[Wattleigh]

Website: https://the.ismaili/ismaili-center-houston

Architect: Farshid Moussavi
Landscape Architect: Nelson Byrd Wolz
General Contractor: McCarthy

Was somewhat surprised I (or someone else) hadn't created a thread for this project given it's size and prominence in the local community.

Project in brief:

Since the mid 2000's, the Aga Khan Foundation had been searching for a location to develop an Ismaili Center in or around the Houston area. The city and the metro hold the largest concentration of Ismaili Muslims in the United States. While there was speculation about potential development in suburban areas, northwest of the city, the Foundation ultimately purchased a site along Allen Parkway at Montrose Boulevard west of Downtown and directly across the street across from a stretch of Buffalo Bayou Park.

On April 12, 2008, the creation of the Center's location in Houston was announced during a visit by the Aga Khan to the US. While there was no movement on the land immediately afterward, about three years later in 2011 the local Ismaili Muslim community and other donors, supported the installation of the 7-piece Tolerance sculptures by Jaume Plensa, immediately across the street from the site.

In 2018, the intention to create the Center was re-affirmed. In 2019, it was announced that Farshid Moussavi had won a design contest for the site's development. In 2021, the actual design was revealed. It is expected to be complete in late 2024 and at that time, it will be the first such center in the US, the third in North America and the seventh globally.

Renderings c/o The Ismaili

The Ismaili Center Houston will serve as both a Jamatkhana for the Ismaili community to come together for prayers, spiritual search, and contemplation; as well as an ambassadorial cultural center.

Library Court view with alcoves and eivans above. The Center will be a venue for educational, cultural, and social events, to encourage understanding and facilitate the sharing of perspectives across peoples of diverse backgrounds, faiths, and traditions.

Central atrium and staircase at the Ismaili Center Houston. Each atrium is designed in such a way as to fill the heart of the building with natural light.

Aerial view of the Ismaili Center and its gardens located in the heart of the City of Houston across from Buffalo Bayou Park to the left.

From wherever one enters the site, visitors will be welcomed by garden spaces. The Center’s landscaped gardens will provide a sense of serenity and peace, offering a respite from its urban surroundings.

The forecourt garden with its reflecting pool at the entrance of the building creates a contemplative atmosphere. The new Center will feature beautiful spaces, intricate geometry, and highly crafted work.

West elevation of the Ismaili Center Houston with its tapestry of stone.