Aga Khan launches park project in Canada
The Aga Khan during a graduation ceremony in Nairobi on March 2, 2015. FILE PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI |
What you need to know:
- The 6.8-hectare park was inspired by traditional Persian and Mughal gardens.
- The Aga Khan Park was designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic.
A new park that links modernity, Islamic civilisation and history was launched in Ontario, Canada, on Monday.
The 6.8-hectare park inspired by traditional Persian and Mughal gardens was opened by the Aga Khan in the presence of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne at the heart of Toronto.
The Mughal Empire ruled most of India and Pakistan in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Aga Khan Park, which will be opened to the public, was designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic, who envisioned grounds that would provide a tranquil place and flexible areas for public and private events.
The idea for the park, according to its website, is: “The belief that parks, when properly maintained can contribute to improving the quality of life in urban areas. In many cases, parks can also be economic generators that can indirectly or directly bring about positive change.”
Before finalising his designs, Mr Djurovic visited traditional gardens around the world, such as the Tomb of Humayun in New Delhi and the Alhambra’s courtyard gardens in Granada for ideas and inspiration.
Mr Djurovic described these visits as “the intent to do something for generations. Not something for now only”.
