Hidden Gems: Islamic Architecture in Britain

Britain's architectural landscape is usually associated with Gothic cathedrals, Victorian red brick, and modern glass skylines. But dotted amongst them are stunning examples of Islamic architecture that blend Eastern tradition with Western innovation.

Here are some architectural gems you shouldn't miss.

1. Cambridge Central Mosque

The Eco-Mosque. Winner of the 2021 RIBA Stirling Prize public vote, this is arguably the most significant piece of modern Islamic architecture in Europe.

• Design: Instead of traditional domes, it features timber columns that branch out like "trees" to support the roof, mimicking the geometry of nature.
• Sustainability: It is Europe's first eco-mosque, boasting zero carbon emissions on-site, rainwater harvesting, and air-source heat pumps.
• Vibe: It feels like a prayer in a forest—peaceful, organic, and light.

2. The Shah Jahan Mosque (Woking)

The Victorian Pioneer. Built in 1889, this is pure Orientalist revival style.

• Design: Designed by a British architect who had never been to the Middle East, it is a romanticised vision of the Mughal era.
• Features: A turquoise onion dome, delicate minarets, and a courtyard that feels transported from 19th-century India.
• Status: Grade I listed building.

3. The Ismaili Centre (South Kensington, London)

The Modernist Masterpiece. Located opposite the V&A Museum, this building is subtle yet profound.

• Design: Designed by Casson Conder Partnership, it uses materials compatible with the surrounding London architecture (light grey granite) but incorporates Islamic geometry.
• Features: It houses a beautiful roof garden (Charbagh style) that offers a sanctuary of calm in the middle of London.

4. Central London Mosque (Regent's Park)

The Iconic Dome. If you've looked out over Regent's Park, you've seen the golden dome.

• Design: Built in the 1970s by Sir Frederick Gibberd, it combines modernism with traditional Islamic forms.
• Significance: For decades, this was the face of Islam in the UK, hosting royalty and heads of state.

5. Glasgow Central Mosque

The Scottish Red Sandstone. Uses the same red sandstone that defines Glasgow's architecture, allowing the mosque to blend in while standing out with its large glass dome.

• Fusion: It perfectly represents the integration of the Muslim community into the very fabric (literally) of the city.

Conclusion

These buildings are not just places of worship; they are physical manifestations of the British Muslim identity—respecting tradition, embracing the local environment, and looking towards the future.