History

The design of Strasbourg Mosque was a result of competition. The construction of the mosque was delayed several times due to litigation with the main constructors and a decision by the centre-right municipal council of Fabienne Keller to prevent overseas funding. The first stone of the new mosque was laid on 29 October 2004 by the Mayor of Strasbourg Fabienne Keller.

Urban and Architectural

One of the groundbreaking elements of the building is the unified open space with no supporting columns, due to the system of cables attached to the outside pillars, inspired from the technology used in suspended bridges.

Saïd Aalla, President of the Grande Mosquée de Strasbourg in 2011, said that it reminded him of a “flower opening next to the water, with the pillars holding up the dome resembling giant petals”.

Description

The designer said “The location is splendid There’s a canal, a river and trees. Inserting the building into this plot is fascinating. And of course, water is so symbolic. In my design I tried to filter the past to the present, so that it is respected and is an element of identity.”

Thoughtful nods to the local architecture are found in the copper used on the dome, echoing copper-clad structures in the old city, and the material used for the walls, the beautiful regional stone (grès des vosges). The interior has a soft, diffused light, coming from windows hidden behind intricate calligraphy.

References

Great Mosque - Strasbourg on Behance

A Brief History of Strasbourg Grand Mosque, France's Largest Mosque (theculturetrip.com)

Strasbourg Mosque - Wikipedia