Before the Aga Khan Museum became a landmark in Toronto, it started with a letter about light.

In this episode of This Being Human, host Mai Habib sits down with principal architect Gary Kamemoto, who led the Museum’s design alongside the late Fumihiko Maki. He shares how that single idea—light—shaped everything, from the building’s geometry and materials to the way you move through the space.

Along the way, you get a closer look at the thinking behind the Aga Khan Museum’s architecture, and how it draws on Islamic design and ideas of pluralism to create something that feels both timeless and distinctly contemporary.

Gary also gets into the details you’d likely miss on a first visit: patterns that shift with the sun, geometry hiding in plain sight, and a subtle architectural tribute woven into the building itself—details that, once you know they’re there, change how you see it.

*The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.*

Links & Resources:

• This was just one example of Muslim art that sparked curiosity and a great conversation. There is so much more to see at the Aga Khan Museum. Support the museum's vision to impact lives and contribute to more inclusive and peaceful societies. Go to agakhanmuseum.org to plan your visit or make a donation.
• Read more from Gary Kamemoto on the partnership between Maki and Associates and the AKDN
• Check out this episode in full video.

Key Moments

[0:10] Introduction to This Being Human and the Aga Khan Museum as an architectural masterpiece

[1:16] Gary Kamemoto on his background and navigating identity between cultures

[3:46] The origin story: from the Delegation Building to the museum project

[6:58] Working with His Highness the Aga Khan as a patron of architecture

[8:56] The “letter about light” as an unconventional design brief

[11:37] Reimagining the 17-acre site: why the garden—not the building—became central

[18:38] Pluralism as process: translating philosophy into physical space

[23:20] Designing for discovery: how the museum reveals itself over time

[27:42] Hidden details: symbolism, geometry, and the significance of the number seven

[31:18] Closing reflections on legacy, collaboration, and the museum’s ongoing life

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New host. New format. Now on video.

Welcome to the relaunch of This Being Human, the Aga Khan Museum’s podcast about Muslim art, global cultures and how we’re all connected. This season, new host Mai Habib talks with inspiring artists, writers, designers, and creators from across the Muslim world and beyond.

Subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss a single video episode.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, known to many as YBQ, a visionary artist whose work blends music, culture, and storytelling to craft a truly global sound. From his roots to his rise, YBQ shares his journey of artistic discovery, the influences that shaped his music, and the profound themes of identity, belonging, and transformation that echo through his work. Whether you're a fan of his genre-bending soundscapes or curious about how art can bridge cultural divides, this episode will leave you inspired and enlightened. Tune in for an intimate, reflective conversation that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of connection.

Learn more about YBQ's work at https://www.ybqds.com.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hisham Matar joins This Being Human to discuss his latest novel, My Friends. He reflects on themes of friendship, exile, and the complexities of writing from the margins. Matar shares how his work explores life's central question: How might we live? Through meditations on cities, memory, and the human condition, he offers a tender and profound view of what it means to connect with others.

To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This Being Human, host Abdul-Rehman Malik sits down with Krista Tippett, the celebrated creator of On Being. Known for her gift of drawing out insights from some of the world's most profound thinkers, Krista reflects on her journey through wisdom, love, and radical listening. She shares what it means to pursue understanding in a time when we are overloaded with information, and how her approach to conversations invites us to open up to life's mystery and grace. Krista also shares the unexpected joy of new love in her life and how it has deepened her sense of connection and presence. Join us for an intimate, timeless conversation with one of today's most trusted voices in exploring what it means to truly be human.

Learn more about Krista's work at onbeing.org.

To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with writer, editor, and librarian Saima Hussain. From her book The Arab World Thought of It: Inventions, Innovations and Amazing Facts, to the anthology The Muslimah Who Fell to Earth, Saima's work uncovers the forgotten contributions and personal stories of Muslim cultures. She shares her journey from Pakistan to Canada, her reflections on the power of storytelling, and how libraries serve as spaces for connection, learning, and equality. Saima also discusses the importance of oral histories, the complexities of identity, and her mission to make knowledge accessible to everyone, especially through her work with young people in library spaces.

To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Marguerite Richards, editor of The Ordinary Chaos of Being Human, an anthology of personal stories from around the world. Marguerite opens up about her love for helping writers bring their visions to life, the intimate relationship between editor and author, and the power of memoir in understanding our shared humanity. We also explore themes of identity, home, and connection across cultures. Listen in for an inspiring conversation about storytelling and the human experience.

Learn more about Marguerite's work at margueriterichards.com.

To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we journey into the heart of Qawwali with Bilal Chishty, a descendent of the great Chishti Sufi lineage and a musician devoted to preserving this sacred art form. In this episode, Bilal shares his stories of learning under Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, reflects on the history of Qawwali, and discusses the delicate balance between maintaining tradition and embracing modernity. We explore the profound spiritual power of Sufi music and Bilal’s mission to keep this timeless tradition alive.

Listen in for an inspiring conversation on music, mysticism, and the search for divine love.

Follow Bilal’s work on Instagram @dhruvsangarimusic, or listen to his music on Spotify by searching Dhruv Sangari.

To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This Being Human we sit down with Emma Clark, an expert in Islamic garden design, to explore her journey from a childhood surrounded by English gardens to her spiritual awakening through Islamic art and Sufism. Emma reflects on her time at the Royal College of Art, where she studied under the renowned Keith Critchlow, who introduced her to the beauty and meaning within Islamic art. She discusses how Sufism became her path to Islam, how it transformed her understanding of beauty and the natural world, and how she uses her designs to reflect paradise on Earth.

Learn more about Emma’s work and her philosophy of garden design at emma-clark.com

To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Art Fazil, as we explore his journey through the rich cultural tapestry of Nusantara. Celebrating 30 years of his self-titled debut album, Art shares insights into his timeless music, the influence of Malay folk traditions, and his unique blend of global sounds. Dive into the history of Nusantara, the significance of traditional songs like "Rasa Sayang," and the impact of spirituality on Art's work. This episode offers a deep dive into Art's role as a cultural ambassador and educator, preserving and innovating the musical heritage of Southeast Asia. Listen and be inspired by Art's stories, reflections, and his commitment to creating meaningful art.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.