The visit will be led by Esen Kaya, curator at the centre
“Opened in 2018, 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.
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.
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 is influenced by Islamic architectural history and uses a small array of timeless materials. It is clad in crisply detailed pale limestone, which is inspired by grand Portland stone buildings across London and contrasts with the darker brick of industrial King’s Cross. The form of the building has a sculptural quality, partly achieved by a white glass window pattern. The building sensitively fits into its context – with each side relating to its surroundings through carefully composed views into, and out of, the building.
Organised around a nine-storey glazed atrium, the building layout reflects traditional courtyards found in Morocco and Egypt, where private rooms surround common spaces. The atrium is a social and visual hub, bringing light deep into the building. A geometric eight-point star pattern appears on metalwork and windows, casting shadows across the walls. This motif also appears in some of the Centre’s outdoor spaces.”
Tickets £15 from Evenbrite. If you book a place and find you are not able to come, please let us know as plaes are very limited.
Travel tip from Blackheath: St Pancras International from London Bridge via the Thames Link, then a 10 min walk to Handyside Street, past Granary Square
Meet at the front door of the centre, corner with Lewis Cubitt Park at 10.15 am for 10.30 tour.
