[1][2] The centre has been the subject of sustained, dedicated academic analysis, and presented as a case study of modern Islamic architecture in the West.

During the silver jubilee of His Highness the Aga Khan,[7]: 183  the new building was opened by the former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on 23 August 1985.

[8] Designed by the Vancouver architect Bruno Freschi,[9][10] the building was conceived as an 'ambassadorial building' aiming to give visual architectural expression to the expanding Ismaili community in Canada, and designed 'not just for the use of the members of the Ismaili community, but [...] to become part of the fabric of the civil life of the area'.

[7]: 136–7  The centre has been described as 'monumental',[11] 'spectacular'[8] and 'sitting harmoniously' within its environment, reflecting 'traditional Islamic architectural vocabulary in modern context, materials, and craftsmanship'.

[5] Its footprint is 3,870 square metres (41,700 sq ft), with a basement containing offices and classroom space, and two upper floors, a double-height prayer-hall (reserved for Ismaili worship) and a multi-purpose hall, around a courtyard with a fountain.