The Cambridge Central Mosque[2] is the first purpose-built mosque within the city of Cambridge, England. It opened to the public on 24 April 2019.[3] The Mosque is a prominent Islamic centre located on Mill Road in the Romsey area of Cambridge. The mosque serves as a place of worship, community centre and cultural hub for Muslims in the area.
The project was initiated to address the growing needs of the Muslim community in Cambridge, providing them with a dedicated space for worship, community activities, and cultural events.[4]
Concept and design
The planning for a new mosque began in 2007 when the existing Mawson Road mosque began to experience capacity issues.[5] The design competition was held in 2009, and Marks Barfield Architects, the firm behind the London Eye, won with their proposal of a serene oasis within a grove of trees.[6]
The design process involved collaboration with several UK-based experts and artisans:
Geometer Keith Critchlow
Garden designer Emma Clark
Artists Amber Khokhar and Ayesha Gamiet
These collaborations resulted in a mosque that blends traditional Islamic architectural elements with contemporary design principles and local materials. The aim was to create a space that is both spiritually uplifting and environmentally responsible.
Community impact
Since its opening, the Cambridge Central Mosque has become a vital part of the local community. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a center for educational and social activities. The mosque hosts a variety of events, including religious services, lectures, workshops, and cultural celebrations, promoting inclusivity and understanding among different communities in Cambridge.[7]
Architecture and design
The mosque's architecture is characterised by its contemporary yet culturally sensitive design as it is inspired by both Islamic and English religious architectural traditions.[8] It incorporates elements of Islamic geometry and symbolism, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. It is a one-story building located on a rectangular site which is predominantly the residential area of Cambridge. Visitors walk through a formal garden with trees and a water feature facing the bustling Mill Road before entering the building. Then, the pass underneath a very large entrance canopy supported by four tree-shaped wooden columns. Each of these columns has a large, glazed oculus that allows natural light inside the mosque. (4) The building features a striking timber structure, expressive glulam columns, and a layout that emphasises natural light and ventilation.
Construction and features
The construction of the Cambridge Central Mosque was completed in April 2019. The building is characterised by its timber structure, featuring expressive glulam columns that resemble a forest canopy, symbolising the Islamic tradition of a garden as a place of contemplation and paradise.[9] The mosque's layout emphasises natural light and ventilation, with large glazed oculi allowing sunlight to pour into the prayer hall.[10]
Key architectural features include:
Tree-shaped wooden columns
Natural lighting through large oculi
A formal garden with trees and a water feature
Sustainability
One of the mosque's key features is its commitment to sustainability. It incorporates various green technologies, including natural lighting, ventilation systems, air source heat pumps, photovoltaic arrays, and rainwater harvesting. These features contribute to the mosque's minimal carbon footprint and environmental responsibility. These features contribute to the mosque's minimal carbon footprint and reflect the Islamic principle of stewardship of the Earth.[11]
Natural Lighting and Ventilation: The mosque uses large skylights and low-energy LED bulbs to maximise natural light and minimise energy consumption. The design also incorporates natural ventilation systems, reducing the need for artificial climate control.[12]
Renewable Energy: Photovoltaic panels on the roof generate renewable energy. Additionally, the mosque is equipped with highly efficient air source heat pumps that provide heating and cooling, significantly lowering its carbon footprint.
Water Management: Greywater and rainwater harvesting systems are in place to recycle water for flushing toilets and irrigating the gardens, further enhancing the mosque's sustainability.
Green Materials: The mosque's timber structure is made from sustainably sourced spruce, which is both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing. This structure is designed to evoke a forest canopy, connecting the building with nature.[13]
Eco-friendly Transport: The mosque encourages sustainable transportation by providing ample bicycle parking and easy pedestrian access. An underground car park helps maintain the site's green spaces.[12]
Recognition and awards
Since its completion, the Cambridge Central Mosque has received recognition and awards for its architectural excellence and sustainable design. It has been praised for its innovative approach to mosque architecture and its positive impact on the community. In 2021, due to the outstanding design and architecture of the Cambridge Central Mosque it has gained many rewards such as Project Architect of the year, Client of the year and building of the year.[14]
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