Diwan at the Aga Khan Garden

Diwan is a new pavilion opening this summer and the final architectural element to complete the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton. It aspires to be an architectural expression of splendor and delight and a place of social and intellectual engagement, while bracing the cultural diversity and pluralistic values that reflect the Canadian spirit.

The Aga Khan Garden is an extraordinary contemporary interpretation of Islamic landscape architecture, drawing it’s inspiration from the rich heritage of Mughal gardens in India and reimagining a vision appropriately to suite the Canadian landscape for the 21st century. Diwan takes much of its inspiration and design vocabulary from the garden itself. Its architectural form was carefully considered to integrate with the scale of the surrounding garden elements in a seamless manner.

The pavilion is designated to be the Gardens’ only year-round facility. It is designated as a place for hosting public events and cultural venues including performances, educational workshops, and conferences, as well as popular events such as weddings and private gatherings.

The pavilion terminates the main north/south axis directly across Jilau Khana. Its horizontal form with the overhang provides for shade and shelter marking its entry and offers a welcoming view into the main hall and through to the natural woods setting beyond. Large windows reinforce the relationship between inside/outside and frame views to the surrounding garden elements and natural backdrop of the woods. It links the approach from the amphitheatre to its east with the path to Ice Bagh to its west. The scale of the pavilion is respectful of the position of the Talar Terrace as a highest view point in the garden.

Its rooftop terrace offers long views back towards the garden and the pond. In the evening, it serves as a beacon, illuminated by a warm lantern-like light, that echoes the effect of domes found in traditional Islamic designs. Geometric patterns are grafted in the design elements throughout the building as a means to articulate a sense of harmony, play of light/shadow and transform the scale of the building to that of intimate human experience.

Diwan in the Aga Khan Garden is designed by the team of Arriz+co, Axia Design, and Kasian.