One of the key features across ADKN’s programmes and institutions is a dedication to pluralism, the notion of respecting all traditions and cultures and the diversity within those traditions and cultures. As His Highness the Aga Khan stated at the 2019 Paris Peace Forum: “Pluralism is certainly a central component for peace and progress.”

The concept of pluralism also influences how AKDN institutions are designed and built, helping them to fulfil their missions in a more expansive way.

Spanning nearly two decades, the unique design partnership between Pritzker Prize winning Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki and the Aga Khan Development Network has resulted in a trilogy of signature buildings – The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (Ottawa, Canada), the Aga Khan Museum (Toronto, Canada) and most recently the Aga Khan Centre (London, UK).

On 19 September 2020, as part of the Open House Festival 2020, Maki and Associates’ lead architect Gary Kamemoto joined the Aga Khan Foundation via webinar to share the fascinating story of how his firm’s partnership with AKDN evolved and took shape. Kamemoto’s presentation provided an in-depth look at the innovative processes and materials used to achieve this trio of iconic and distinct buildings that make up the Maki and Associates and AKDN trilogy.

This webinar was moderated by Victoria Jessen-Pike, an independent consultant who was part of the AKDN Design and Project team in King’s Cross London including the Aga Khan Centre.

Watch the full webinar recording here.