Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

The Burnaby Jamatkhana in Canada, a tree-lined suburb of Greater Vancouver, is the first Jamatkhana and Centre is a multi-purpose building. It cost over $. 10 million. In July 24, 1982, the Lieutenan-Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Henry Bell-Irving, in the presence of the Present Imam, the Begum Aga Khan, Mayor Lewarne of Burnaby and other distinguished guests, performed the foundation ceremony.

The building was designed by the well-known Vancouver architect, Bruno Freschi, and was intended to be a blending of contemporary and classical Islamic architecture. An expression of walls in form and geometry in surface, the building accentuated with the use of natural light and a garden setting. The exterior is clad in sandstone, with an entrance portal of marble and copper domes. The windows are of amber glass. The consistency in the use of stone materials and traditional geometric patterns. The building faces a courtyard with fountains and a landscaped garden. The entire site is surrounded by plantings of London plane and cherry trees, which complements the building and the neighbourhood.

Professional teams involved in the project were: The Foundation Company of Canada (General Contractor); Mr. Duncan Stewart of Duncan Stewart Development Management Inc (Project Consultants); Bogue Babicki & Associates Ltd (Structural Consultants); Keen Engineering Ltd (Mechanical Consultants); WT Haggert & Co Ltd (Electrical Consultants); Mr. Garr Campbell and Torrence-Vagelotos Ltd (Landsscape Consultants); William Lam & Associates (Lighting Consultants); Bolt Beranek & Newman Inc (Acoustical Consultants); and Hanscombs (Costing Consultants).

The focal point of building is the prayer hall, emphasizing its primarily religious function providing facilities for prayer for the Burnaby congregation. The building also serves as the administrative headquarters of the Canadian Ismaili jamat includes a social hall, administrative office, council chamber and classrooms for religious education.