The Ismaili Center in Lisbon is a unique architectural complex occupying an area of 18 thousand square meters, 12 thousand of which consisting of gardens and patios. This monumental lioz stone and glass building, located in the heart of the Laranjeiras Neighborhood, is the main religious and meeting temple of the Ismaili community in Portugal, a true oasis in the city, which is also opened to all visitors who wish to know the space.

The project resulted from an international competition, in which the Indian architect Raj Rewal was selected, who was then joined by the office of the Portuguese architect Frederico Valsassina. The landscape architecture was entrusted to PROAP.

Inspired by the philosophy and traditions of Eastern Islamic architecture combined with those from the Iberian Peninsula, the project highlights these principles in the composition of spaces, in the numerous courtyards and fountains, in the stonework and the metal gates, in the Mediterranean flora and in the numerous traditional species of the Portuguese gardens, like the orange grove, which you can see standing out on the main staircases.

The management of the construction of this challenging work was entrusted to Engexpor, resulting in a huge success, which has become a synonym for trust for our client, by re- selecting our services to follow the endeavor of its global headquarters in Lisbon.

A work where the references of the Islamic universe are decisive in the architectural composition, the patios, the spaces of nature and water, a purifying element always present in the outdoor spaces and that accompanies the user from the entrance, in the patio of social activities leading him to to the prayer space on the upper floor of the center. The presence of constant geometry, which in culture means the search for perfection, is drawn in the structure, in the spatial axes, in the fonts, in the details, and in the spatial symmetry between vertical and horizontal planes.

The main building consists of religious halls, social halls, classrooms, an amphitheater, and an exhibition gallery. The Aga Khan Development Panel, which works through the Aga Khan Foundation, has its main office in the center. This foundation deals with the organization in various parts of the area’s religious, educational, and health aspects, especially in pre-school education.

The center houses two Jamatkhanas, one which consists of a large courtyard covered by 35 domes, that acts as a gathering spot for the community on special occasions, and a smaller one for a smaller group of people.

The walls of the reception, the main entry point, are decorated with tiling on which is written the 98 names of Allah. The tiling with the Islamic inscriptions showcased a blend of the Islamic and the local Portuguese culture, as tiling is an age-old tradition in the country. Many other building elements, such as the walls, windows, etc., are also covered with various forms of geometric Islamic designs. It uses a combination of textures and patterns throughout the interiors, with shades and forms that further enhance the tranquil nature of the space.