The extension is separated from the museum by a street, but the architect has brought unity to the complex by combining the white of the existing building, representing purity, with extensive use of glass for the external walls to indicate transparency. A stainless steel sunscreen with an Islamic pattern shields the glass facades to eliminate glare. The large arch of the main entrance opens onto a grand triple-volume lobby, which leads in turn to an outdoor plaza overlooking the city and dividing the east and west wings. The building also houses the Yayasan Albukhary Foundation, a charity that provides aid to a number of Muslim countries.
Source:
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2011.
