It’s still under construction but the Australian Islamic Centre in Newport will be available to the public for this month’s Open House Melbourne Weekend.
Designed by world-renowned Sydney architect Glenn Murcutt in collaboration with local architect Hakan Elevli, the prayer centre has attracted world acclaim and is destined for heritage listing.
It will have about 1200 square metres of prayer areas for both males and females, a library, classrooms, recreational and function centres, an Imam’s residence, two guest houses and other spaces.
It’s the subject of two upcoming documentaries and an exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Part of the reason for international interest is the involvement of Mr Murcutt, the only Australian to have won the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the ‘Nobel Prize” for architecture.
Mr Elevli said the building, which had drawn on the best elements from mosques around the world, was unlike any other.
“The most significant thing it is being a very Islamic spiritual space that makes it very inclusive of non-Muslims as well,” he said.
“The idea was to create an architecturally-designed building with Islamic features … but also make it contemporary.”
Jordan-born Imam Abdullah Al Hawari said the minaret, a thick 16-metre wall as opposed to a traditional round tower, had also been designed for contemporary Australia.
“In our country we use the minaret to put a speaker on to call the people to prayer,” he said. “In Australia, it’s not allowed to put the speaker outside so we did it a different way.
“This mosque is welcoming everyone, Muslim and non-Muslim, all Australian people, all the people in the world.
“They are looking for peace, looking for safety. Welcome to everyone.”
Australian Arabic Women’s Community Group president, Laila Houli, said when complete, the building’s front would look like two hands saying, ‘Welcome in’.
The Australian Islamic Centre will be open from 10am-4pm on July 30.
Bookings are required and can be made at eventbrite.com.au/e/australian-islamic-centre-tickets-26262977272
