| Category | Religious | Conservation & Heritage |
|---|---|
| Year | 2015 |
| Size | 5,550sqm |
Projects
Shah Jahan Mosque
A master-plan study for historic mosque
This project is a concept master plan design study for the Shah Jahan Mosque, completed in 1889, the earliest purpose-built mosque in Northern Europe. The original prayer hall, which accommodates 60 worshippers, has the second-highest national listing in the UK as a building of architectural and historic importance.
The brief called for a master plan which not only fits the existing community better, but allows for considerable expansion and the inclusion of outreach facilities to welcome Muslim and non-Muslim visitors and scholars.
Details
Because the Qibla direction of the existing prayer halls is inaccurate, the scheme replaces the newer halls and all the other former factory buildings with two, more compact and intensely planned, buildings. These define and maintain the central garden space while adding to the garden quality of the whole. The original prayer hall remains the focus of the garden, while roof gardens on the new buildings provide additional useful outdoor semi-private spaces and views of the focus building across them.
The whole becomes one big garden, in the tradition of mosques and the best Islamic architecture.
A new prayer hall for 1,000 worshippers is provided, as too multi-use meeting spaces, ghusal (ablution) facilities, library, kitchens, and a mortuary. A café, classrooms, offices, flats for residents and visitors and basement car-parking are added. The accommodation is greatly increased, yet the effect of the massing appears to recede because of the buildings’ positioning and form, and the judicious use of roof gardens.
Specialist Services
Integrated services provided for this project.