The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has named Cambridge Mosque Trust as the winner of the RIBA Client of the Year 2021. The annual RIBA award recognises exemplar clients who champion and commission outstanding architecture.
In 2009, Cambridge Mosque Trust commissioned Marks Barfield Architects to create Cambridge Central Mosque – a breath-taking, highly-sustainable place of worship for the local Muslim community that took over ten years to complete.
Consisting of an Islamic Garden and prayer hall, with capacity for over 1000 worshippers, it was inspired by Islamic and English architectural traditions and offers a calm oasis to its visitors. Within the main prayer hall wooden columns or ‘trees’, constructed using sustainably sourced timber, support the gothic-style ceiling. Above the columns sit large roof lights, which illuminate the main space.
Cambridge Central Mosque has been recognised by numerous 2021 RIBA Awards, including four RIBA East Awards, a RIBA National Award and is shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize 2021.
Chair of the RIBA Client of the Year jury Jo Bacon said:
“Cambridge Mosque Trust, spearheaded by Dr Timothy Winter, Shaykh Zayed Lecturer in Islamic Studies, and Director of Studies at Wolfson College, demonstrated personal commitment and tenacity to deliver a highly sustainable work of contemporary architecture, which is culturally embedded in the history of those who use the building but also appropriate and generous to the civic life of the city. Cambridge Mosque Trust is a worthy winner of RIBA Client of the Year 2021.”
The RIBA Client of the Year 2021 jury was chaired by Jo Bacon, Partner at Allies and Morrison; with Dav Bansal Partner at Glenn Howells Architects; and Anthony Dewar Head of Buildings and Architecture at Network Rail.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Emily.Stallard@riba.org, 020 7307 3813.
- Download images of Cambridge Central Mosque here.
- Previous winners of RIBA Client of the Year award include Network Rail (2019), Argent LLP (2018), Bedales School (2017), Westmorland Ltd (2016), National Theatre (2015), Manchester Metropolitan University (2014), the National Trust (2013) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (2012).
- The RIBA Client of the Year Award is sponsored by Ibstock plc. Ibstock plc is a leading manufacturer of clay bricks and concrete building products, with a proud history of nearly 200 years of manufacturing excellence. Its products and solutions are a vital and indispensable part of the built environment, the cornerstone of every building project. Operating from 38 sites across the UK, with over 150 million tonnes of clay reserves across 23 active quarries, Ibstock plc is a business at the heart of building, continuously developing solutions that take the construction industry forward. Not only delivering products that set the standard for aesthetic appeal and performance, the company also leads the way into a truly sustainable future. Its people provide the passion and inspiration that can make a real and tangible difference, constantly striving to innovate and working together with its customers, partners and suppliers. http://www.ibstockplc.co.uk
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates.
