Most Read
Comments
Resource
Junkie
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Planning has broken for Yusuf Islam’s centre
22 June 2007
Yusuf Islam — who performed as singer-songwriter Cat Stevens in the 1960s and 1970s — this week gained planning permission for a £4.5 million cultural centre in London for his educational charity.
The Maqam community building in Queens Park, by Robert O’Hara Architects and approved by Brent council, will present the modern face of British Muslims, Islam hopes.
Maqam, which means place of learning in Arabic, will hold an exhibition space, games hall, conference facilities, a café and bookshop.
The plan involves renovating a disused church with new extensions clad in glass and prepatinated (green) copper.
Robert O’Hara, founder director of the practice, said the “bright, optimistic” design would challenge negative views of Islam. “The idea is to present a modern view of British Muslims to show they’re not all interested in pastiche onion domes,” he said “[The client] wants to present a more ecumenical view of the world and get rid of the awful image that Islam has had put upon it.”
The building will feature exhibitions of Islamic arts, crafts and drama, serve Middle Eastern food and drink, and possibly host a gig by Islam and his friends, O’Hara added. It is due to open next summer.
 Get the latest stories first with BD newsletters. Click to signup |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We want to hear from you
You can be as critical or controversial as you like, but please don't get personal or offensive, and do keep it brief and relevant. Remember this is for feedback and constructive discussion!
Comments may be edited if they do not meet these guidelines.
Readers' comments
What a Wonderful idea, can't wait for it to open! Nice one Yusuf! "and possibly host a gig by Islam and his friends" Just let us know when!!! :)
It is a great idea, hope it would improve the image of the muslims in the locality
This is a fantastic idea. I want to wish Yusuf all the success in the world with his project.
Wonderfull idea Yusuf .And you mention it already in that BBC intervieuw.We will follow this and hope that we can come to visit this centre .Peace Regine
A little bit too close to 1970's New York Unfortunatley, it will be exploited by extremists : BNP, Euro Nazis not to mention the motely Islamists. And where is the frisson of the present modernity(such a parochial word). It will be sucked into the towering infernos of their gruesome iconographies. Has he not cast his eye Dubai way?
Such a place in London is really needed, especially since the sale and closure of Iraqi architect Dr Mohammed Makiya's Kufa Gallery in Westbourne Grove. While not strictly a Muslim centre, the Kufa Gallery was the location of many art exhibitions, book launched and recitals,and its loss is keenly felt. I hope there will be space for the performance arts, including drama and music recitals.
This is great idea, I hope to Yusuf all success,and hope if you find good more ideas like this for muslims. I'm verey optimistic about this project. Go on
yusuf Islam is the epitome of good and civility. In him, men and women of substance from all races, creeds and colours find solace and examplery example. Move on dear!
This is a fantastic idea for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. We've been awaiting for this for a long time. May Allah reward you Yousuf and make Al Maqam a great success
Fantastic idea, can't wait for it to open. The facilities will attract more young people, what better place to meet than in such an Islamic envrionment. But why no swimming pool, so Muslim women can use it whenever they want. Those of us who enjoy swimming, have to wait for the paltry one hour a week or so that council pools designate for ladies, even then they don't always have female lifeguard!
I think it is a really fantastic idea and defines the face of the British Muslim, who are far removed from their parents generation and need to see changes such as this to reflect to the community in which we live that we are forward, modern and Muslim.
Yusuf, thank Allah that you're living an examplery life which other people need to learn from., I wish you every success.