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Muslims started migrating to Australia. They comprised West in general. Australian Muslims’ socio-cultural needs and
different ethnic groups, mainly Malays, Arabs, Turks, requirements can be interpreted and translated into
Yugoslavs, Indians, Pakistanis, Afghans, South Africans, architectural programs, conceptual design schemes and
Burmese and Bosnians [3]. proposals, which can be developed to produce functional and
more efficient Islamic community centres. The framework for
III. CONTEMPORARY MUSLIMS IN AUSTRALIA analysing and assessing such centres is based on fulfilling all or
According to the Australian Census 2011 [4], there were most of the services and facilities that meet Muslims’
476,300 Muslims living in Australia, comprising 2.25% of the socio-cultural needs.
total population. Western Australia had the third highest B. Research techniques and data collection
Muslim population (8% of Australian Muslims), after New In order to achieve the research objective (to define the
South Wales (50%) and Victoria (33%). In 2011, there was
appropriate architectural design criteria of a functional Islamic
39,160 Muslims living in Western Australia and the number center s), and to answer questions on the kind and nature of
has been growing since. As in other Western liberal Muslims’ obligations and to what extent Australian Muslim
democracies, Muslims have gone through the process of architecture fulfils their socio-cultural needs, the research
establishing social structures and institutions that reflect their methods have been designed to:
Islamic identity [5]. - Conduct group interviews ‘Focus Groups’ and surveys to
A. Muslim architecture and built forms in Australia assess the socio-cultural challenges that contemporary West
Australian Muslims have a wide range of organizations and Australian Muslims face in Perth today and to identify their
built forms providing religious, educational and welfare needs and requirements,
services. In 2007, there were more than 100 mosques around - Recognize the role of the socio-cultural Islamic centers in
Australia and over 50 musallah (prayer halls) catering for promoting mutual understanding and harmony between all
Muslims’ religious obligations and needs; and the numbers of Australians irrespective of faith, caste, creed or color,
Islamic buildings and users are increasing [6]. There were also - Select, study and analyses two case studies from Australia
around 50 Islamic schools attended by 15,000 to 20,000 to identify their main architectural design criteria, which can
students [7]. Therefore and for the purposes of this research, be generalized to define a functional Islamic community
Muslim Architecture can be defined as buildings that provide center.
religious, educational and socio-cultural and recreational
services to the Muslim communities, which includes mosques, V. A STUDY ON THE WEST AUSTRALIAN MUSLIM COMMUNITY AND
ITS NEEDS
musallahs, Islamic schools and colleges, as well as Muslim
community centers [8]. The main research question “What are the architectural
design criteria and programs required to build a functional
B. Muslims religious obligations
Islamic community center that can fulfil Australian Muslims’
This research focuses on Muslims’ needs based on their socio-cultural needs?”
Islamic obligations, because for them Islam is not only a This study also aims to answer the research secondary
religion, but also a complete way of life; in a balanced and questions: “What are the Muslims’ obligations and needs?”
moderate way. The Qur’an, together with the sayings and and “To what extent Australian Muslim architecture fulfils its
deeds of Prophet Muhammad, the ‘hadith’, set out the five community’s religious obligations and socio-cultural needs?”
fundamental practices for Muslims, which can be summarised These questions are a manifestation of the research motivation
as: the testimony of faith (a declaration of belief in one and only to address “the lack of academic research into the types or
God and Mohammed as his last messenger); praying five times variety of contemporary Muslim built forms in Australia,
a day; fasting during the holy month of Ramadan; giving particularly in Western Australia and the need for Islamic
charity or alms; and finally pilgrimage to Mecca [9]. community centers that provide socio-cultural and recreational
services to the growing number of Australian Muslims”.
IV. RESEARCH METHODS To define the socio-cultural needs of the West Australian
To answer the research questions, the methodology uses a Muslims, qualitative group interviews/focus groups have been
mixed methods approach [10], including focus groups, surveys conducted with community members. The data collection has
and interviews [11], to highlight the Australian Muslims embraced as a diverse range of views as possible, including
community needs, taking the West Australian Muslim respondents of different ethnicities, age groups and economic
community as an example. The research methods also include backgrounds.
case studies analysis of two Muslim community centers to The topics covered in these focus groups have included the
define their architectural programs and design criteria. following:
- The most common ways of Muslims getting together in
A. Research hypothesis and approach Western Australia,
This research paper hypothesizes that Islamic community - The ways of preserving their Islamic identities in WA,
centres can play a significant role in developing and improving - The significance of Islamic institutions to Muslims in
the socio-cultural activities of Muslims in Australia, and in the WA,
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- The variety of services that mosques and Islamic centers really are and what they believe in. In this context, the
can provide to the Muslim communities, respondents indicated that the media has a significant
- The socio-cultural needs of Muslim communities in influence on how Australians perceive Muslims. Some
Western Australia, respondents feel that they are not accepted by non-Muslim
- The main challenges that Muslims face in Australia, Australians. Other participants find it hard to: preserve their
- The importance of Islamic centers in developing and Islamic culture, raise their Muslim children in a Western
integrating West Australian Muslims into the larger society and change the negative image and sentiments towards
community of Australia, Muslims. Other challenges are summarized as: Muslims’
- The most important activities that Muslims should have in feeling of being excluded, pressure on Muslims to prove
an Islamic center. themselves within workplaces and other institutions,
underlying discrimination against Muslim minority, lack of
A. The Focus Groups data analysis and interpretation
sense of belonging and finally the absence of strong and
Interpretation of the focus groups analysis has found that positive Muslim leadership.
majority of the Muslim participants (86%) believe that Islamic These challenges reflect the feeling of insecurity of the
institutions in Western Australia are very significant for their Muslim communities as a minority in non-Muslim
potential to provide numerous cultural and entertaining environments. The previously mentioned needs and challenges
services that are currently not available, such as female-only could be dealt with through a socio-cultural Islamic community
swimming facilities and free Islamic environment for women center. Such center would make a suitable medium that bring
wearing hijab as well as venues for special Muslim celebrations Muslims and non-Muslims together, which can help bridging
(marriage, parties, etc.). Islamic institutions would also enable the gaps and bring tolerance and harmony in multi-faiths and
Muslims to fulfil their spiritual and social needs. They would multicultural society such as Australia. It would provide a
help them to keep connected and informed of special events and positive environment for dialogues and social interactions
news that concern Muslims. They would also help Muslims during open days, seminars and workshops, which would
preserve their identities and they would provide support and create a feeling of inclusion and security to both parties. It
assistance to the West Australian Muslim community. would also provide the Muslim communities a seemly place for
Moreover, Islamic institutions can provide venues to invite social gathering on social and religious occasions, classes and
non-Muslims and initiate events that help Muslims to integrate seminars, which would give them a sense of unity and
with the wider community. Concerning socio-cultural needs of belonging.
the Muslim community in Western Australia, the participants In respect to activities provided by mosques or Islamic
find that ‘Muslims gathering’ comes as their top priority, centers in Perth, the participants have indicated that the
‘learning Islamic values’ comes as second priority, ‘socializing majority of the centers provide religious activities but much
with non-Muslims’ comes as third priority, ‘fitness and sports’ less active in socio-cultural and recreational activities. This
comes as fourth priority, ‘learning Arabic language’ comes as underlines the need for more Islamic socio-cultural centers to
fifth priority, ‘learning Australian culture’ comes as sixth fulfil the growing needs of the Muslim community in Western
priority, and finally ‘learning English language’ comes as Australia and tackle the lack in social, cultural and recreational
seventh priority’. services available for West Australian Muslims, especially for
The above socio-cultural needs would give architects and women and youth. Regarding to the importance of
Muslim organizations leaders some guidelines and directions socio-cultural Islamic centers to Muslims in Western Australia
as to the design requirements of a mosque or an Islamic and their role in developing and integrating them, the majority
community center. The following architectural requirements of the Focus Groups participants find that Islamic centers are
have been deduced from the Focus Group responses. very important in developing and integrating West Australian
A Socio-cultural Islamic center should provide the Muslims (76%), while the rest of the respondents find them just
following: important. The participants also find that the most important
- Adequate spaces for Muslims gathering, such as large roles of socio-cultural Islamic centers in developing and
multipurpose halls that could accommodate social and cultural integrating West Australian Muslims are (in order): promoting
activities and should be inviting to non-Muslims as well. harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims, promoting
- Fitness and sports spaces and facilities such as harmony between Muslims from different backgrounds, and
gymnasium (for both genders), indoor swimming pool as well finally helping Muslims to adapt to Australian society and
as indoor and outdoor activities. promoting good citizenship.
- Sufficient lectures halls and classrooms that could The analysis has also found that the top facilities needed in
accommodate cultural seminars, workshops and classes for an Islamic center for the West Australian Muslims are in the
teaching Arabic and English languages as well as Islamic order of a prayer hall, a recreation multipurpose hall, a library,
culture. teaching classrooms, a gymnasium, a conference room, a
B. Outcomes of the Focus Groups analysis playground, a restaurant, a bookshop and finally a Muslim
clothing shop. In relation to availability and adequacy of
The research has found that the Muslim community in
socio-cultural activities, the majority of the participants (80%)
Western Australia face some challenges such as lack of
indicated conspicuously that Islamic centers in Western
understanding from the wider community to who Muslims
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Australia do not provide adequate socio-cultural services. as weddings, funeral services and religious teaching services; a
preparation area; a large kitchen ablution and toilet facilities; a
VI. CASE STUDIES ANALYSIS caretaker’s residence and 3 short term residences. The center
The following sections demonstrate and analyze two case also provides onsite car parking area of 83 car bays for its
studies of Australian Muslim community centers, in order to members and visitors (Figure 1).
define the Islamic center’s model that can provide the - Function
necessary programs and helps facilitating a variety of The Bosnian Islamic Centre’s design provides religious,
educational, socio-cultural, economic and spiritual activities, social, cultural and recreational services to meet the needs of
which can fulfil Muslims’ needs, and build on social cohesion the growing Muslim community in Swan Valley and
and harmony with the broader Australian community. surrounding areas. The Centre offers a wide range of activities
such as a large mosque for male and female prayers, Islamic
A. Case study 1: The Swan Valley Bosnian Mosque and
Islamic Centre classes Madrasah for children and adults, a large library for
Islamic books in English, Arabic and Bosnian languages, and a
- Community needs multipurpose hall for social, cultural and recreational
The number of the Bosnian Islamic Society members in activities. The center also provides ancillary activities such as
Perth has increased enormously since its establishment in ablution, showers and toilet facilities to serve worshipers and
1996. However, it did not have a place for its members to other users as well as a residence for the mosque leader Imam,
practice their religious obligations, such as daily prayers and 3 short term accommodations and an admin office (Figure 2).
Islamic classes nor its own office. Consequently, it was unable
to employ a permanent Muslim leader and its members had to
perform their daily prayers in different mosques. In 2006, the
society bought a large block of land to build its own mosque and
Islamic center. The land was purchased with funds collected
from the society members [12].
- Design criteria and process
Legend
Religiou
a)
a
Cultura
Socio-re
Ancillar
Outdoo
a)
Legend
Religious Space
Cultural Space
Socio-recreational Space
Ancillary Space
a bb)
Fig. 2: The Sawn Valley Islamic Centre, a) Ground and
Outdoor Space (courtyard)
b) First floor plans analysis. (Source: the author)
b)
Fig. 1: The Sawn Valley Islamic Centre, a) site plan and b) B. Case Study 2: The Newport Islamic Centre
Elevation analysis. (Source: the author)
- Community needs
The Bosnian Society needed to build their own Islamic The Newport Islamic Centre, in Melbourne, provides a place
center that includes a mosque and a variety of socio-cultural of worship to the Muslim community in Hobsons Bay and
activities, funeral services and religious teaching services accommodates their religious needs. The old facility (prior to
along with the provision of the caretakers and short term building the new center) at the corner of Mason Street and
residences. The total area of the project land is 9,405 m2 of Walker Street ran out of capacity and was over congested, as
which an approximate built-up area of 1,356 m2 is used. The worshipers had to pray in the car park and in the street on
complex consists of a mosque and an Islamic center, which numerous occasions.
include a prayer hall that can accommodate 350 worshippers; a - Design criteria and process
multipurpose hall for a variety of socio-cultural activities such The Newport Islamic Centre is a comprehensive complex
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with spiritual, educational and recreational facilities. It is built spaces, social spaces and recreational spaces. The importance
in three stages, each stage consisting of a number of buildings and availability of the ancillary spaces depends on the needs of
and areas. The complex includes a mosque for both male and each case study and varies from case to case.
female worshippers; an educational center consists of a library,
A. Criteria of a functional Islamic centre
eight class rooms for Arabic and Islamic studies, and two quite
reading rooms; an indoor recreational and functions center; a The study finds that a functional Islamic centre should
residence for the mosque leader and 2 guest houses. The site include and fulfil all social and cultural needs for a modern
includes a parking for about 180 cars, in addition to the public community within Islamic frameworks that do not contradict
car park developed by the council in front of the center. with Islamic teachings in principles. These needs include, but
- Function not limited to, the following:
The design of the Newport Mosque provides sufficient a. Social needs (to create a balance between Islamic
indoor prayer space for the five daily prayers, as well as for principles or obligations and modern Western lifestyle). Social
important days of the Islamic calendar such as Friday and activities include community gathering and networking;
festive ‘Eid’ prayers. The new spacious Islamic center marriage and birth celebrations; festive celebrations; Ramadan
accommodates the spiritual, socio-cultural and recreational dinners Iftaar and Islamic gathering; halal food catering;
needs of the large Muslim community in Hobsons Bay and its crèche/childcare facilities; women, youth and seniors’
surrounding areas. Its indoor environment meets community activities, family counselling, welfare and funeral facilities.
and safety standards in Australia as well [13]. The education b. Cultural needs (to enrich the minds and strengthen the
center provides an important venue for learning Arabic knowledge). Cultural activities include Islamic library and
language and Islamic knowledge for all society members in resource centre; art and cultural exhibitions; weekend and
Hobsons Bay and the rest of Melbourne. Social facilities holidays Islamic classes; English/Arabic classes; interpreting
accommodate for social needs of various streams and ages of and translation services; sports and recreation services; media
the Muslim and local communities (Figure 3). representation; seminars and guest speakers; multicultural
activities; open days with the wider non-Muslim community,
interfaith dialogues.
c. Spiritual needs (to create a balance between spiritual and
Legend materialistic lifestyle). Spiritual Legend activities include daily
Religious Space collective prayers, weekly Friday prayers,
Religious Space festive Eid prayers
Cultural Space (twice a year) and Ramadan late Culturalnight
Space prayers (one month a
Socio-recreational Space
year) as well as learning Islamic Socio-recreational practices
Space and Quran
Ancillary Space
recitation. Ancillary Space
Outdoor Space (courtyard)
More importantly, the study Outdoorhas answered the research
Space (courtyard)
question as ‘What are the architectural design criteria required
a) to build an Islamic community centre which can fulfil
Australian Muslims’ socio-cultural needs, promote their
development and provide a closer relationship with their fellow
non-Muslim citizens?’
Legend
This study has provided an investigation and analysis for the
selected Islamic
Religious Space centres as case studies from Australia. It has
delivered interpretations
Cultural Space
for the case studies results and defined
their main architectural components and design elements. The
Socio-recreational Space
outcomes of the analysis are useful as guidelines for developing
Ancillary Spaceproposed architectural program and conceptual
the author’s
scheme, which will be demonstrated later in this paper.
Outdoor Space (courtyard)
The following section demonstrates the author’s proposed
architectural program and conceptual design scheme of a
b) socio-cultural Islamic centre’s model to serve Muslim
communities in the West; based on the research findings and
outcomes.
Fig. 3: Newport Mosque’s, a) Front view and b) Analysis (Source:
the author) B. Architectural program and conceptual proposal for a
functional Islamic centre
VII. THE RESEARCH OUTCOMES Muslims’ needs and requirements include spiritual, social,
In concluding this paper, analysis of the research case cultural and recreational aspects. These needs and
studies has indicated that in both case studies, the mosque requirements can be translated into zones and spaces to form
complex or Islamic center serves as a community center. an architectural program and conceptual design scheme for a
The case studies design elements are controlled by functional Islamic centre in the manner depicted below
requirements for religious spaces, cultural and educational (Figure 4):
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Author’s Biography
Dr. Mona Omar is an assistant professor of architecture at the College of
Engineering at Prince Sultan University in Saudi Arabia. She is also a Fellow of
the UK Higher Education Academy. Dr. Mona has over 25 years of combined
experience in academic teaching, research and as a professional architect in
Australia, Kuwait and Egypt. She has received her Doctoral and Master’s
degrees from Curtin University in Australia. She has also completed a
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning. Dr.
Mona was granted the Australian Postgraduate Award and the Curtin
University Research Scholarship, in recognition of her research significance.
She has been recently awarded the Prince Sultan University research grant for
her book authorship concerning environmental control and sustainable design.
Dr. Mona’s research interest and publications include Architecture and Culture,
Islamic Architecture in Australia and the West, Green Architecture and
Sustainable Built Environment.
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