In building this forum, a small Muslim community in Bavaria has used contemporary architecture to foster integration. Providing a prayer room and communal and administrative areas in a simple L-shaped envelope, the building makes extensive use of glass, particularly a full-length blue glass eastern window, to create a sense of openness and transparency. Muslim tradition is maintained in the decoration of the prayer room with the 99 Names of God, but the centre’s move away from typical mosque architecture signals to the wider community a desire for mutual understanding. Regular tours are provided for non-Muslim visitors and German lessons for the Muslim community.

Source:

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2011.