The Design Concept
Since one of the objectives of the client was that the architecture of the Jammat Khana should convey the sense of the cultural unity of the Tajikistan region, Mozhan Khadem, inspired by the great Taymourid architecture of Rigestan Square in Samarkand, designed an open grand entry “Veranda” which per Ismaili theosophical heritage intended to represent the earth, and a modern space frame skylight roof that was intended to represent the heaven. This entry Veranda like the Registan example led to three modern grand portals each named after a great Ismaili luminary. The entrance portals led to several interrelated courtyard spaces enclosing the educational, social, and official functions of the facility each replete with modern motifs conveying Ismaili ideas. The” Entry Veranda” was further landmarked with a vertical modernistic minaret element with a modern motif conveying the Ismaili motto of “Panj Tan e Paak”
The design was replete with a modern interpretation of current and historic symbols pertaining to the greater Tajikistan region.
In this fashion, Mozhan presented his version of the “Continuous Architecture with a sense of place” for the Ismaili Jammat Khana of Tajikistan.
Farouk Noormohammad’s design contained less symbolic imagery. Mozhan Khadem was told by Nizar Shariff the Aga Khan’s representative that the Aga Khan spent much time vacillating about which design he preferred. He finally decided in favor of Farouk Noormohammad’s design, because as Nizar said it was simpler to comprehend by casual observers. Another reason might have been that Farouk was a devout Ismaili and had done a great job in performing his duties during the construction of the Aga Khan University in Karachi, and had recently left Karachi and had started his new office in Vancouver, Canada.
STAFF BY PROJECT:
- Mozhan Khadem, Principal in Charge and Director of Design
- Branco Novakovic, Designer
- Shahrokh Khaze
- David Choi
Team
Honor
September 2011
In September 2011 Koç University honored Mozhan Khadem by placing a hand-painted portrait of him in the main entry hall of the campus. The caption under the portrait reads:
KOÇ UNIVERSITY IS GRATEFUL TO THE ARCHITECT OF ITS BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS, MOZHAN KHADEM, WHO GRASPED THIS PROJECT WITH PASSION, BUILDING UPON HIS IRANIAN/BAHAI HERITAGE, COMBINING IT WITH HIS DEEP APPRECIATION OF MEVLANA, AND THE OTTOMAN ARCHITECTURAL STYLES, WITH COURTYARDS SURROUNDED BY BUILDINGS, INTEGRATED SO WELL WITH THE GRADIENTS AND CONTOURS OF ITS NATURAL FOREST ENVIRONMENT.
