Makkah announced as a finalist in the Beacon Mosque Awards
The 2023 finalists have just been announced and we’re thrilled to confirm Makkah Mosque is shortlisted within the ‘Best Future Design’ category for the national Beacon Mosque Awards.
The Awards celebrate innovative facilities and buildings that showcase effective delivery of beauty, high-quality design, sustainability and that can encompass services outside prayer for the wider community.
Currently under construction, Makkah Mosque is a new build replacement mosque which will provide a stunning emblematic space for worshippers and the wider Bolton community alike. Designed to provide prayer facilities for 1,475 worshippers, of which a mezzanine for 275 female worshippers with associated ablutions facilities has been provided.
The development includes provision for all community needs, such as prayer, education for 210 students, funeral preparation and funeral services, bereavement accommodation (dedicated Fatiha rooms) and a multi-use community space for functions such as charity dinners, community events etc. The intended use of the community spaces goes beyond that of servicing only the Muslim community, the inclusive space is to be made available as an amenity to the wider community for activities such as conferencing, drop-in clinics, networking etc. The facility aims to become a welcoming centre for the whole local community.
The striking petalled dome over the three-storey high prayer hall is truly unique in its design and, at a diameter of 25m, will be one of the largest domes designed for an Islamic building in the UK. The prayer hall carries two galleried balconies to accommodate worshippers and allow women to share the main prayer space, while creating adequate separation through an arched screen which orders the galleries and enhances the sense of height in the space.
We have worked in close consultation with the client team to develop a design which meets the social, religious and education needs of the local community. The proposal introduces Islamic geometry in both plan and detail as well as typically Islamic features such as archways, tessellated screens and materials such as red sandstone and gold zinc. The design is sensitive to local context while incorporating Islamic influences and features from international precedents. Upon completion we are sure that Makkah Mosque will celebrate being at the heart of the community for years to come.
You can now vote online to support Makkah Mosque – just click here Best Future Design Award 2023 – Beacon Mosque.
