Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat

Designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, this award-winning building serves a representational role for the Ismaili Imamat in Canada, offering a centre for building relationships, enabling quiet diplomacy, disseminating knowledge and information, while reflecting the wide-ranging humanistic and humanitarian agenda of the Aga Khan Development Network and its associated institutions.

Under the general direction of His Highness the Aga Khan, Maki has translated concepts rooted in Islamic tradition into a bold, modern design. This design is inspired by the natural luminosity and multi-faceted shape of rock crystal. Throughout the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, the play of light on transparent and translucent surfaces creates a dynamic visual effect. The notion of openness and transparency is carried through the building.

The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat has received the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture (2012), and two awards from the Ontario Association of Architects: the Celebration of Excellence Award and People’s Choice Award (2010).

Location and contact

Visit the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat

In-person visiting hours

*Follow building health protocols.

  • Saturday, June 3 2023
    10am to 4pm
  • Sunday, June 4 2023
    10am to 4pm

Virtual and 3D Tours

*Some content may not be available in both official languages.

  • Exterior photo of the front of a modern white building with large glass front doors, set against a clear sky at dusk
    Exterior front at dusk - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • Exterior photo of the front of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat during a clear summer day with blue sky .
    Exterior front during the day - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • The main entrance of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat highlights modern architectural features of the building
    Close-up of the front entrance - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • The interior atrium showcases the multi-faceted rock crystal formation and natural light of the building’s glass roof .
    Atrium - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • Side view of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat features straight modern lines
    Side exterior view - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • The traditional Islamic garden in the courtyard of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat is a place of serenity.
    Islamic garden and courtyard - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • Exterior photo of the front of a modern white building with large glass front doors, set against a clear sky at dusk
    Exterior front at dusk - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • Exterior photo of the front of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat during a clear summer day with blue sky .
    Exterior front during the day - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • The main entrance of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat highlights modern architectural features of the building
    Close-up of the front entrance - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • The interior atrium showcases the multi-faceted rock crystal formation and natural light of the building’s glass roof .
    Atrium - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • Side view of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat features straight modern lines
    Side exterior view - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski
  • The traditional Islamic garden in the courtyard of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat is a place of serenity.
    Islamic garden and courtyard - Photo credit: Thomas Lewandovski

Architecture

Architect/Builder on record
Fumihiko Maki
Construction date or date range
2008
Category
Business and/or foundations

Amenities and features

  • Public washrooms
  • Accessible access
  • Free parking
  • Metered/paid parking
  • Family friendly
  • Guided tours
  • OC transpo nearby