Buy-U-City Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 So is there a permanent pool/fountain (wondering about the circular basin) or is it all storm water retention ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbg.50 Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 27 minutes ago, Buy-U-City said: So is there a permanent pool/fountain (wondering about the circular basin) or is it all storm water retention ? From wherever one enters the site, visitors will be welcomed by garden spaces. The concept of a centrally-located building surrounded by gardens has been part of the architectural heritage of the Muslim world for many centuries. “The relationship between building and nature is an important characteristic of Persian architecture, and generally in Islam,” observed Ms Moussavi. “We took that harmony between the two as one of the starting points in the project.” The Center’s landscaped gardens will provide a sense of serenity and peace, offering a respite from its urban surroundings. They will include several live oak and peach tree-shaded areas, fountains, flowerbeds, lawns, walkways, and a large amphitheater in a sunken lawn. These will be spaces of solace, providing for the rejuvenation of the mind and the spirit. The project’s landscape architect, Thomas Woltz, stated that the Center’s design is reminiscent of Islamic-inspired landscapes yet the horticulture is indigenous to Texas, allowing the Jamat to identify with its historic roots and traditions while relating to their local environment. He envisioned that it would be a “joyful landscape full of colour, year-round.” “It is my sincere hope,” added Mr Woltz, “that this project brings greater understanding about the beauty and complexity of the history of the Muslim world.” The building and its gardens will aim to build bridges through intellectual exchange by hosting concerts, recitals, plays, performances, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, conversations, book launches, and community gatherings. “The Ismaili Center, Houston, is a beautiful and timeless gift to the Jamat and local neighborhood in Houston, and I am honoured to be part of the building project.” said Hanif Kara, a structural engineer and professor at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “Its design reflects the values and aspirations of the Ismail community here and around the world. Responding to the needs of the time, the design team has conceived a solution that is productive, relevant, and resonates with the next generation.” The vast majority of the property, more than 9 acres, is being turned into a garden landscape with local plants and wildflowers designed to absorb high water. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classic Posted November 25, 2023 Share Posted November 25, 2023 I'm loving that so much focus continues on the landscaping in parallel to the main structure, including plantings. This is somewhat of a hallmark with Ismaili and AKDN affiliated projects, and it allows for trees and other plantings to be in top form at the time of opening. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirbyDriveKid Posted November 26, 2023 Share Posted November 26, 2023 Went down an Ismaili-center rabbit hole and fell in love with the center in Dushanbe. This link had great photos: https://simergphotos.com/2015/09/27/dushanbes-ismaili-centre-through-the-lens-of-muslim-harji/. In particular, I thought it was interesting that Farshid Moussavi seems to have drawn on this design, placed above the front door in the Dushanbe center, and made it the centerpiece of the main hall of the Houston center. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noahb Posted November 30, 2023 Share Posted November 30, 2023 If regent Square develops something like Autry Park did on the 2 remaining lots, West Dallas would start to resemble what Rainey street is to Austin. Perhaps even better since there is so much acreage on those 2 under/undeveloped lots (including the current Allen House apartments). Even if the development isn’t as tall, the density Autry park offers is appreciated (7 buildings in total just in Autry Park) 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hindesky Posted December 4, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted December 4, 2023 10 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classic Posted December 19, 2023 Share Posted December 19, 2023 This video on Hanif Kara's Instagram account, while 36 weeks old, has some spectacular close-up views of some of the impressive superstructure on this project. Hanif is I believe a co-founder of structural engineering firm AKT2. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqnul1lK8U_/ Nice close-up of the south end via Farshid Moussavi's Instagram feed: https://www.instagram.com/p/C05vOA4M6Ls/ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post classic Posted January 6 Popular Post Share Posted January 6 REF: https://the.ismaili/usa/november-2023-ismaili-center-construction-update 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted January 10 Share Posted January 10 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hindesky Posted January 12 Popular Post Share Posted January 12 The top out tree has been up for several weeks. 10 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post classic Posted January 16 Popular Post Share Posted January 16 On 1/10/2024 at 11:04 AM, hindesky said: Also from the same Instagram post is this image of the main atrium. REF: https://www.instagram.com/p/C16q0WOoT0_/?img_index=1 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted January 20 Share Posted January 20 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classic Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Updates from http://The.Ismaili December drone video: https://the.ismaili/ismaili-center-houston/ismaili-center-houston-construction-progress 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hindesky Posted January 28 Popular Post Share Posted January 28 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classic Posted February 13 Share Posted February 13 On 2/6/2024 at 11:36 AM, cityliving said: I'm glad they are cleaning up the roof of the building. The aerial view of the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton Canada looks like a Persian carpet, and I'm thinking this building when all landscaping is complete, may give that type of vibe from the sky also. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post classic Posted February 13 Popular Post Share Posted February 13 View of Houston from The Ismaili Center - photo via Farshid Moussavi's Instagram feed: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Gh6SWL5C2/ 16 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CREguy13 Posted February 13 Share Posted February 13 What a great vantage of downtown. This is going to be an incredible cultural center, I can't wait to walk through this and the outdoor area. It begs the question of how quickly the area around here will develop after this is in full operation? If this draws hundreds of thousands of people (including many domestic and international visitors) each year, we must assume more may come on the drawing board in the immediate vicinity, right? The impact that Autry Park, The Allen, and SCI Redevelopment will have along Allen Parkway is discussed often, but not a lot about a world class cultural institution likely to draw thousands of people to the area. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 I'm not sure if this work is for the infrastructure of the Ismaili Center, Project Green or the beginning of the Montrose Blvd Improvements. I'm gonna guess for the Ismaili Center. This area is the Downtown TIRZ 3 jurisdiction who is paying for the Project Green infrastructure and a small portion of the Montrose Blvd improvements that are along Allen Pkwy. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidCenturyMoldy Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 (edited) On 2/23/2024 at 2:42 PM, hindesky said: I'm not sure if this work is for the infrastructure of the Ismaili Center, Project Green or the beginning of the Montrose Blvd Improvements. I'm gonna guess for the Ismaili Center. This area is the Downtown TIRZ 3 jurisdiction who is paying for the Project Green infrastructure and a small portion of the Montrose Blvd improvements that are along Allen Pkwy. Note to self: Skip any scenic routes (e.g. checking out Ismaili Center progress) and take Waugh (as usual) to get into Montrose when I go to Houston next week. Edited February 25 by MidCenturyMoldy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hindesky Posted March 10 Popular Post Share Posted March 10 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classic Posted April 4 Share Posted April 4 Internal detail video via Hanif Kara's Instagram feed (Principal of AKT2): https://www.instagram.com/p/C5QZuDiLZlz/?e=37fdc872-66f7-4286-98f0-32fe84e204f7&g=5 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirbyDriveKid Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 This is a month old, but I thought other construction nerds in the forum might enjoy this non-paywalled article covering some specifics of the construction process with the builder. Talks a good amount about specs, materials, and design elements that I hadn't seen before. Can't wait to see this building completed! https://www.enr.com/articles/58146-first-ismaili-center-in-us-is-a-site-to-behold-in-texas 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post classic Posted April 12 Popular Post Share Posted April 12 Photos via Architect Farshid Moussavi's Instagram feed: https://www.instagram.com/farshidmoussavi/ 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidCenturyMoldy Posted April 12 Share Posted April 12 Is there not a moderator who can delete these posts? 4 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rechlin Posted April 14 Share Posted April 14 On 4/12/2024 at 6:36 PM, MidCenturyMoldy said: Is there not a moderator who can delete these posts? Or just restore them. After the first two times he deleted all his photos, I started backing them up so I have all saved since October, and some of the earlier ones might be on the Wayback Machine. Here are the photos deleted from the post you quoted, and I can provide the rest if anyone is interested (423 photos, 1.07 GB): 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted April 14 Share Posted April 14 1 hour ago, rechlin said: Or just restore them. After the first two times he deleted all his photos, I started backing them up so I have all saved since October, and some of the earlier ones might be on the Wayback Machine. Here are the photos deleted from the post you quoted, and I can provide the rest if anyone is interested (423 photos, 1.07 GB): I am going to be the mean guy today. Those pictures are copyrighted, and you CANNOT store them and repost them unless you are willing to risk massive fines for infringement. Like it or not, Cityliving has absolute control of the images, they are his intellectual property, and he can stop anyone from using them without his permission. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidCenturyMoldy Posted April 14 Share Posted April 14 (edited) 1 hour ago, Ross said: I am going to be the mean guy today. Those pictures are copyrighted, and you CANNOT store them and repost them unless you are willing to risk massive fines for infringement. Like it or not, Cityliving has absolute control of the images, they are his intellectual property, and he can stop anyone from using them without his permission. Massive fines? I wish that were the case. Copyright enforcement for photographers, especially hobbyists, is nigh on impossible. Uptown Houston Association stole a photo of mine of the Post Oak Christmas "trees," used it without attribution on their social media sites, then totally ignored me when I called them out on it. Facebook and Instagram could not have cared less, either. I agree that the deleted photos should not be reposted. But then, I also think the photographer in question should not flout FAA regulations when flying his or her drone in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. But that's just me, I suppose. At least on this forum. Edited April 14 by MidCenturyMoldy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbg.50 Posted April 14 Share Posted April 14 16 minutes ago, MidCenturyMoldy said: Massive fines? I wish that were the case. Copyright enforcement for photographers, especially hobbyists, is nigh on impossible. Uptown Houston Association stole a photo of mine of the Post Oak Christmas "trees," used them on their social media sites, then totally ignored me when I called them out on it. Facebook and Instagram could not have cared less, either. I agree that the deleted photos should not be reposted. But then, I also think the photographer in question should not flout FAA regulations when flying his or her drone in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. But that's just me, I suppose. At least on this forum. Some forums make a bigger deal of it than others, going to the extreme of deleting photos that are not originals. In this case, regardless of copyright rules it’s really bad form to knowingly repost somebody’s photos that that person deleted. He obviously doesn’t want them posted any longer for a reason. Respect that. Go take your own picture! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidCenturyMoldy Posted April 14 Share Posted April 14 4 minutes ago, steve1363 said: Some forums make a bigger deal of it than others, going to the extreme of deleting photos that are not originals. In this case, regardless of copyright rules it’s really bad form to knowingly repost somebody’s photos that that person deleted. He obviously doesn’t want them posted any longer for a reason. Respect that. Go take your own picture! Your response really should be directed to rechlin, not me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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