The 12,000 square meter developed area is designated for offices and governmental buildings. The Chancery is the focal point of the composition: the broad, octagonal plan ground floor accommodates the most frequented departments. Forming the lobby on the ground floor, a central communications core rises the full four-story height and contains the stairwell, elevators, and communications shafts. The Chancery offices surround this area on the upper three floors. To the east, an annex building houses the cultural center. Rooms entered from the side street emphasize the public function of the library, classrooms, film and record libraries, exhibition area, and 350 seat auditorium.

Recipient of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 2007.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture