ISMAILI JAMATKHANA AND CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS

Construction of a religious and community centre, that includes a prayer hall, conference room, library, classrooms, offices and a social hall. The design called for a centre that would establish permanence in a setting that was contemporary, yet redolent of an historical past that is itself an interweave of encounters across civilizations. From geometry of form that has defined architecture in Islamic contexts to the signs of Nature in water, gardens and light that have characterized its expression over the ages, the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center’s design achieves afusion between the historical and the contemporary. The 11.5 acre site, set by a lake, with a fountain, landscaped gardens and a collection of Islamic decorative art, includes exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, space for private prayer and offices for Ismaili community institutions.

Project completed in 2001 – The Arcop Group

We have clarity and direction enough when the Quran affirms that to save a life is, as if, to save humankind altogether. It is in this context that I request that you view the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center, Houston, as much, much more than a place of congregation, and a home for administrative offices. The Center will be a place of peace, humility, reflection and prayer. It will be a place of search and enlightenment, not of anger and of obscurantism. It will be a center which will seek to bond men and women of this pluralist country to replace their fragility in their narrow spheres by the strength of civilised society bound together by a common destiny.

–Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Inauguration of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center, Houston, June 23, 2002
http://www.akdn.org/speeches/texas.html

Unknown's avatar

Author: ismailimail

Independent, civil society media featuring Ismaili Muslim community, inter and intra faith endeavors, achievements and humanitarian works.

38 thoughts

  7. It is a magnificent architecture… I was there for the opening and recited the Holy Quran at the Imam of the Time’s presence… an unforgettable moment …

    Like

    Reply

  10. I ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ this JamathKhana
    I think this is a wonderfull JamathKnana and that it has wonderfull, uniqe and beautifull archetecture. It desplays alot about Islam and has a wonderfull Jamath that goes there.

    Like

    Reply

  12. These are beautiful pics!
    i absolutly ♥♥♥♥♥ HPC!
    I go there and it really is wonderful!!
    It has a very lively and happy atmosphere
    and the jamat is very friendly!
    HPC is beautiful from inside and out!

    Like

    Reply

  13. serene,peaceful and very calming atmosphere.
    beautiful and easy on the eyes
    modern yet embracing our age old wonderful tradition
    seeing it was an experience by itself
    made my day

    Like

    Reply

  16. IT’S A LOVELY AND BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF ARCHITECTURE WORK. A VERY CALM AND PEACEFUL ATMOSPHERE NEAR THE SURROUNDINGS.

    Like

    Reply

  31. Ya Ali Madad
    Very nice and unique architecture which shows our presence and peaceful way of living in a pluralistic country. I hope that the people around these centers will get maximum benefit from these centers as it remains open for all people. These centers and jamatkhanas also brings the people to get together and live peacefully like one brother and sister.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.