The concept for the first Mosque in Iceland consists of creating a unified space, being revealed by two intersecting axes and programmatic conditions: The secular “Reykjavík grid” aiming for a balanced urban identity and the religious “Mecca grid” orientated towards the holy city. The Mosques’ shapes are extruded from those superimposed geometrical grids producing two rectangular concrete forms. The “Reykjavík rectangle”, with an untreated rough exterior, includes the city’s grid by maintaining the street- and building line and integrating the surrounding green areas. The “Mecca rectangle”, plastered with a light exterior, rotates towards the Qibla, engendering vibrant horizontal and vertical spaces responding to all the requirements for collective prayers and cultural activities. Combining the two grids gives birth to a third component: the Minaret. Having the specificity of being an urban landmark and a symbol of Islam, this architectural element brings together local and global dynamics into a twisting tower.

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