A dome now crowns a Baha’i building that has become a landmark in Hobart.
A crane lowered the dome on the Baha’i Centre of Learning yesterday in the presence of local Baha’is, their friends, civic officials and the media. Click here to see a video of the event, and for slide shows and information.
The dome covers the 300-seat auditorium of the Centre, which is intended for the benefit of the people of Tasmania.
Construction of the environmentally-friendly, circular building began three years ago. The Centre is expected to open within six months.
Funded by the Naveed Foundation, the Centre will be dedicated to the memory of former Hobart Baha’i community members Soheila Mirkazemi and her son Naveed, who died as a result of a car accident in the city in 2000.
Built on a property formerly owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, it is in a prominent location in the Tasmanian capital.
The building is intended to provide programs so that the insights of religion, science, and the arts may contribute to the spiritual, intellectual and social development of individuals and groups.
Community groups, individuals, business, professional and corporate organisations will be able to use the centre.
The Centre will also serve as headquarters of the Baha’i Council for Tasmania and the Baha’i Centre of Learning Board, and will be used by the Baha’i community for some of its activities.
Baha’i Council secretary Dr John Davidson said the facility would have far-reaching benefits.
“It is our goal for the Centre of Learning to contribute to a peaceful and sustainable world community,” he said.
Other Australian cities to have Baha’i Centre of Learning buildings include Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.