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architect: axia design co., ltd.
Place: edmonton alberta
Completion Date: 2022
Axia Design Associates’ Diwan pavilion draws inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture, specifically the use of a mashrabiya-inspired veil above the entrance. A mashrabiya is a decorative screen and shading tool that is common in native Islamic designs.
The Aga Khan Garden joins several other cultural projects in Canada led by the Aga Khan Philanthropy, such as the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, which showcases Islamic art, and the Center for Global Diversity, a research and education center in Ottawa that aims to promote different cultures, religions understanding between the government.
In 2017, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced public criticism and was found to have violated Canada’s Conflict of Interest Act when he accepted a free vacation to the Aga Khan’s private island in the Caribbean. Prime Minister Trudeau’s relationship with the Aga Khan dates back to his father, Pierre Trudeau, who attended Harvard University with the Aga Khan. In 1972, Trudeau Sr. provided asylum to Ismaili refugees in Uganda. Since then, Canada has been a major beneficiary of the Aga Khan’s philanthropy.
The garden plan, designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz, corresponds to the Charhar Bagh gardens of the Islamic world, but with species adapted to northern Alberta’s climate. In plan, the Chahar Bagh Gardens are divided into four equal parts by paths or streams at vertical intersections. The Garden Organization cites references in the Quran to the four rivers and the Garden of Paradise.
The Diwan Pavilion is located at the edge of the garden, symmetrical to the axis of the central courtyard. Functionally, the building will provide event space as well as a roof terrace overlooking the gardens. In Punjabi, the word Diwan refers to an event or meeting space.
A ceramic rainscreen system was specified for the pavilion’s external cladding. Its color matches the garden’s Algonquin limestone paving. Dark, almost wood-toned panels were used around the pavilion entrance, while the panels wrapping the overhang were kept lighter in color to better match the limestone of the garden.
The Diwan’s roof cantilevers above the plinth, providing shade to visitors during the sunny months. Perforated metal panels were installed above the entrances to screen dappled sunlight to the building’s surface and interior.
These perforated panels are a contemporary interpretation of the mashrabiya screen, an indigenous shading device common in traditional Islamic architecture. Chris Wong, co-founder of Axia Design Associates said one The panels are made from “laser-cut aluminum with a champagne-colored powder coating that complements the cream-colored ceramic rainscreen.”
The same geometric pattern relief appears on the solid panels carved using a CNC machine tool.
The interior of the pavilion features mosaic tiles, white oak floors and wall panels. Tile patterns are also used to illuminate the ceiling.
The patterns of the screens and mosaic floors and ceilings are derived from those used in the garden. Although the project was constrained by a limited budget, the architects managed to emulate the design qualities of the garden through the creative use of materials and fabrication techniques.
Project specifications
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