The Musalla at the University of Melbourne is a thoughtfully designed Islamic prayer facility situated at the edge of the university’s city campus, adjacent to the Melbourne Business School and Law School. Commissioned by the university, the Musalla was developed by Desypher Architecture, Planning & Urban Design to serve as a welcoming spiritual space accommodating up to 300 worshippers. It includes dedicated ablution areas for both men and women, a resource centre, and full accessibility for people with disabilities.

Discreetly accessed via Little Pelham Street, the entrance greets visitors with a vivid “peace be upon you” inscription, setting a reflective tone for the series of spaces that follow. The design strikes a balance between modern functionality and spiritual calm. The main prayer hall is notable for its quiet elegance, featuring raw materials, soft lighting, and domed ceilings fitted with sensor-activated extraction fans to ensure continuous air flow. The mood of the interior is meditative and serene, encouraging a mental and spiritual retreat from the outside world.

Peter Gould’s artwork, selected through a 2009 design competition, is a central visual element, presented in its original form. His layered calligraphy appears behind a steel mesh screen, evoking a modern interpretation of traditional Islamic inscription bands. The Qiblah wall, oriented precisely toward Mecca, anchors the space spiritually. Viewed through layers of light, shadow, and mesh, it culminates in the preserved face brick of the original structure, connecting past and present.

A flexible partition separates the men’s and women’s prayer areas, allowing the space to adapt to different needs. South-facing windows provide ample natural light, and the lighting system adjusts accordingly to create a calm and balanced atmosphere. Overall, the Musalla offers a contemporary yet deeply respectful setting for prayer, reflection, and community within the heart of Melbourne’s academic landscape.