Muslim Cultural Center

The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Scut designed a cultural complex in Da Chang, China, integrating the functions of theatre, exhibition, convention and community center.

This sanctuary designed by Architectural Design & Research Institute of Scut shows both the Islamic culture and the studio’s vision for a better life. This is also a homelike cultural center that provides a spiritual home for local residents especially Muslims.

Dachang County is a Muslim enclave near Beijing. To revive the Islamic culture and improve the quality of culture life, the local government developed Da Chang Muslim Cultural Center, a cultural complex integrating the functions of theatre, exhibition, convention and community center.

Based on traditional mosque, the building subtly interprets the spatial structure of mosque with new materials and technologies. The surrounding arches shrink into elegant curves from the bottom up, while the cambering petal-shaped arches of the reflection in the water look even more vivid and graceful.

The dome sees the translation and abstraction of Islamic symbols rather than simple mimicking. We constitute the dome with petaloid shells and creatively transform the interior space into a semi-exterior roof garden flooded with sunshine, fresh air and vegetation.