2018 Christina KlugChristina Klug - Intercultural Center Aachen
For several years, the Islamisches Zentrum Aachen (IZA) has desired the extension of the Bilal-mosque. Until today, there are controversial discussions about the extension of the building, not least because the IZA is wrongly accused of having “fundamental tendencies“. At present, the discussions are more relevant and precarious than ever.
The extension of the building will make the mosque both an educational institution and a meeting point. A place of mutual interaction of different cultures and religions. It will serve to minimize existing prejudices and to improve a mutual understanding of different cultures within our multicultural society.
The Bilal-mosque solemnly opened 1967 and, therefore, refers back to the era of Rudolf Schwarz and Dominikus Böhm. In 2012 the Bilal-mosque received monumental status.
The mosque was built by reason of an initiative of the student committee. At first, it was rather meant as a “Madrasa“, which is a training centre. On the basis of this idea, I developed my outline, which refers to the oriental motif “Souks“ (bazar) and the traditional “coffeehouse“.
The bazar and the coffeehouse are both elementary parts of the islamic culture. The bazar is traditionally connected with the mosque and is an important place of exchange for different people. The coffeehouse, however, is one of the first public places of the oriental urban structure.
The core structure of the Islamic Centre is a hall. Depending on the cultural program, it can be used for different occasions. For example, it can be used for events with stage program, for exhibitions, bazars or trade fairs. Moreover, it can also function as a prayer room. On the two great Islamic feasts, the Breaking of Fasting and the Feast of Sacrifice more than 2.000 Muslims can use the hall to pray and celebrate.
The extension of the building will make the mosque both an educational institution and a meeting point. A place of mutual interaction of different cultures and religions. It will serve to minimize existing prejudices and to improve a mutual understanding of different cultures within our multicultural society.
The Bilal-mosque solemnly opened 1967 and, therefore, refers back to the era of Rudolf Schwarz and Dominikus Böhm. In 2012 the Bilal-mosque received monumental status.
The mosque was built by reason of an initiative of the student committee. At first, it was rather meant as a “Madrasa“, which is a training centre. On the basis of this idea, I developed my outline, which refers to the oriental motif “Souks“ (bazar) and the traditional “coffeehouse“.
The bazar and the coffeehouse are both elementary parts of the islamic culture. The bazar is traditionally connected with the mosque and is an important place of exchange for different people. The coffeehouse, however, is one of the first public places of the oriental urban structure.
The core structure of the Islamic Centre is a hall. Depending on the cultural program, it can be used for different occasions. For example, it can be used for events with stage program, for exhibitions, bazars or trade fairs. Moreover, it can also function as a prayer room. On the two great Islamic feasts, the Breaking of Fasting and the Feast of Sacrifice more than 2.000 Muslims can use the hall to pray and celebrate.
