By Yasmin Rajwani
“The language of architecture speaks in different idioms, but it also provides powerful connections, resonating in landscapes both urban and rural, global and local, monumental and humble, secular and spiritual. An “Architecture of Pluralism” is one that will encourage all of us to listen to one another and to learn from one another, with a deep sense of humility and a realization that diversity itself is a gift of the Divine.”
His Highness the Aga Khan, on being awarded the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada 2013 Gold Medal, Ottawa
Ottawa, and Lowertown in particular, is blessed with an architectural pluralism that reflects the value of cross-cultural conversation. Whether it is the modernist National Gallery, the Notre Dame Cathedral or the many embassies, each building speaks to those passing by – telling stories of the history, culture, or aspirations of the institutions and individuals behind their construction. These buildings spark the curiosity of all those who traverse this historic neighbourhood.
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat at 199 Sussex Drive is among the more recent of these landmarks. Designed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, the building embodies the Aga Khan’s vision of integrating both traditional Islamic and modern elements. Maki is celebrated for his masterful use of light and fusion of cultural traditions. In designing the building, His Highness asked Maki to draw inspiration from rock crystal – specifically its strength and luminosity. At the building’s inauguration in 2008, the Aga Khan explained his reasoning, expressing that “rock crystal seems to be such an appropriate symbol of the profound beauty and the ever-unfolding mystery of Creation itself – and the Creator.”
The Delegation’s distinctive glass roof is the most evident manifestation of the rock crystal inspiration. Light entering through the roof panes creates patterns that change with the time of day and season.
The atrium also features elements that interpret Islamic architectural traditions in modern or local materials, such as its geometric patterned Canadian maple floor and dramatic, cast aluminum screen encircling the space. Similarly, an interior courtyard interprets the char bagh (four-part garden), here employing melted snow as the water feature appropriate to our Canadian climate. These attributes serve as a reminder of the innately pluralistic essence of the building’s function: to promote dialogue, exchange, and partnership.
The Delegation exhibits powerful aspirations for today’s globalized world: building bridges, sharing knowledge, and joining forces to address global challenges.
The Delegation’s architectural significance has not gone unnoticed; the building is the recipient of the 2012 Governor General’s Medal in Architecture, and the Ontario Institute of Architects’ Celebration of Excellence and People’s Choice Awards in 2010.
The Delegation hosts public events such as seminar series, youth workshops, concerts, and exhibits in partnership with Canadian and global organizations. Free, guided tours of the Delegation’s public spaces are available Wednesdays and Saturdays. To book a tour and to find out about upcoming events, visit www.akfc.ca.