Al Hidayah Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre

Port Coquitlam, Canada

3195.CAN2007 Award Cycle

Client: Islamic Society of British Columbia

Built Area: 2’942 m²

Cost: US$ 2’255’622

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’.

Architect: Studio Senbel Architecture + Design

Architects

Clients

CommissionDesignConstructionOccupancySiteGround FloorTotal FloorCostsProgramme

Al Hidayah Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre

2626 Kingsway AvenuePort Coquitlam, Canada

Studio Senbel Architecture + DesignVancouver, Canada

Islamic Society of British ColumbiaPort Coquitlam, Canada

20002000 - 20012001 - 200320031’977 m2

725 m2

2’942 m2

US$ 2’255’622This 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’.

Building Type2007 Award Cycle 3195.CAN

14

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

1

5

43

2

Mosque

Church

Multi-family residential

Single-family residential

Light industrial

Site Plan

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 office 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 Coastʼs temperate but wet climate• Build with local materials and craft• Resist nostalgic symbolism that often characterises similar sincere efforts, and • Remain identifiable within a global Islamic architectural tradition

Mecca

N

1 24

4 3

5

Kingsway Ave

Jane Street

3195.CAN

8

11

6

10

9

7

5

4

3

2

1 Court/Terrace

Lobby

Foyer

Prayer Hall

Multi-purpose hall

Ablution

Library

Office

Kitchen

Storage

Classroom

Computer Room

Counselling

Minaret

Parking

12

14

13

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

Ground Floor (725 sq m)

Second Floor (560 sq m)

Mecca

N

3195.CAN

1

6

7

5

4

3

2

1

1

8

109

14

13

1

1

12

11

11

11

3

4

2

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.

In the Quran, light is analogous to the enlightened path. Geometric patterns on the prayer hall glazing celebrates Godʼs 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.

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.

1

43510

11 11 3

1 7

4

11

15 15

North-South Section East-West Section

1m 5 15

1m 5 150

Aerial view showing extent of mature trees saved on the site

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

3195_dr

S326866

S326867

S326868

S326869

S326870

S326871

S326872

S326873

S326874

S326875

S326876

S326877

S326878

S326879

S326880

S326881

S326882

S326883

S326884

S326885