Da Chang County, some 60 km east of Beijing, is the largest Muslim Autonomous Region near the capital, with Muslims making up approximately 25 percent of the population. To improve the quality of life for Muslims in the county, the local government commissioned a cultural centre to function mainly as an exhibition space and venue for social events. The architects proposed three designs, one of which was selected by a local committee. 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.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture