Construction of the first purpose built mosque in Denmark is about to commence. The building, designed by BIG, is a combination of Scandinavian and Islamic architecture. Construction is expected to start within a year, according to the architecture office.
The mosque, to be built in Denmark’s capital Copenhagen, looks like a ziggurat, consisting of a continuous wall engraved with verses from the Koran. Although it seems to be a closed structure on the outside, the skylights allow the worshippers to bathe in the light.
The construction of the mosque, ordered by Denmark’s largest Islamic organisation, is intended to contribute to the integration between Muslims and other Danes. As a result, the building will be a multifunctional complex. Alongside a prayer hall for 3,000 people, the mosque incorporates shops, conference facilities, a gallery, an auditorium and an Islamic library.
The mosque is part of The Battery, a comprehensive, multifunctional project. This 124,000m² development is the architectural interpretation of an Alpine landscape. As of next year, offices, houses, sports facilities and cultural facilities will arise in this area of downtown Copenhagen.