A historic Grade II listed building in central London is set to open as Ibraaz, a revolutionary new cultural space that will spotlight art, culture, and ideas from the Global Majority. The ambitious project, led by architect Sumayya Vally and the Kamel Lazaar Foundation, will officially open its doors in October 2025, transforming the six-floor, 10,000-square-foot building at 93 Mortimer Street into a dynamic hub for communities of African, Asian, Indigenous, and Latin American heritage.

The architectural transformation has been spearheaded by Sumayya Vally, founder of studio Counterspace and notably the youngest architect ever to design the prestigious Serpentine Pavilion. Her innovative approach reimagines the historic structure as a living, evolving space that will continue to transform over time. Drawing inspiration from her celebrated 2021 Serpentine Pavilion, Vally's design incorporates elements from diasporic gathering spaces across London—often overlooked venues that form the backbone of the city's diverse social fabric.

The building itself carries a rich and varied history that spans multiple centuries and functions. Originally constructed as a synagogue, the structure later served as the residence of Sir Robert Bateson Harvey before being converted into the London Galvanic Hospital. It subsequently housed the German Athenaeum, a prestigious cultural club that served German artists, musicians, and businessmen. Following the club's relocation, the site evolved into an arts center, hosting an array of plays, concerts, lectures, and conferences, firmly establishing its place in London's cultural and intellectual landscape.

The name "Ibraaz," meaning "to shine a light on" in Arabic, perfectly encapsulates the center's mission to encourage open expression, critical discourse, and collective imagination. The initiative aims to create what organizers describe as a "world of many worlds" within a single venue, bridging local and global conversations while fostering connections across borders. Within these thoughtfully reconfigured premises, Ibraaz intends to create a generative environment where art becomes a powerful tool to rethink existing systems, tell new stories, and forge meaningful connections.

The cultural programming will be multidisciplinary and year-round, featuring a dynamic mix of exhibitions, talks, screenings, and music events. The space will operate on a unique residency-based structure for its library, café, and bookshop, with cultural offerings rotating between various individuals and institutions. Each participant will be responsible for activating the space for a limited period, ensuring fresh perspectives and diverse voices throughout the year.

Expanding beyond its physical boundaries, Ibraaz will also maintain a strong digital presence through an online platform. This virtual extension will present new commissions alongside content and documentation from the physical building, creating a comprehensive cultural ecosystem that reaches global audiences.

The space will launch with "Parliament of Ghosts," a thought-provoking exhibition by renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. This inaugural show will transform the main hall into a site of reflection through the creative reuse of colonial-era furniture, jute sacks, and newly crafted elements, setting the tone for the center's commitment to addressing historical narratives and contemporary issues.

Concurrent with Ibraaz's launch, Sumayya Vally continues to make waves in the international architecture scene. She is currently exhibiting "Ingesting Architectures" at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale as one of the special participants in the main exhibition. Additionally, she recently served on the prestigious jury of the 2025 OBEL Award, which focused on reuse and repurposing projects under the theme "Ready Made." The award was ultimately granted to HouseEurope!, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the social and ecological transformation of Europe's built environment, further highlighting the growing importance of sustainable and socially conscious design practices in contemporary architecture.