Al Hidayah Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre

Port Coquitlam, Canada

Architect: Client: Built Area: Cost:

Studio Senbel Architecture + Design Islamic Society of British Columbia 2942 m US$ 2255622

This design for a mosque and cultural centre seeks to define an indigenous Islamic architecture for a place where virtually no precedents exist - the West Coast of Canada. The building is tied to the place through its response to its woodland environment and its use of local construction materials and methods: concrete masonry, clay brick cladding and timber. References to Islamic architectural traditions are found in the contemporary reinterpretation of formal ideas such as the celebration of entrance and the decorative use of geometry. A purely symbolic minaret was incorporated with tepid support from the architect.

3195.CAN 2007 Award Cycle

Al Hidayah Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre

2626 Kingsway Avenue Port Coquitlam, Canada Architects Studio Senbel Architecture + Design Vancouver, Canada Islamic Society of British Columbia Port Coquitlam, Canada 2000 2000 - 2001 2001 - 2003 2003 1977 m2 725 m2 2942 m2 US$ 2255622 This design for a mosque and cultural centre seeks to define an indigenous Islamic architecture for a place where virtually no precedents exist - the West Coast of Canada. The building is tied to the place through its response to its woodland environment and its use of local construction materials and methods: concrete masonry, clay brick cladding and timber. References to Islamic architectural traditions are found in the contemporary reinterpretation of formal ideas such as the celebration of entrance and the decorative use of geometry. A purely symbolic minaret was incorporated with tepid support from the architect.
1 2 3 4 5

3195.CAN The Muslim community of Port Coquitlam, a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia, is similar to many across North America. It is extremely diverse ethnically, with an older immigrant generation and Canadian born youth. In 1995, they began congregating in a rented ofce above a tire shop in a strip mall. They aspired to establish a Mosque and community centre to perform their prayers, teach each other and have youth and social programs. With nothing but tenacious fundraising skills, they embarked on creating an Islamic Centre that has become esteemed by local residents and Muslims of the entire region. The design intent focused on several, often mutually supportive, goals: Creatively represent the diversity within the Muslim community Give the community a sense of pride in their urban contribution Respond to the West Coasts temperate but wet climate Build with local materials and craft Resist nostalgic symbolism that often characterises similar sincere efforts, and Remain identiable within a global Islamic architectural tradition

Clients

Commission Design Construction Occupancy Site Ground Floor Total Floor Costs Programme

Kingsway Ave

Jane Street

Mosque Church Multi-family residential Single-family residential Light industrial

Building Type 2007 Award Cycle

14 3195.CAN

Clockwise from top right: General view from the north; The wood canopy over the entrance court and masonry portal provides shelter in rain and sun; View out from the lobby, through the wood detailing, to the brick calligraphy; Inside the prayer hall, mihrab wall on the right

Me

cc

Site Plan

14

In the Quran, light is analogous to the enlightened path. Geometric patterns on the prayer hall glazing celebrates Gods most ethereal gift. The diffused northern light produces an environment that can inspire and enhance communication with the Creator during prayer. The circular disc tilts gently to let warm southern light bathe the mihrab wall and simultaneously allowing rising heat to ventilate naturally.
4 3

3195.CAN

13

Aerial view showing extent of mature trees saved on the site

11 11 11 2

Materials selected provide a rich variation in textures and natural colours. A consistent palette of colours is used inside and out to provide warmth and life in an often monochromatic west coast climate.

12
1

View from the prayer balcony, through the etched glazing, on a typical overcast day

Second Floor (560 sq m)

1 11 11 3

10 1

4 1 7

4 1

15 North-South Section
0 1m 5 15

15 East-West Section Two identical and separate entrance portals represent the duality of humanity, architecturally expressing the absolute equality yet separate dualities of the genders. The act of prayer in a Mosque is done separately for women and men but right of access and ownership of space is equal for both.

7 4 6
1 2 3 4

Court/Terrace Lobby Foyer Prayer Hall Multi-purpose hall Ablution Library Ofce Kitchen

5 6 7

1 5 2 1

8 9

10 Storage 11 Classroom
cc a

8
N

12 Computer Room 13 Counselling 14 Minaret

9 10

Me

15 Parking

Ground Floor (725 sq m)

1m 5 15

Left to right: The dual entrance portals at dusk; Exterior of mihrab wall, composition of mass and light; Minaret in the trees, linking the act of prayer to the heavens

3195_dr

S326866

S326867

S326868

S326869

S326870

S326871

S326872

S326873

S326874

S326875

S326876

S326877

S326878

S326879

S326880

S326881

S326882

S326883

S326884

S326885