Da Chang Muslim Cultural Centre /

Architectural Design & Research Institute

of SCUT

 Location-Dachang County, Hebei Province, China

 Category-Religious Architecture
 Architect-He Jingtang
 Area-35000.0 m2

The 35,000-square-metre building is square in plan and topped by a large latticed dome,
echoing the forms and geometric patterns found in traditional Islamic design.
One side of the building is reflected by a pool of water and approached via footbridge,
while the other opens out onto a broad public plaza.
The dome spans a theatre containing a large auditorium and stage, which is set in the
centre of the building.
This double-height space is surrounded by two levels of exhibition spaces and rooms for
various community activities.

The national palace is thus endowed with multiple functions, serving

not only as the recreation centre of the city, but the essential cultural
site for the introduction of local religion and history as well.

In the design of the project, Academician He Jingtang has also carried

out his concept of “2 Views” and “3 Characters”, with the starting point
of holistic view and sustainable development concept, fully
considering regionalism, cultural, and epochal character of the
architecture, therefore presents us an excellent design.

This is a poetic sanctuary that shows people both the brilliant Islamic
culture and our vision for a better life. This is also a homelike cultural
center that provides a spiritual home for local residents especially
Muslims.

To revive the Islamic culture and improve the quality of culture life, the
local government developed Da Chang Muslim Cultural Center, a
cultural complex integrating the functions of theatre, exhibition,
convention and community center.
Based on a traditional mosque, the building subtly interprets the spatial structure
of mosque with new materials and technologies.
The surrounding arches shrink into elegant curves from the bottom up,
while the cambering petal-shaped arches of the reflection in the water
look even more vivid and graceful. The dome sees the translation and
abstraction of Islamic symbols rather than simple mimicking. We
constitute the dome with petaloid shells and creatively transform the
interior space into a semi-exterior roof garden flooded with sunshine,
fresh air and vegetation.
The built structure combines traditional Islamic architectural features with modern
construction methods and materials and energy-saving technologies, creating an
elegant, contemplative space to serve the needs of the community.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This is a poetic sanctuary that shows people both the brilliant Islamic culture and our
vision for a better life. This is also a homelike cultural center that provides a spiritual
home for local residents especially Muslims.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:

Dachang County is a Muslim enclave near Beijing. To revive the Islamic culture and improve
the quality of culture life, the local government developed Da Chang Muslim Cultural
Centre, a cultural complex integrating the functions of theatre, exhibition, convention
and community centre.

Design Concept:

Based on traditional mosque, the building subtly interprets the spatial

structure of mosque with new materials and technologies. The surrounding
arches shrink into elegant curves from the bot-tom up, while the cambering
petal-shaped arches of the reflection in the water look even more vivid and
graceful. The dome sees the translation and abstraction of Islamic symbols
rather than simple mimicking. We constitute the dome with petaloid shells
and creatively transform the interior space into a semi-exterior roof garden
flooded with sunshine, fresh air and vegetation.

1 Roof Garden
1Over the Auditorium
2 Over the Front Hall
3Children's Science and Technology Activity Center
4 Senior Activity Center
5 Office
6Office

1Over the Auditorium

2 Over the Front Hall
3 Over the economic development exhibition cente
4 National Humanities Exhibition Center
5 Over the film and television center
6 National Culture and Art Center

-
1Grand Auditorium
2 Lobby
3 Economic Development Exhibition Center
4 National Humanities Exhibition Center
5 film and television center
6 National Culture and Art Center