I recently came across this blog in which the Park51 organization behind the Mosque to be built in NYC reveals photos of the design that its architects have conceptualized for the building. This Mosque has caused much tension due to its controversial location (just a few blocks from the Ground Zero site). However after seeing what the building may look like, I am hopeful that this Mosque may finally be talked about for a completely different reason: its stunning, innovative, aesthestic appeal.
The front of the building appears to contain a chaos of different geometric shapes created by intersecting various lines, reminiscent of the geometric cells of honeycomb. The interior of the building appears to continue with this pattern, with floors connecting through large shapely openings in the floors and ceilings of each, by way of escalators. The color of the entire interior and exterior of the building in the photos is white, and the spaces between the shapes of the front act as windows letting in a considerable amount of natural light. The openness of the whole design and the abundance of natural lighting gives the Mosque a very comfortable and spacial feel. This is a breath of fresh air compared to many other high-rise buildings that tend to feel enclosed and somewhat synthetic, almost like the uncomfortable feel of a hospital. Also, the fact that neighbor floors are not at all closed off to each other makes the whole Mosque feel very cohesive, despite the fact that it is a considerably tall building with many levels. The overall design gives the building a very positive atmosphere, evoking feelings of openness and calm, while also intriguing the eye with its complex and unusual design.
The location of a building may have the power to make people talk, but the design has the ability to make people stop, look and really think. It's appearance is the very first thing we notice; it gives us an impression of the building before we even enter it; I think the architects of this building made great use of this fact. If people can set their political agendas aside for just a moment and really look at this building I think they can reexamine the possibilities this Mosque has to offer.
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