Located in the Middle of a residential community, this new mosque took many years to be built. The proposal was first dismissed and eventually accepted and finalised in 2017.

Jalal Anis, designer for the Gungahlin mosque project, emphasized that the intent of the design was to balance Islamic tradition with representation of the multicultural society which both Canberra and Gungahlin specifically represent.

“The Muslim community wanted to find a design vocabulary which represents Australia” Mr Anis said. “The design sought to incorporate traditional and simple mosque planning and contemporary built form. The simplicity also represents the simple lifestyle of the Australian community.”

Project builders, ABA Construction Managers have successfully achieved this look, using contemporary building materials such as stone cladding at the base level, face brick walls for the main prayer hall, and concrete block walls for the ancillary building elements – paying respects to a construction practice common to many public buildings in Canberra. Parts of the mosque have also been contextualised for the Canberra location, including the design of the incorporated skylight, which has replaced the traditional dome as the spiritual link between worshipper and Creator.

Mr Anis highlighted that the current build was just the first stage of project delivery. “What you’re seeing today is only a portion of the design. It’s a long way from the eventual complete product. The real beauty will only be realised once the whole complex is completed.”

To date the cost of the project is approximately $2M, which has been funded by donations from within the community.  The local Muslim community hope that the mosque will provide a platform for all to come together and leave in harmony.