Rooted in the principles of Islamic architecture, the project explores three interwoven facets of enlightenment: spiritual, physical, and intellectual.
Proposed adjacent to Goldring Athletics at the University of Toronto, this Student Center is envisioned as a sanctuary for conversation, reflection, and connection beyond the confines of the academic classroom. It is a space for vulnerability and enlightenment—designed to foster the kind of dialogue that shapes both personal and collective growth.
Axonometric Site Plan
Type of Project: Academic - University of Toronto, John H. Daniels School of Architecture
Year: 2023
My Involvement in the Project: Led and executed this project independently from concept through to completion
Spiritual enlightenment radiates outward from the building’s façade, which is adorned with Arabic calligraphy depicting the 99 names of Allah. At its core is a central eight-pointed star, symbolizing His throne (al-ʿArsh), anchoring the structure in celestial geometry and sacred meaning.
Physical enlightenment is expressed through vertical circulation. As visitors move upward through the building, they ascend around this central star. The structure unfolds like a spiral journey, elevating body and mind. A visible tree pierces through all floors, its roots grounded deep within the basement, signifying growth from rooted tradition toward higher understanding.
Intellectual enlightenment is cultivated through spatial arrangement. Each level contains amphitheatre-style seating, floor-level gathering zones, and open platforms designed for dialogue, debate, and storytelling.
In certain zones, translucent flooring allows glimpses into the floors above or below, metaphorically connecting ideas across levels. Together, these layers of spiritual, physical, and intellectual ascent define Dar al-Hikma, a living “House of Wisdom” where tradition and discovery converge.
