“The architectural planning [of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building] has been entrusted to the capable hands of Fumihiko Maki, an architect of world standing. Maki and Associates have my enthusiastic admiration for addressing, with tact and empathy, challenges of design which are difficult and subtle. They call for translating concepts that have a context in our faith and our history, yet stride boldly and confidently ahead, into modernity; for expressing both the exoteric and the esoteric, and our awe and humility towards the mysteries of Nature, Time and beyond.” — His Highness the Aga Khan, June 2005.

By MALIK MERCHANT

Reflecting back to 2005, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss as I note the passing of the renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki on June 6, 2024, at the age of 95. His architectural firm, Maki and Associates, officially announced his demise. The news of Mr. Maki’s death reverberated across the globe, with obituaries appearing in esteemed publications such as the Washington Post, New York Times, and CNN, as well as prominent architectural websites like Architectural Record, World Architects, and Architect’s Newspaper.

The occasion in January 2005 was the award of the Vincent Scully Prize to Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

Stepping into the building, I found myself in the presence of Bruno Freschi, the architect behind the exquisite Ismaili Centre Vancouver, which had opened its doors in 1985. Just a few steps away stood Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by Fumihiko Maki and Firoz Rasul, the President of the Aga Khan Council for Canada. It was a rare and profound moment, as Bruno had expressed his desire to meet both Mawlana Hazar Imam and Fumihiko Maki in person. I took the initiative and introduced Bruno to Rasul. In a later interview, Bruno shared his gratitude: “His Highness introduced me to Mr. Maki, and it was here that he again thanked me and said that the Jamatkhana (Ismaili Centre Vancouver) was indeed one of his favourite buildings. He encouraged Mr Maki to visit the building.”

Witnessing two remarkable architects with Mawlana Hazar Imam was a touching moment. The memory of that encounter is etched in my heart, a testament to the profound impact it had on me.

We honour the renowned architect, Fumihiko Maki, by presenting links to photographs of three beautiful projects that he built for Mawlana Hazar Imam — the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat building in Ottawa which was opened on December 9, 2008, as the Ismaili community marked the completion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto which was opened on September 14, 2014, and the Aga Khan Centre in London which was inaugurated on June 26, 2018. We invite you to visit the links provided.

For each of these projects, Mawlana Hazar Imam made remarks on Fumihiko Maki. We publish a selection of the speech excerpts as part of Simerg’s tribute to Mr. Maki.

His Highness the Aga Khan on Fumihiko Maki’s Projects for the Ismaili Imamat

(1) The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building, Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Remarks by the Aga Khan at the Foundation Ceremony of the Delegation Building, Ottawa, June 6, 2005

“The architectural planning [of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building] has been entrusted to the capable hands of Fumihiko Maki, an architect of world standing. Maki and Associates have my enthusiastic admiration for addressing, with tact and empathy, challenges of design which are difficult and subtle. They call for translating concepts that have a context in our faith and our history, yet stride boldly and confidently ahead, into modernity; for expressing both the exoteric and the esoteric, and our awe and humility towards the mysteries of Nature, Time and beyond. The outcome is an inter-play of multiple facets, like rock crystal. In it are platforms of pure but translucent horizontality. Light’s full spectrum comes alive and disappears as the eye moves. In Islam the divine is reflected in Nature’s creation. The building will rest on a solid linear granite podium. Above it will be a glass dome through which light will illuminate, from multiple directions, two symbolic spaces: an interior atrium and an exterior courtyard landscaped in four quarters, recalling the traditional Persian — Islamic garden, the Chahr-bagh. Nature, through the greenery of trees and flowers, will be on the site, but also in the building, just as we are sometimes able to see leaves and petals captured in rock crystal, but still visible through its unique translucency.

Remarks continue below

“The building will be a metaphor for humanism and enlightenment and for the humility that comes from the constant search for answers that leads inevitably to more questions. The Delegation, with its openness and transparency, will be a symbolic seat for the Imamat’s permanent presence in Canada, and a platform for constructive exchanges that mutually broaden moral and intellectual horizons. It will be a window for the AKDN to reinforce existing, and cultivate new, partnerships with national and international agencies present in Ottawa, that share the ethic of contributing to an improved quality of life in the developing world.”

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(2) The Aga Khan Museum, Wynford Drive, Toronto

(I) Remarks by the Aga Khan at the Inauguration of the Spirit and Life Exhibition, Ismaili Centre London, June 12, 2007

“What we see here today is the nucleus of the Islamic art collections of the future Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. This museum, which is being designed by the renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, is conceived as a primarily educational institution in the field of Islamic art and culture, a specific mandate that is not fulfilled so far by other North American museums. We hope and trust it will contribute to a deeper understanding among cultures — to the strengthening of true cultural pluralism — which is increasingly essential to peace, and to progress, in our world.”

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(II) Remarks by the Aga Khan at the Foundation Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, the Aga Khan Museum and their Park, Toronto, May 28, 2010,

“I should emphasise, as well, that the Museum building itself will be an important work of art — designed by the great Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki. Many of you know his superb building in Ottawa that has been the home for the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat since 2008.

“That Delegation building was inspired by the evanescent mysteries of rock crystal. The new Toronto Museum will take as its theme the concept of light — suffusing the building from a central courtyard, through patterned glass screens. From the outside, it will glow by day and by night, lit by the sun and the moon.

Remarks continue below

“From the outside, it will glow by day and by night, lit by the sun and the moon. This use of light speaks to us of the Divine Light of the Creator, reflected in the glow of individual human inspiration and vibrant, transparent community. As the poet Rumi has written: “The light that lights the eye is also the light of the heart… but the light that lights the heart is the Light of God.”

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(III) Remarks by the Aga Khan on the Aga Khan Museum at the Opening of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre, Toronto, September 12, 2014

“The fusion of tradition and modernity which this building achieves, and the blend of spiritual, educational and social objectives that it embodies, have also characterised our other Ismaili Centres — in Vancouver, London, Lisbon, Dubai, and Dushanbe. All of them were designed by architects of great international standing, and, I would emphasise, of great multi-cultural sensitivity.

Remarks continue below

“Charles Correa, for example, comes from an Indian background and has also designed Hindu and Christian buildings. The architect for our Vancouver Centre 30 years ago was Bruno Freschi, whose family is of Italian background, and whose earlier work had included a Sikh place of worship. The new Aga Khan Park was designed by an architect of Lebanese heritage, Vladimir Djurovic. And the Aga Khan Museum is the work of a superb Japanese professional, Fumihiko Maki. How pleased we are that all of these fine artists are with us today.”

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The Aga Khan Centre, King’s Cross, London

“The Aga Khan Centre is the third project we have worked on with the distinguished architect Fumihiko Maki, a master of form and light” — His Highness the Aga Khan, quoted on Aga Khan Centre website

Remarks by the Aga Khan at the inauguration of the Aga Khan Centre, June 5, 2018

“We celebrate today a beautiful new architectural accomplishment. This place has been shaped by many diverse influences — and among them we now welcome the rich traditions of Islamic architecture. One of those traditions – one that is appreciated by both the Islamic and the British cultures – is the special importance of the garden. We see the garden not merely as an adjunct to other constructions, but as a privileged space unto itself.

“And that is why I have emphasised, since our role began here in 2010, my own hope that the value of garden spaces should be embraced here. As we perambulate together through these spaces today, I trust that you will share my delight in seeing how that hope has been fulfilled. What we will see as we walk along are not only beautiful buildings — but also a unique series of gardens, courtyards and terraces – eight of them, in all, across our two buildings. Each one of them, moreover, has a distinctive identity: each one is inspired by a different region of the Islamic Ummah.

Remarks continue below

“Taken together, this winding ribbon of special spaces is an eloquent tribute to the rich diversity of the Muslim world. As we open this remarkable site, it is a privilege to salute those who have brought us to this moment. I would recognise, in particular, our fine relationship with the government of this borough, this city, and this country, as well as our rewarding partnership with the people at Argent. We are grateful, as well, for the talents of Maki and Associates, Allies and Morrison, Madison Cox and Nelson Byrd Woltz, as well as Rasheed Araeen and the late Karl Schlamminger. I would also like to thank our splendid team of staff and volunteers, including my brother Prince Amyn, who have stewarded this project to completion.”

Date posted: June 13, 2024.

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Please visit the Maki and Associates website for Professor Maki’s biography and curriculum vitae, which summarize his education, professional affiliations, and worldwide recognitions and awards.