporary landscaped spaces at the AKC and student residence Victoria Hall represent the diversity of Muslim cultures around the world and over time. The modestly-sized but beautiful gardens range from contemplative and secluded to open and social. With nearby Jellicoe Gardens and Lewis Cubitt Square, they form a ‘ribbon’ of green spaces in King’s Cross.
Students and staff at the AKC have missed spending time in the serene gardens during the pandemic, but a recent relaxing of lockdown restrictions has allowed some to return to the spaces.
“This is the place I enjoy the most, because it gives me a steady break when I come here,” commented GPISH student Fariah Bakhsh. “With my classmates we come here, enjoy the sunset, enjoy a chat.”
Although the gardens at the AKC are currently closed to the public owing to the pandemic, we hope to open them up for tours again as soon as it is safe to do so.
https://www.iis.ac.uk/news/aga-khan-cen ... en-gardens
The Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross were one of 15 across the UK capital chosen to feature in London Open Gardens’ virtual event.
A short film of the roof gardens, terraces and courtyards in the Aga Khan Centre (AKC) on a sunny day was screened as part of the 90-minute broadcast on June 12th.
Students from The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) and the Aga Khan University-Institute for The Study Of Muslim Civilisations (ISMC) were filmed chatting and relaxing in the gardens and interviewed on what they value most about them.
Salima Bhatia, Head of Communications and Development at the IIS, gave a background to the six spaces, which are inspired by different parts of the Muslim world, from southern Spain and North Africa, to South and Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual event—an exploration of London’s formal squares, historic allotments and award-winning community spaces—moved online this year. It is now available to watch on demand https://londongardenstrust.org/whatson/open-gardens/ .
The contemporary landscaped spaces at the AKC and student residence Victoria Hall represent the diversity of Muslim cultures around the world and over time. The modestly-sized but beautiful gardens range from contemplative and secluded to open and social. With nearby Jellicoe Gardens and Lewis Cubitt Square, they form a ‘ribbon’ of green spaces in King’s Cross.
Students and staff at the AKC have missed spending time in the serene gardens during the pandemic, but a recent relaxing of lockdown restrictions has allowed some to return to the spaces.
“This is the place I enjoy the most, because it gives me a steady break when I come here,” commented GPISH student Fariah Bakhsh. “With my classmates we come here, enjoy the sunset, enjoy a chat.”
Although the gardens at the AKC are currently closed to the public owing to the pandemic, we hope to open them up for tours again as soon as it is safe to do so.
https://www.iis.ac.uk/news/aga-khan-cen ... en-gardens