Delegation of the Ismali Imamat
It is important to note that the building and the AKFC are secular but the design for the structure is influenced by the Aga Khan's heritage and features many Islamic patterns ("The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat : Maki and Associates in Association with Moriyama & Teshima Architects." 2017). The Char Bagh is an example of this influence and demonstrates many concepts found in Islamic tradition ("Visit the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat", 2019). The Char Bagh is found in Islamic architectural spaces all over the world, one of the most notable being the Gardens of the Taj Mahal in India. The Char Bagh is meant to be a symbolic or abstract representation of Paradise, a paradise garden. Islamic beliefs describe a space of four intersecting rivers; one of water, one of milk, one of honey and one of wine (“Taj Mahal Gardens.” N.d.). The entire design is to be symmetrical and centered around the number '4', the holiest number in Islamic faith.
Not only is the Char Bagh at the Delegation influenced by its patron, but also its architect. His Highness thought it important to not only include islamic architecture in the design but also pay tribute to Maki's country of origin, Japan. In the design for the interior courtyard, Maki successfully married Islamic and Japanese traditions together while also being considerate of the buildings location in the Canada's Capitol.
