PROJECT OVERVIEW
This competition invites architects from around the world to propose an innovative and sustainable architectural design for a new Islamic Center in Turku. The complex will include a mosque and related facilities that serve as a spiritual, cultural, and social hub for the Muslim community.
The project aims to express a contemporary vision of Islamic architecture while fostering cultural dialogue, inclusivity, and harmony within the Finnish urban context.
The competition is organized and managed exclusively by AFAMA, in accordance with international standards for architectural competitions.
INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION
PROJECT TITLE
Islamic Center – Turku
PROJECT LOCATION
Turku, Finland
PROJECT OWNER
Turku Islamic Cultural Foundation
ORGANIZER
Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture (AFAMA)
COMPETITION LANGUAGE
English
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
01
To design an Islamic Center that includes a mosque and complementary facilities representing the spiritual and cultural values of Islam within a contemporary architectural expression suitable for the Scandinavian (Nordic) context.
02
To create a multifunctional complex that integrates religious, educational, cultural, and social activities, fostering interaction and understanding among diverse communities.
03
To achieve cost-effective solutions for both construction and long-term operation.
04
To establish a distinctive architectural landmark that enriches the urban fabric of Turku and symbolizes openness, inclusivity, and harmony.
05
To ensure that the design and operation promote accessibility, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
06
To comply with local planning and construction regulations in Turku, Finland.
PROJECT SCOPE
The proposed design shall include the following key elements
01
MAIN MOSQUE BUILDING
Men’s Prayer Hall: Capacity of approximately 800–1,000 worshippers.
Women’s Prayer Hall: Capacity of approximately 300 worshippers.
Ablution and Sanitary Facilities: Separate ablution areas, toilets, and entrances for men and women.
Multipurpose Spaces: Flexible areas designed for community gatherings, lectures, and social activities.
02
COMMUNITY & EDUCATIONAL SPACES
Classrooms: Six classrooms, each accommodating approximately 20 students.
Administrative Offices: Four offices, each ranging between 16–20 m².
Library and Reading Area: A dedicated space of approximately 25 m² for study and reading.
Children’s Playroom: A safe and engaging area with a capacity of around 20 children.
03
SOCIAL & COMMERCIAL FUNCTIONS
Kitchen and Dining Hall: A fully equipped kitchen with a dining area accommodating approximately 120 people.
Commercial Rental Units: Eight rentable units, each ranging between 90–120 m², designed to support economic sustainability.
Kindergarten: A 200 m² facility dedicated to early childhood education and care.
Youth Center: A 250 m² space designed for youth activities, workshops, and community engagement.
04
OUTDOOR AREAS
Parking: Space for approximately 100 cars, with accessible parking spots and drop-off zones.
Gardens and Pedestrian Paths: Landscaped green areas and shaded walkways that encourage relaxation and social interaction.
Playground and Community Spaces: Outdoor recreational zones designed for children and families, supporting community gatherings and events.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
01
The design should emphasize spiritual symbolism, environmental responsibility, and architectural innovation.
02
Accessibility and safety standards must be fully integrated, including universal design principles, emergency exits, and elevators.
03
The overall design approach should reflect a forward-looking and innovative architectural vision that symbolizes progress and inclusivity.
04
Sustainable design strategies are strongly encouraged, including the use of renewable energy sources, recycled or locally sourced materials, and water-saving systems.
05
The Islamic Center should establish a harmonious relationship with its surroundings, respecting the existing urban fabric, topography, and cultural context.
06
Natural light, ventilation, and local climatic conditions must be carefully considered to ensure comfort and energy efficiency.
07
The project must be compatible with the surrounding urban context and comply with local municipality regulations.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Competitors are required to submit the following materials:
ANONYMITY CODE
Each submission must include a unique identification code.
Names, logos, or any identifying marks of the participant(s) must not appear on any drawings or documents.
VISUAL MATERIAL
High-quality 3D renderings, conceptual diagrams, and visualizations illustrating the design intent and atmosphere.
An optional animation file may also be included to demonstrate the design concept or spatial experience.
DESIGN NARRATIVE
A written concept description (maximum 2,000 words) explaining the design philosophy, sustainability strategies, spatial organization, and contextual integration.
ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS
Site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, and key perspectives.
All drawings must be clear, to scale, and legibly labeled.
SUBMISSION FORMAT
All materials must be submitted digitally in PDF format (maximum file size 30 MB)
Uploads shall be made through the official competition website before the submission deadline.
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Summary of estimated built-up area, proposed materials, structural systems, and environmental performance strategies.
AWARDS
FIRST PRIZE
SECOND PRIZE
THIRD PRIZE
ELIGIBILITY
The competition is open to the following participants:
Licensed architects and architectural firms from around the world.
Architecture students currently enrolled in accredited universities or institutions.
Collaborative teams that may include architects, designers, engineers, or consultants working together under a single submission.
Registration & Participation
SUBMISSION METHOD
all entries must be submitted digitally through the official competition website
LANGUAGE
All competition materials, submission, and communications must be in English
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Competitor (Participant) shall be fully responsible for any content he/she submits to the Competition
- The winning project does not necessarily have to be executed
- The participant has the right to publish his project, mentioning the competition as a reference, after the winners are announced
- No reward will be awarded to any candidate whose design has been excluded from competition due to non-compliance with competition terms, programmed documents or otherwise, or for apparent plagiarism or if the work is deemed insufficiently prepared
- The main participant (the designer) shall be the sole owner of the design, and no third party will have right to claim any reward or privilege
- Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture have the full right to publish projects on any platform