ArchNet on the Web Allibhai, S.

Citation Allibhai, S. (2002). ArchNet Islamic Architecture on the Web. Isim Newsletter, 9(1), 39-39. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/1887/17544

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Note: To cite this publication please use the final published version (if applicable). ISIM NEWSLETTER 9 / 0 2 Material Culture 39

Internet SHIRAZALLIBHAI ArchNet

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture was founded in 1988 and is registered in Geneva, Switzerland, as a private, Islamic Architecture non-denominational, philanthropic foundation. It is an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Net- work, a family of institutions created by His Highness the Aga Khan, with distinct yet complementary man- on the Web dates to improve the welfare and prospects of people in countries in the developing world, particularly in Asia and . of duplicating library holdings, slide collec- tions, and so on at multiple locations. One of the aims of the Aga Khan Trust for Currently there are over 8000 images and Culture is to increase cross-cultural under- 1500 publications related to both the con- standing of Islamic architecture and the inti- temporary and historical architecture of the mate connection between architecture and Islamic world in the Digital Library. This culture in Islamic civilizations. It also aims to number will continue to grow as collections create greater awareness and appreciation from MIT, Harvard University and the Aga of the diversity and pluralism of Muslim cul- Khan Trust for Culture are added. In addi- tures – within the Muslim worlditself as well tion, there is an Institutional Workspace as in the West. Architecture creates a space which allows schools of architecture and which is less politically charged and where planning from around the world to share common concerns and values can enter into their expertise, knowledge, research, stu- an exchange amongst peoples of different dent work, and regional concerns. cultures. This exchange and understanding ArchNet is envisaged as a borderless net- Abd al-Aziz Khan have never been more important than they work of institutions contributing to, and , are now. learning from each other. It is hoped that Bukhara, ArchNet (www.archnet.org) is an exciting this will have considerable influence on the Uzbekistan new project currently being developed at the way that architects and planners are educat- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), ed and practise. New computer and tele- School of Architecture and Planning, with the ical reference databases, on-line lectures, cur- rooms, and debates, it is hoped that the site communication technologies have great support of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The ricular materials, papers, essays, and reviews, will encourage and promote discussions potential for supporting communication central goal of ArchNet is to provide exten- discussion forums and statistical information. amongst participants. The system is designed and collaboration among architecture and sive, high-quality, globally accessible intellec- The structure is designed to offer each user a to promote ready inter-communication and planning students, faculty, scholars, and tual resources focused on topics of architec- personal workspace tailored to his or her indi- maintenance of an international scholarly practitioners throughout the world. Arch- ture, urban design, urban development, in- vidual needs. From this space, users are able community among scholars, practitioners, Net will provide opportunities for realizing cluding restoration, conservation, housing, to contribute their own findings and research and interested non-specialists in the field. that potential. landscape, and concerns related to the Islam- to the larger site. The website aims to foster Furthermore, it is structured to facilitate effec- ic world. It provides, on an accessible server: close ties between institutions and between tive division of scholarly labour and sharing of For more information, please consult the ArchNet: images, a searchable text library, bibliograph- users. Through the use of on-line forums, chat resources, rather than the traditional pattern www.archnet.org