Competition: Building Conflict

Something happened. Although Switzerland profited all its history by its forthrightness towards immigrants, today this is over. The Swiss population has voted to ban the building of minarets. The ignorance and fear about a different culture was uncovered. A discriminating law found its way into our constitution. But this vote does not solve any problems nor addresses the real issues: Media-constructed incompatibilities, migratory movements, social barriers, Islam in Europe, etc…

Therefore, FAS calls for an open competition for a public Islamic Center in Zurich with a mosque where Muslims can gather and practice their religion in an open urban context.
This complex will be open to all, furthering interactions and dialogue.
How can architecture, as a manifestation of social relationships, expedite conflicts in a city? Is Zurich an undisturbed town, or a war-zone, a platform for ideas to be fought for? How can elements of a foreign culture be augmented, rather than diminished, through contextualism?


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The chronically controversial Kronenwiese is located above the Kornhausbrücke, in the triangle of Kronenstrasse, Kornhausstrasse and Nordstrasse. On this prominent site above the Limmat River, the presence of a mosque is impossible to camouflage. In the middle of a residential area, directly adjacent to a greek orthodox church, swimming facilities and an active bar scene, the distinctly Islamic Center must posture itself with an attitude towards its dissimilar neighbors.
Originally intended as an open green space, development of the Kronenwiese Park was made possible when the whole area was declared a construction zone in 2008. Social engagement was stopped by the eviction of the „Gassenküche“ (soup-kitchen) and of the homeless` shacks. Today the city council is proceeding with a project competition for a new, high end residential allotment. But FAS introduces an alternative that the entire city can profit from.

proceeding open competition

program \\
-Mosque (A wall correctly oriented to Mecca)
-Aula for lectures, exhibitions and theater
-multipurpose rooms for men and women
-offices
-library
-coffee shop & restaurant
-hamam
-public park & playground
site Kronenwiese: 7000 m²

objective:
-to give Muslims a place to pray and meet
-to design an open meeting point between cultures
-to gain a nuanced perspective on the Islamic architecture in Switzerland
-to create a top quality public space where people can meet or relax
-to save the honour of Switzerland
No minarets.

Closing Date March 1st, 2010
Submittal format:
- Images (sketches, montages, plans, renderings, etc.)
- Descriptive text
All format: pdf

send to FASzine@gmail.com

1st prize : Crowned with the FAS legion of honour & awesome FAS T-shirt
2nd prize: a slick FAS T-shirt
3rd prize: an ok FAS T-Shirt
Best projects will be published.

..For Altruism & Strength…