The courtyards and rigorous geometry of the plan, which are devices central to Islamic design, are also remarkably well-situated to the functions of the chancery facility. The double perimeter wall system likewise rationalizes functional and aesthetic concerns. Composed of an interstitial arcade between a polychromatic stone-clad outer screen wall and a monochromatic tile-faced inner wall, the wall system affords both sun control and security, while the shadows generated by its segmental arches and corner reveals combine with the banded stonework to produce a rich patterning of abstract forms.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture