One stunning building to go
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👋 Naheed here. Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the opening of Ismaili Center, Houston with my Axios Houston colleague Shafaq Patel.
Why it matters: While its prayer hall will serve Ismaili Muslims daily, the 150,000-square-foot center is meant to be a place for the larger public to use for casual get-togethers, scenic walks and community events.
The intrigue: I have previously visited four other Ismaili centers — in Dubai, Lisbon, Toronto and the Vancouver area.
- The Houston center is the world's largest Ismaili center, and a work of art.
- The architecture merges contemporary design with classic Islamic elements, such as geometric designs, reflective pools and a Kufic form of calligraphy. The 11-acre site has several gardens inspired by Texas' ecological diversity.
- The building was designed by London-based architect Farshid Moussavi and the landscaping was designed by Thomas Woltz.
What they're saying: "Empty buildings, however striking, don't serve their communities," the Aga Khan said last week at the center's opening ceremony.
- "The Center will bring people together, strengthen bonds, and help us all collectively to bring happiness and harmony to societies here and elsewhere," he said.
What's next: The center will open to the public in December.