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The Ismaili Centre
Lisbon, Portugal
Raj Rewal Associates
Islamic symbolism and local architecture
inform this modern place of worship
© Raj Rewal Associates |
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& drawings' above.
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behind this project click on 'people & products.'
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A design competition among five leading
architects resulted in Indian architect Raj Rewal receiving
the commission to design a permanent home for prayer and community
gatherings of the Ismaili community in Lisbon. Rewal's design
was further refined in discussion with the leaders of the
community and resulted in an 100,000-square-foot facility.
In addition to areas for worship, the
facility includes offices for its institutional work of carrying
out the endeavors of His Holiness the Aga Khan, who serves
as both the spiritual head of the Ismaili religion as well
as a renowned philanthropist in promoting worldwide cultural
and economic development.
Raj Rewal's design draws inspiration
from both the Islamic philosophy and the local architecture
and is innovative in using contemporary materials and technology.
Public spaces like the social hall and community rooms are
grouped together on the ground floor, each with its own courtyard.
The first floor is reserved for Aga Khan Foundation activities;
six rooms are ordered around six enclosed courtyards, landscaped
with beautiful foliage and featuring fountains and water sculpture.
Reinforcing both the strength of Islamic
values as well as its traditional patterns, prefabricated
local pink granite and steel pipes braced with stainless steel
rods were used to create a lattice-patterned facade, echoing
an Islamic design feature. The geometric patterns capture
the essence of Islamic historic styles set within a modern
design idiom.
Formal name
of Project:
The Ismaili Centre
Location:
Lisbon, Portugal
Size:
100,000 sq ft
Owner:
Ismaco, Lisbon
Architect's
firm:
Raj Rewal Associates
S-7. Triveni , DDA Commercial Complex
Sheikh Sarai Phase 1, New Delhi 110017
Tel: 91-11-6015428, 6014101
Fax: 91-11-6015429
E-mail: rajrewal@del2.vsnl.net.in
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