This is an incredibly powerful addition to Toronto's culture scene. I do wish it was located a little more centrally, but I can understand why it isn't (too expensive).
 
More centrally? It's just a few blocks away from the geographic centre of Toronto and easier to access for most 416 & 905'ers than the ROM.
 
Psychologically, if it's not downtown, it's probably not that special. Most people in the GTA think this way (even people in Don Mills that I know), but perceptions are changing as Don Mills gets all sorts of investment. It's being cemented as one of the great parts of the city, even though it'll be suburban in character for a long time. Being an early masterplanned "new town", Don Mills has always had an air of ambition, so the location is entirely appropriate.
 
The Eglinton Crosstown will go a long way toward making this site feel connected with the rest of the city. Things being a lot more accessible when you can just hop on the subway to get there.
 
The Ismaili community is largely based in this area and as much of this complex is to be a community centre and place of worship for them, it makes sense to locate it here.
 
New interior photo via AKM's public facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...282.1073741825.485619821462818&type=1&theater

1384113_668769813147817_1597030380_n.jpg
 
CCET hosting public presentation by AKM & ICT Project Team Nov 19

This is a great opportunity! Unfortunately I'll be away from Toronto on the 19th :( Hoping someone from Urban Toronto can attend and provide the inside scoop.

As published in Canadian Architect:
The Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies regularly features a program of events, including a presentation of the Aga Khan Museum & Ismaili Centre in Toronto by the project team. Featured presenters for this event are: Diarmuid Nash, Partner, Moriyama & Teshima Architects; C. Po Ma, Project Director, Moriyama & Teshima Architects; and Dan Bodman, Project Director, Carillion Canada. The event takes place from 6:30pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 in Room E321 of George Brown’s Casa Loma Campus, located at 146 Kendal Avenue.

<snip>

Seating is limited. Please confirm attendance by emailing ilotech@georgebrown.ca.
Click to expand...

The program is OAA Continuing Education accredited. Click the link for more details:
http://www.canadianarchitect.com/ne...A&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CA-EN11132013
 
RAIC honours His Highness the Aga Khan with 2013 Gold Medal
http://www.canadianarchitect.com/ne...the-aga-khan-with-2013-gold-medal/1002724332/

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November 14, 2013 – The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has announced His Highness the Aga Khan as the 2013 recipient of the RAIC Gold Medal—its highest honor.

Canada joins the USA, UK, France and Spain – countries who have already awarded His Highness the Aga Khan their nation’s highest recognition for his contribution to architecture.

The selection of His Highness marks the first time in more than 30 years that a non-architect has been chosen to receive the Gold Medal, and recognizes the Aga Khan’s extraordinary achievements in using architecture as an instrument to further peaceful and sustainable community development around the world.
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Interesting Globe & Mail article regarding the recent Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal, which asks the question, "How often does a spiritual leader win an award for architecture?"

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts...an-wins-raics-highest-honour/article15658757/

The article includes several sub-links, and discusses the Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Centre along the DVP.

The RAIC's page on the 2013 winner also provides more content and discussion about architecture and the Toronto projects:

http://www.raic.org/honours_and_awards/honours_gold_medal/2013/medalist_e.htm

While this is tangential, I found a citation delivered by the Right Honorable Adrienne Clarkson a couple days prior particularly successful in articulating the Aga Khan. It is perhaps the longest honorary degree citation I've ever seen, and while daunting, really worth a full top to bottom read. Some of the elements might just knock your socks off!

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1485/Speech-by-The-Right-Honourable-Adrienne-Clarkson
 
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