COMPETITION FOR DESIGNING A MOSQUE IN REYKJAVIK
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Competition brief
March 2015 (with edited text by the jury in april 2015)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Buyer
1.2 Project
1.3 Background
1.4 Objective
1.5 Selection criteria of the jury
1.6 Type and arrangement of competition
1.7 Awards
1.8 Language
2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
2.1 General points
2.2 Competition area
2.3 Soil and climate
2.4 Site, access and environment
2.5 Description of operations
2.6 Description of premises
3 THE COMPETITION
3.1 Eligibility for participation
3.2 Access to documents – participation fee
3.3 Competition documents
3.4 Competition proposals
3.5 Queries
3.6 Submission - deadline, labelling and delivery of proposals
3.7 Jury - the secretary of the jury and the technical advisors.
3.8 The competition officer
3.9 Results
3.10 Exhibition – review meeting
3.11 Retention of competition proposals
3.12 Utilization of competition proposals
3.13 Approval of competition brief description
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1 - INTRODUCTION.
1.1 Buyer
The Association of Muslims in Iceland, from here on called proprietor, is sponsoring a
competition for the first purpose built mosque in Iceland in the Sogamyri area of Reykjavik, the
capital of Iceland. The terms of the competition are outlined in this competition brief, as well as the
documents listed I item 3.3 and the competition rules of The Association of Icelandic Architects
(AI)
1.2 Project
The project is to design a mosque, a Muslim place of worship. It will be located on a relatively
level site, close to one of the busiest streets in Reykjavik.
1.3 Background
Fourteen years have passed since The Association of Muslims in Iceland applied for a building
site in Reykjavik for the first time. The association has been operating a mosque in Armuli 38 since
2002, but that locality is not practical and it is long overdue to raise a purpose-built mosque in the
northernmost capital of the world.
1.4 Objective
The main objectives of the competition are:
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To seek diverse and ambitious ideas of a mosque that houses the congregational activities of
the Muslim community in Reykjavík the capital of Iceland
To obtain interesting proposals for a mosque built in harmony with the current local plan for
Reykjavík.
To promote collective prayers and cultural activity under the banner of Islam.
1.5 The criteria
The following points bear much weight in the evaluation of the jury:
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That the overall appearance of the building should reflect high quality architecture.
That the building should be in harmony with its environment.
That the outer and inner layout harmonizes with the utilization and activities attached to
mosques.
That the choice of materials is suitable for the planned activities and promotes reasonable
building and operating costs.
That an eco-friendly solution will be employed.
1.6 Type and arrangement of the competition
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The competitions is a project design competition and open to everyone that fulfils the
requirements of the competition brief, as defined in item 3.1. The proprietor seeks a feasible
solution of the project.
The proprietor hopes to reach an agreement for a complete architectural design with the winner of
the first prize.
1.7 Awards
A total of 5,000,000 ISK, will be granted for the three best solutions and the 1. prize will not be
less than 2,500,000 ISK.
The jury can also purchase proposals for up to 1,000,000 ISK.
The proprietor aims on utilizing the result of the competition and implementing the idea that is
awarded the first prize, as defined in chapter 1.5.
The proprietor reserves the right to utilize ideas from all awarded proposals, within the limits of the
Icelandic copy right laws.
1.8 Language
The language of this competition is English and all text of submitted proposals shall be in English.
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2 - DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
2.1 General points
The building shall be fully integrated into its surroundings as well as practical in
construction and operation. The building and the site layout shall demonstrate high quality
architecture, taking into account the green area that surrounds the site on two sides. Access
for disabled should be optimal, both externally an internally.
The current local plan allows for a 2 storey building with a maximum wall height of 8,5
meters. The maximum height of the construction is 9,5 meters. In addition a small tower of
20 m2 is authorized, the tower can be 5-10 meters above the mentioned 9,5 meters reaching
maximum 19,5 meters above ground level
The construction site plans show the outermost limits of buildings, balconies included. A
mandatory building line is defined in the land use plan drawings, and at least 70% of the long
side of the building must touch this boundary line. The form/shape of the building within the
construction site is discretionary.
General information on Islam can be seen here:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2748/
2.2 The competition area
Map of Reykjavík - Google maps
Detail of the map – the competition area
Arial photo of the area
The competition area covers only the 1600 m2
site that has been allocated to the Association
of Muslims in Iceland. The site is on the south
side of Suðurlandsbraut, the easternmost plot
of those shown on the effective land use plan
below.
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The overall land use plan may be seen here.
The current local plan.
The approved local plan can be seen here in its entirety.
http://lukrskjol.reykjavik.is/skipulagssja/upplysingar/DSK_PDF/Sogamyri_04_07_2013.pdf
2.3 Soil and climate
Prevailing winds and precipitation are from the south and the east, and can be quit gusty and cold
in this area. This is escalated by the Artunsbrekka hill. Northerly winds are normally calmer in the
area.
2.4 Site, approach and environment
The site is approximately 1600 m2 in size, relatively level and vegetated. The building plot is 800
m2 in size. Approach is from the north and there should be sixteen public parking spaces two of
which are allocated for disabled people. The area is covered with grass, trees and bushes. The city
has planned a public park on two sides of the site with a pedestrian path to the south west of it.
A dual carriageway, one of the busiest in Reykjavík is situated to the south of the site, in a distance
of only 50 m.
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Photos of the project area
BUSSTOP
1 ARIAL PHOTO – AN OVERVIEW
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2.5 Description of activities
The primary purpose of a mosque is to be a place for congregational prayers and worship. The
five daily prayers obligatory for Muslims are performed there, as well as the weekly Friday-prayers
(Juma), In addition there are Eid prayers twice a year and the tarawih prayers (nightly prayers in the
month of Ramadan). In Reykjavik attendance to these varies greatly, from 2 or 3 worshipers at
morning prayers to hundreds praying together at Eid. Additional to the prayers there are many
other activities such as a Sunday school for children, marriages, funeral ceremonies, various cultural
events such as forum for foreign visits, meeting of people from same ethnic background, women's
meetings, dinner parties and celebrations. Furthermore, a very important function of the mosque is
to accommodate visitors who come there to sit and read the Quran, or pray and meditate at any
given time.
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Description of the areas within the premises
The proposed activities are divided into two zones. The place of worship with support space and a
meeting place and research centre, as well as common areas. Access will be through a common
entrance into the collective hall.
Worship
The hall for worship, with it’s focus on the “qibla” wall and “mihrab” , pointing out the direction
to Mecca. By that wall is the “minbar” see definition here:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/383507/minbar
The planning of the worship room must take the direction to Mecca into consideration as all
worshipers will face that direction while praying.
Assembly and conference hall
Assembly space for 100 people with a kitchen and a storage room, a classroom for 20 people and
a library.
Common areas
A common entrance, vestibule, cloakroom, shoe storage, ablution (ritual washing) facilities, office
space. The Technical space can be in the basement.
2.6 The general plan of the premises and size requirements
The mosque is expected to be a total of 670 net m2. Walls and traffic areas approximately 130 m2
giving a total maximum gross area of 800 m2 as per the approved local plan
Worship
Worship area
This area is an open space with generous free ceiling height with a minimum of 6 m.
The focus is on the „qibla“, (direction of Mecca) and mihrab (where the imam stands while
leading prayers).
This space is the heart of the mosque. The qibla (direction to Mekka) is to the ESE
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Qibla from Reykjavik Iceland
The “mimbar” see definition here: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/383507/minbar is
a spot usually on right side of mihrab and is often elevated or in the shape of a staircase.
Some examples of mihrabs and mimbars can be seen here.
https://www.google.is/search?q=minbar&sa=N&biw=1920&bih=895&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=u
niv&ei=lRnvVIX_MY31aLylgoAL&ved=0CFQQ7Ak
Auditorium and research area
The auditorium should have space for 100 people seated at tables. It should be installed in a rather
traditional way, with a small, raised stage. It should be possible to connect this room with the
worship room, to be utilized as a unit.
Storage room connected with the auditorium.
Storage for chairs, tables and equipment.
Kitchen.
A kitchen that serve for the preparation of food for approx. 100 auditorium guests. There should
be cabinets and shelves for dishes, pots and pans, tables for food prepare, double kitchen
meat\vegetables, stove, steam oven, dish washing machine and other kitchen tools.
Storage for kitchen.
Storage for food, dry goods, a cooler and a freezer.
Classroom.
Classroom for 25 people seated, in a traditional classroom setup. The teachers table in one end,
with a computer, a blackboard and a projector. It must be easy to darken this room.
Library.
A library and a research room. The library will be installed with bookshelves and reading
facilities for 4 people. There will be a corner for comfortable seating. It must be easy to darken the
library.
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Common areas.
Common entrance, vestibule, lobby, restroom, cloakroom, shoe storage and gender divided
facilities for ablution (ritual washing)
Vestibule
The vestibule is a small entrance hall or passage between the outer door and the interior of a
house or building with the purpose to protect from the wind.
Lobby
The lobby is a space where people can gather before entering the worship room, the assembly
hall, the classroom or the library.
Restrooms.
Restroom serving 300 people, 14 closed restrooms, there of 1 for disabled and 1 for staff.
Cloakroom.
The cloakroom should take overcoats of approximately 300 people on pegs rather than hangers.
Shoe storage.
Shoe storage should be close to the entrance with shelves for 300 pair of shoes.
Washing facilities (ablution- ritual washing).
Facilities for ablution should be connected with the entrance and should be gender separated.
Office.
Office and facilities for employees.
Embalming (Washing of the deceased).
Facilities for washing the deceased. This space should have direct entry from outside, by a door
min. 120 cm. wide. Burials are done as soon as possible according to the tradition of Islam.
Technical room.
Technical room could be placed in the basement with access from inside through stairs. In
technical room, ventilation system and other technical and control systems will be placed.
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Sizes (for reference)
Worship
Worship space
200 m2
Worship total
200 m2
Assembly and conference hall
Assembly room
Storage for assembly room
Kitchen
Storage for kitchen
Classroom
Library
100 m2
7 m2
20 m2
7 m2
30 m2
45 m2
Assembly and conference hall
209 m2
Service area
6 m2
70 m2
30 m2
40 m2
20 m2
20 m2
20 m2
15 m2
40 m2
Vestibule
Reception
Restrooms
Cloakroom
Shoe storage
Ablution (Washing)
Office
Embalming (washing of the deceased)
Technical room
Collective areas total
261 m2
Total net area
670 m2
Walls and circulation areas
130 m2
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3 – THE COMPETITION
3.1
Eligibility for participation
Anyone may participate apart from the members of the jury, the secretary of the jury, the
competition officer and other advisors of the jury, as well as staff working in a graphical workshop
with any of the jurors or any closely related parties. Any doubtful cases will be submitted to the
Board of Directors of the Association of Icelandic Architects.
Participants selected for the first prize of the competition, but who are not certified under Article 25
of the Icelandic Building Code, and therefore not authorised to submit plans to the Planning and
Building Department of the Municipality of Reykjavik, should obtain a certified partner.
3.2
Access to documents – participation fee
This Competition brief can be accessed on the website of the Association of Icelandic Architects,
www.ai.is
The Competition documents will only be available to those who register to participate on the
website www.ai.is from 3rd of March. Upon registration the participants choose a password to
obtain access to a special location where the complete competition data are filed. The Competition
brief is provided free of charge.
3.3
Competition documents
1. The competition brief.
2. The part of the Reykjavik´s Municipal Master Plan for 2010 – 2030 which covers
the competition area. The Municipal Master Plan can be accessed at
http://skipulagssja.skipbygg.is/
3. A map of the competition area showing the location of the planned mosque,
contour lines and the limits of the competition area, the principal streets in its
neighbourhood etc.
4. An aerial photograph.
5. Photographs from the competition area.
6. Competition Rules of The Association of Icelandic Architects
7. Topographical map and site plat.
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3.4
Competition proposals
Competitors must submit printouts of the documents and on a CD / USB flash drive in PDF
format to the competition officer
A. DRAWINGS:
• Site plan (north uppermost) at a scale of 1:500 showing the area and relationship to
the neighbourhood.
• Floor plans, sections and elevations to the scale of 1:200.
• Three-dimensional images and other explanatory diagrams that the competitors
deem necessary.
• Net size of spaces must be stated on the drawings.
Two proposal sheets shall be submitted, hung horizontally above each other. The size of drawing
must be A1 (594x840 mm) in landscape form, printed on non-transparent paper and mounted on
stiff board. The drawings must state the order of the cards. All text must be typed.
B. EXPLANATORY NOTES:
The report must state:
• The main substance of the proposal, main criteria, goals and point of focus of the
proposal author and the total size of the building.
• Description of material selection, finishes and technical arrangement and their
nearest environs together with any information than may have an effect on the cost
assessment of the panel and its consultants.
The notes shall be a maximum of 500 words and submitted in 6 copies in sheet size A4. Reducedsized copies of drawings may be included in the explanatory notes. All material in the explanatory
notes must also be included on the cards.
3.5
Queries
Queries are to be sent by e-mail to the competition officer who will submit a copy of the queries
to the jury. The steward will subsequently send to all registered competitors a copy of all queries
together with the jury’s response to the e-mail that was provided when participants registered /
obtained the competition documents. There are two query deadlines.
The first deadline for submission of queries is Tuesday, 24th of March 2015, at 24:00, and the
latter is Tuesday, 28th of April 2015, at 24:00. Responses to queries are expected to be ready
within seven days each time.
3.6
Submission - deadline, labelling and delivery of proposals
1. Proposals are to be delivered to the competition officer at the offices of the Icelandic
Society of Architects, no later than Tuesday, 26th of May 2015, at 17:00 GMT. The
competition officer will accept delivery of the proposals between 15:00 and 17:00.
Those wishing to submit their proposals earlier shall consult with the officer. On
delivery of the proposal, the competition steward will provide the competitor with a
receipt marked with the proposal’s identification number.
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2. Proposals may be submitted by post or by courier before the deadline. A receipt from
the relevant processor should be sent to the competition officer by e-mail. In addition
to the above, the competitor shall notify the steward within 4 hours that the proposal
has been sent. The notification should include the delivery registration number.
Proposals will not be accepted more than four days after the deadline. Submitted
proposals should be addressed to the competition steward, see Section 3.8 below.
Notification of receipt will be sent by e-mail.
3. All proposal documentation shall be identified with a five-digit number in the field 2 x
5 cm at the right bottom corner. An opaque envelope, marked with the same number
and name label, must accompany the proposal. The envelope must contain a note with
the name, e-mail and telephone number of the author or authors and partners. Proposals
must be delivered unfolded in flat packaging. The packaging of the proposal shall be
labelled in the same fashion as the proposal and must state the number of proposal
pages. Drawings in frames or on glass will not be accepted.
4. The acceptance and consideration of a proposal is subject to the mandatory
requirements that it is submitted at the correct time and that anonymity is assured
according to the competition rules of the Icelandic Society of Architects.
3.7
Jury - the secretary of the jury and the technical advisors.
Members of the jury:
Nominated by the buyer;
Sverrir Agnarsson, Chairman of the jury
Ólafur Halldórsson, Cashier of the Association of Muslims of Iceland
Rúnar Gunnarsson architect, FAÍ
Nominated by The Association of the Icelandic Architects:
Hans-Olav Andersen, architect MNAL and FAÍ
Aðalheiður Atladóttur, architect FAÍ
The technical advisors of the jury
Nominated by the City of Reykjavík
Nikulás Úlfar Másson, skrifstofustjóri USK.
Björn Axelsson, skipulagsfulltrúi USK.
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Björn Ingi Edvardsson, verkefnastjóri á USK
Hail Ayhan Belek, engineer.
The secretary of the jury
Guðjón Magnússon, architect FAÍ
3.8
The competition officer
Nominated by The Association of the Icelandic Architects:
Haraldur Helgasonon, architect FAÍ – address: Hvassaleiti 74, 103 Reykjavík
E-mail: [email protected]
All inquiries and comments should be directed to the competition officer
3.9
Results
The jury plans to complete its work by the middle of June 2015. All participants will be notified
of the panel’s results as soon as anonymity has been removed. A press release on the results will be
published in the media. The decision will state which proposals were awarded prizes and who their
authors are. Any purchased or noteworthy proposals will also be mentioned. The Jury intends to
issue a comprehensive report about the competition.
3.10
Exhibition – review meeting
An exhibition of all the competition proposals that fulfil the competition’s conditions will be held at
the earliest opportunity after the panel has completed its work. The proposals will be exhibited with
the identity of the authors displayed. The proprietor will issue a printed jury opinion.
Following the presentation of the results of the competition and the opening of the exhibition of the
proposals, an open review meeting will be held in which the judges will go over their decision.
Participants will be particularly invited to this meeting which will be held by The Icelandic Society
of Architects.
3.11
Storage of competition proposals
The Museum of Design and Applied Art will receive all competition proposals for storage after
the end of the exhibition. The owners of the proposals will have access to them in consultation with
the staff of the museum.
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