Humility in built form: An interview with Ismaili Centre Dubai architects
As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, architects Rami El Dahan and Soheir Farid visited the Centre earlier this year and looked back on the successes and challenges in designing a welcoming building of timeless elegance.
During their visit, the Egyptian duo spoke passionately about their initial challenge of creating a building to suit the configuration of the land, and design a centre that was welcoming for both visitors and community members. This led to the creation of grand domes, large corridors, and calming geometric designs and fountains. They chose to place the largest dome, octagonal in shape, supported on meticulously engineered heavy corbels, in the centrepiece of the building: the Jamatkhana prayer hall, to draw one’s senses inwards and upwards.
“The love, passion, and humility that exuded from the architects themselves, gave us a renewed understanding of the statement ‘to build something that reflected Islamic architecture and yet showed humility in a built form,’ said Nilufer Verjee, the tour ambassadors’ team lead. “We were moved by their presence. It appears apparent to us all now, that the Centre also reflects their love, attitude, and ethics in a built form, so dear to Mawlana Hazar Imam."
Leaders of the Jamat and tour ambassadors had the fortunate opportunity to participate in a rare tour of the building, guided by the architects themselves, and posed them a series of questions about the design features, the function, and vision of the building:
The Ismaili Centre Dubai is known as an oasis of refreshing calm and refined distinction. How did you ensure a sense of order and harmony in its design, in a region where steel and glass structures have often set the trend?
That’s a difficult one, because it was the only choice we had. This was the vision of His Highness. He wanted this, and we are glad to have been able to read between the lines of what he wanted and manage to actually build it. Our success in this project as well as the Azhar park, was the result of us really being able to feel what was wanted in the brief that was given to us. His Highness wanted a high profile Jamatkhana and a high profile Ismaili Centre. The building was not to be just a functional place, but had to serve a different purpose at the same time for both the community and its guests. But this would not be possible if we had been requested to make something that fitted the surrounding trends.
A similar project was the Hilltop Restaurant and Terrace located within the 30-hectare Azhar Park in Cairo. Given the importance of the location, where we have the most important mosques in the world such as the Mohamed Ali Mosque, the restaurant needed to be unique. some people would go there to have lunch, but it meant to serve an additional purpose as well. We were able to feel and sense that purpose of the Azhar Park, and we think that is why he commissioned us.
What feature of the Ismaili Centre makes you most proud and how did it come about?
The whole harmony and simplicity of the building, and yet with a very intricate design. This kind of simplicity as we say in Arabic, sahel almomtanee looks very easy and obvious to create, but it is not. The amount of work behind this design, not only by us, but also Nizar Shariff and Sadrudin Inayatali, took many hours of meetings to form.
There are many features in the building, but the most successful one is the way you reach the Jamatkhana as you go through the building. The quality of each space that you walk through from the entrance hall to the passage, to the seven-sided dome, the opening where you leave your shoes, and finally enter the Jamatkhana is an urban design — it is like a city design. It is not just about designing of the individual spaces, but the design of one’s journey from the door to the main function of the building. I think this is the real success. It makes you forget all the streets outside. It’s like an oasis: once you enter, you forget the city; and this is a success.
From the sunken water channels and carved hardwood floors, to the striking prayer-hall dome; the skilled craftwork and artistry is clearly evident. What do these touches add to the function of the space?
There are very different answers to all of these questions. If and when we design our house, we make a courtyard because we believe a courtyard should be an integral part of any building. In all cultures and countries, it brings a part of the sky into the building. This is one element that was not written in the brief, yet we have seven courtyards in this building. This is a principle of architecture we believe in. Whenever we can we put in a courtyard, it’s a must, even in a small villa, as it allows the lighting in the building to be different.
We believe that beauty resides in nature, more than in manmade things. So when we use materials like wood, marble, and stone, and respect those materials — not just for cladding but in the way they are meant to be used, the result will be inevitably good. Adding features such as domes, walls, stones, and introducing water elements in fountains, requires skill. Like Hassan Fathy, you need to use detailing and ideas in proper balance. To find the right balance, an architect has to refrain from incorporating every thought and remain focused on the end result.
You have designed various types of buildings in many different parts of the world. Is there a particular period of history, or school of thought, which influences the style of your designs?
No, I am not partial to any particular one. I observe continuously when I travel and absorb the various forms and styles of architecture, from Japan, to the history of Egypt, to monuments of Europe and France. When you have all this in you, it’s your responsibility to produce something to match that level.
What advice would you share with young people who aspire to become more involved in creative and artistic fields?
I would encourage them to learn about the work of Hassan Fathy, and the concept of vernacular architecture. I would recommend that they create a vernacular attitude within themselves and always keep the motive in mind. You cannot create something that is internationally viable and good until it is rooted. There is a sequence in creating, even if it is a modern building.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/uae/humility-built- ... -173435533
ACTIVITIES AT THE ISMAILI CENTRE DUBAI
Hackathon Dubai empowers youth to address today’s technological challenges
The Ismaili Centre, Dubai held its first two-day Hackathon recently, which introduced 35 young individuals to real-world technological problems and challenged them to identify sustainable global solutions.
The participants, aged 13-18, first heard from a panel of speakers including representatives from Apple, Microsoft, Airbnb, Visa, and Facebook. The panellists focused on the technological solutions responding to challenges faced by their respective organisations, and discussed how these innovations benefitted local communities and society at large, across sectors and borders. These discussions centred around a variety of breakthrough technologies including genomics, cryptocurrency, nanotechnology, and virtual and augmented reality.
Then came the real challenge: Participants were tasked with building prototypes of solutions to problems related to artificial intelligence, robotics, data sciences, and 3-D printing.
All teams presented innovative technological solutions that would improve the lives of people working in fields such as healthcare, non-governmental organisations, education, sustainable cities, and agriculture, in less than 24 hours.
Two of the solutions presented have received interest from external individuals or organisations. The first solution was the use of artificial intelligence for garbage disposal on streets. Participants Rohaan Gulamani, Amaan Vasani, Kawar Niat Khan, and Armaan Lalani created a prototype for the AI garbage disposal using 3-D printing, and are currently working on upgrading the design for a motorized prototype.
The second solution was the establishment of a platform for non-governmental organisations to come under one banner in order to simplify the process of funding requests. Group members Sara Firdos, Zahid Surani, Zenah Merchant, and Mehak Jindani created the website — which compiles all potential NGOs for donors to browse through rather than visiting each entity’s website individually — and are currently looking into ensuring that the website satisfies local laws and regulations.
“Hackathon is about inspiring inquiring minds with knowledge and know-how to find real world solutions to real world challenges for the betterment of the world. I could not be happier with the potential I saw during this event,” said Saira Gulamani, co-educator of Hackathon.
https://the.ismaili/uae/hackathon-dubai ... challenges
The Ismaili Centre, Dubai held its first two-day Hackathon recently, which introduced 35 young individuals to real-world technological problems and challenged them to identify sustainable global solutions.
The participants, aged 13-18, first heard from a panel of speakers including representatives from Apple, Microsoft, Airbnb, Visa, and Facebook. The panellists focused on the technological solutions responding to challenges faced by their respective organisations, and discussed how these innovations benefitted local communities and society at large, across sectors and borders. These discussions centred around a variety of breakthrough technologies including genomics, cryptocurrency, nanotechnology, and virtual and augmented reality.
Then came the real challenge: Participants were tasked with building prototypes of solutions to problems related to artificial intelligence, robotics, data sciences, and 3-D printing.
All teams presented innovative technological solutions that would improve the lives of people working in fields such as healthcare, non-governmental organisations, education, sustainable cities, and agriculture, in less than 24 hours.
Two of the solutions presented have received interest from external individuals or organisations. The first solution was the use of artificial intelligence for garbage disposal on streets. Participants Rohaan Gulamani, Amaan Vasani, Kawar Niat Khan, and Armaan Lalani created a prototype for the AI garbage disposal using 3-D printing, and are currently working on upgrading the design for a motorized prototype.
The second solution was the establishment of a platform for non-governmental organisations to come under one banner in order to simplify the process of funding requests. Group members Sara Firdos, Zahid Surani, Zenah Merchant, and Mehak Jindani created the website — which compiles all potential NGOs for donors to browse through rather than visiting each entity’s website individually — and are currently looking into ensuring that the website satisfies local laws and regulations.
“Hackathon is about inspiring inquiring minds with knowledge and know-how to find real world solutions to real world challenges for the betterment of the world. I could not be happier with the potential I saw during this event,” said Saira Gulamani, co-educator of Hackathon.
https://the.ismaili/uae/hackathon-dubai ... challenges
Opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai - A Reflection
Gallery at:
https://the.ismaili/uae/opening-the-ism ... reflection
Gallery at:
https://the.ismaili/uae/opening-the-ism ... reflection
Experiencing Ikebana at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai
The Japanese consulate and the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, recently partnered to feature the art of ‘Ikebana,’ which took participants on a journey of culture, art, time, and nature, reminding us to look within to find calm and peace.
A central purpose of the Ismaili Centres around the world is to encourage mutual exchanges and understanding between diverse peoples, communities and faiths. In this spirit of friendship and dialogue, the Ismaili Council for the UAE invited Ma Harue Oki to the Ismaili Centre Dubai to share the ancient Japanese art of Ikebana.
Ms Harue Oki, an art enthusiast and instructor, provided the audience an insight into the art of Ikebana. This seventh-century art of flower arranging was first introduced to Japan from China and Korea, as offerings in Buddhist temples, subsequently evolving into a formalised practice during the Muromachi period, around the 15th to 16th century.
Ikebana is meant to be practiced while in a meditative state, so as to observe and focus on the beauty of nature and gain inner peace. It is based on seven basic principles, namely; minimalism, shape, line, form, humanity, aesthetics, and balance – some of which are also reflected and manifested in the architecture of the Ismaili Centre.
Ms Oki then invited eight volunteers from the audience to create their own arrangements using this unique technique. She noted that eight different versions of the arrangements were created, despite having received the same set of instructions and materials by all the participants. She noted that it represented a very practical lesson in the multiplicity of human perception and diversity of expression.
“And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.”
William Shakespeare
Nature has a way of inspiring each one of us in unique ways. A child’s first drawing usually reflects something from nature, while artists recreate fields using colours from their pallets. We are constantly stimulated by natures’ activities, be it its beauty, or cold chilled winds, while some are mesmerised by the sunset as they hear the evening Adhan (call to prayer).
Springtime is an especially symbolic period of the year where the brilliance of nature unfolds in a multitude of ways. As we celebrate Navroz and the blooming of spring this month, we celebrate the generous offering of nature to humanity.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... -173435533
The Japanese consulate and the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, recently partnered to feature the art of ‘Ikebana,’ which took participants on a journey of culture, art, time, and nature, reminding us to look within to find calm and peace.
A central purpose of the Ismaili Centres around the world is to encourage mutual exchanges and understanding between diverse peoples, communities and faiths. In this spirit of friendship and dialogue, the Ismaili Council for the UAE invited Ma Harue Oki to the Ismaili Centre Dubai to share the ancient Japanese art of Ikebana.
Ms Harue Oki, an art enthusiast and instructor, provided the audience an insight into the art of Ikebana. This seventh-century art of flower arranging was first introduced to Japan from China and Korea, as offerings in Buddhist temples, subsequently evolving into a formalised practice during the Muromachi period, around the 15th to 16th century.
Ikebana is meant to be practiced while in a meditative state, so as to observe and focus on the beauty of nature and gain inner peace. It is based on seven basic principles, namely; minimalism, shape, line, form, humanity, aesthetics, and balance – some of which are also reflected and manifested in the architecture of the Ismaili Centre.
Ms Oki then invited eight volunteers from the audience to create their own arrangements using this unique technique. She noted that eight different versions of the arrangements were created, despite having received the same set of instructions and materials by all the participants. She noted that it represented a very practical lesson in the multiplicity of human perception and diversity of expression.
“And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.”
William Shakespeare
Nature has a way of inspiring each one of us in unique ways. A child’s first drawing usually reflects something from nature, while artists recreate fields using colours from their pallets. We are constantly stimulated by natures’ activities, be it its beauty, or cold chilled winds, while some are mesmerised by the sunset as they hear the evening Adhan (call to prayer).
Springtime is an especially symbolic period of the year where the brilliance of nature unfolds in a multitude of ways. As we celebrate Navroz and the blooming of spring this month, we celebrate the generous offering of nature to humanity.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... -173435533
TEDx talk at Ismaili Centre shines light on tuberculosis, an infectious threat to learn from
In his address at TEDxOudMetha, held at the Ismaili Centre Dubai weeks before widespread social distancing was implemented, Dr Salmaan Keshavjee, Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard University and Director of the Harvard Medical School’s Centre for Global Health Delivery, discussed how many other diseases, beyond Covid-19, continue to affect peoples’ quality of life and cause untimely death, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and even curable infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB).
However, TB still claims approximately 4,000 lives each day, despite humans having a cure since 1948. As an airborne disease, TB can be passed along very easily from one person to another. This is what gave rise to the TB pandemic of the last two centuries which, by some estimates, is said to have killed one billion people between the years 1800 and 2000.
It was in the 1950s that the “search-treat-prevent” approach was developed to stop TB. Mass community-based testing was initiated, often using mobile x-ray vans. Affected individuals were isolated and treated, and preventative measures were applied within the community to limit further spreading — much like the isolation and social distancing we practice today. This approach was used in developed countries where TB infections have now dropped markedly.
“Covid-19 has demonstrated that our health systems face an important gap in their ability to test and treat people for disease in the communities where they live and work. In many parts of the world this is exacerbated by poverty,” said Dr Keshavjee.
One hope lies in the success of alliances such as the Zero TB Initiative, said Keshavjee. The initiative is run in part by the department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard University and was formed to assist cities, districts, and countries to adopt the search-treat-prevent approach to epidemic control using community-based healthcare delivery platforms.
“The platform needed for TB will not only help us deal better with outbreaks like coronavirus, but it will also help us fill the health delivery gap for so many other diseases,” Keshavjee said. “That’s the strategy that I think can have an exponential impact in our lives and the lives of so many people, if we do it right and if we do it soon.”
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https://the.ismaili/global/news/institu ... -173435533
In his address at TEDxOudMetha, held at the Ismaili Centre Dubai weeks before widespread social distancing was implemented, Dr Salmaan Keshavjee, Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard University and Director of the Harvard Medical School’s Centre for Global Health Delivery, discussed how many other diseases, beyond Covid-19, continue to affect peoples’ quality of life and cause untimely death, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and even curable infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB).
However, TB still claims approximately 4,000 lives each day, despite humans having a cure since 1948. As an airborne disease, TB can be passed along very easily from one person to another. This is what gave rise to the TB pandemic of the last two centuries which, by some estimates, is said to have killed one billion people between the years 1800 and 2000.
It was in the 1950s that the “search-treat-prevent” approach was developed to stop TB. Mass community-based testing was initiated, often using mobile x-ray vans. Affected individuals were isolated and treated, and preventative measures were applied within the community to limit further spreading — much like the isolation and social distancing we practice today. This approach was used in developed countries where TB infections have now dropped markedly.
“Covid-19 has demonstrated that our health systems face an important gap in their ability to test and treat people for disease in the communities where they live and work. In many parts of the world this is exacerbated by poverty,” said Dr Keshavjee.
One hope lies in the success of alliances such as the Zero TB Initiative, said Keshavjee. The initiative is run in part by the department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard University and was formed to assist cities, districts, and countries to adopt the search-treat-prevent approach to epidemic control using community-based healthcare delivery platforms.
“The platform needed for TB will not only help us deal better with outbreaks like coronavirus, but it will also help us fill the health delivery gap for so many other diseases,” Keshavjee said. “That’s the strategy that I think can have an exponential impact in our lives and the lives of so many people, if we do it right and if we do it soon.”
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https://the.ismaili/global/news/institu ... -173435533
The Ismaili Centre Dubai offers condolences on the passing of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance passed away today, on 24 March 2021. The Ismaili Centre Dubai offers condolences to the royal family and will keep Sheikh Hamdan in our thoughts and prayers. May Allah the Almighty rest his soul in peace.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance passed away today, on 24 March 2021. The Ismaili Centre Dubai offers condolences to the royal family and will keep Sheikh Hamdan in our thoughts and prayers. May Allah the Almighty rest his soul in peace.