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Draft:Aga Khan Centre

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The Aga Khan Centre (Urdu: آغا خان سنٹر) is a contemporary architectural landmark located in King's Cross, London. Aga Khan Centre serves as the UK headquarters for three significant organizations of Ismaili Muslims community Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan University, Institute of Ismaili Studies and spiritual leader, the Aga Khan IV.[1][2][3][4] It opened in June 2018, attendance for the official opening were including His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Mayor of London.[5]

Aga Khan Centre
آغا خان سنٹر
General information
LocationLondon, United Kingdom
Address10 Handyside Street in Kings Cross, London N1C.
OwnerAga Khan Foundation
Technical details
Floor count10
Design and construction
Architect(s)Fumihiko Maki
Other information
Number of restaurants2
FacilitiesToilets

Drinking water Handrails on stairs Quieter area Seating available Accessible toilet

Baby changing facilities
ParkingYes
Public transit accessTube: King's Cross St. Pancras

Train: King's Cross

Bus: 390, 17, 30, 46, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 476
Website
https://www.agakhancentre.org.uk/

Design

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Designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, the 10-story building stands as a contemporary architectural landmark.[6] Its exterior is clad in pale limestone, creating a distinctive appearance that blends with London's architectural landscape. The structure houses academic spaces, offices, library, exhibition area and research facilities dedicated to studying Muslim civilizations in cultural context.[7][8][9]

Purpose built

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The centre primarily functions as an academic institution, hosting the Aga Khan Foundation UK, Aga Khan University's Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, and the Institute of Ismaili Studies.[10] These organizations focus on research, education, and cultural exchange, exploring the diverse history of Muslim societies worldwide. A unique feature of the building is its series of Islamic gardens and terraces Charbagh.[11][2][12]

These green spaces, located on different levels of the building, provide areas for reflection, study, and social interaction.[13] The gardens represent various Islamic landscape traditions, offering visitors a glimpse into the cultural and architectural heritage of Muslim civilizations.[14] It includes a gallery, restaurant, café, and exhibition areas that are open to the public.[15][9][16][2][13]

References

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  1. ^ "Aga Khan Centre inaugurated in King's Cross, London". Aga Khan Development Network. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  2. ^ a b c Prynn, Jonathan (2018-06-26). "King's Cross Aga Khan Centre shows wonders of the Islamic world". The Standard. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  3. ^ by (2022-03-09). "Guided tours of the Aga Khan Centre have resumed". ianVisits. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  4. ^ Priest, Isabelle (2018-08-21). "Secret garden". www.ribaj.com. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  5. ^ "UK welcomes His Highness the Aga Khan for the opening of new academic centre in London". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  6. ^ "Fumihiko Maki unveils Aga Khan Centre in London's King's Cross". Dezeen. 2018-06-29. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  7. ^ "Visual arts: Making Paradise, at the Aga Khan Centre (London)". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  8. ^ "Aga Khan Centre - Building - King's Cross, London N1C". www.buildington.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  9. ^ a b "Kevork Mourad Explores The Babel Story At The Ismaili Centre London". Artlyst. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  10. ^ "Interview with Esen Salma Kaya, Curator at Aga Khan Centre Gallery". www.iis.ac.uk. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  11. ^ "Aga Khan Centre - Islamic Gardens at King's Cross". londongardenstrust.org. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  12. ^ "Aga Khan Centre". programme.openhouse.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  13. ^ a b Barrie, Thomas (2022-07-08). "Why are gardens so significant in Islamic theology?". House & Garden. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  14. ^ Byng, Malaika (2018-06-28). "London's Aga Khan Centre comes alive with a series of Islamic Gardens". The Spaces. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  15. ^ Exhibition, The Silk Road (2021-03-18). "London's Aga Khan Centre". The Silk Road. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  16. ^ "Aga Khan Centre inaugurated in King's Cross, London". Aga Khan Development Network. Retrieved 2024-11-27.