The Ismaili Centre opens its doors to Londoners

Upon entering The Ismaili Centre, the foyer invites visitors to leave the busyness of the city behind. Gary Otte

For the seventh time, The Ismaili Centre has featured in Open House London, an architectural exhibition aimed at opening eyes and minds to good design in the British capital.

Open House 2008 – which took place on 20 – 21 September – invited people to explore, experience and appreciate architecture by showcasing 650 of London's finest buildings. The annual event celebrates design excellence by opening doors to the public for one weekend of the year, emphasising the importance of the built environment and its impact on quality of life.

Indeed, the Centre was in good company as it featured in the Open House programme with prestigious landmarks such as the BBC Broadcasting House, City Hall and The Royal Courts of Justice.

Visitors view the Ismaili Centre's central staircase lantern during the Open House London exhibition. Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

Nearly 700 visitors of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds, were immersed in the serenity and beauty of The Ismaili Centre. Upon entering the building, the gentle trickle of the fountain distanced them from the city outside.

Tour guides pointed out many of the Centre's architectural features that draw inspiration from traditional Islamic decor, including stylised and abstract calligraphy, muqarnas (honeycombing), glazed tiling, pierced screens, mirror work, lamps and mushrabiyya (carved woodwork). They narrated the significance of geometric design and numerical symbolism that characterise the spaces, explaining that they are reflective of core Islamic beliefs in the eternity of the soul and multiplicity within unity.

The fountain is the central feature of the Centre's chahar-bagh roof garden. Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

At the roof garden, guests were greeted by the scents of the jasmine, lavender and herbs. The chahar-bagh (four part) garden, delineated by a central fountain, draws inspiration from the Qur'anic garden of paradise. Sheltered yet open, it combines granite and greenery with geometry, symbolism and the sound and flow of water. Visitors were treated to a sanctuary of calm amidst the bustle of the city below.

The tour concluded inside the prayer hall where visitors were invited to sit and ask questions about the Centre. Guides provided the audience with insight into the history and practice of the Ismaili Tariqah and the institutions of the Jamat. The prayer space provided a peaceful and positive setting for engaging in exchange.

The social hall features a series of window alcoves where people can gather for quiet exchange. Gary Otte

Reflecting on the Centre after the tour, one guest observed that “it's a place where you can think and really encounter yourself.” Another commented: “It's given me quite a sense of calm and renewed faith in humanity. It's amazing to think how well maintained it is. This place is a real credit to the community and their volunteers.”