London-based Mossessian Architecture to design Mecca museum

PanARMENIAN.Net - Mossessian Architecture has won an invited competition to design a new museum in Mecca dedicated to the Islamic faith, the Architect's Journal reports.

The London-based practice is working with exhibition specialist Studio Adeline Rispal from Paris on the scheme, which will be built 7km from the Grand Holy Mosque.

At the centre of the new building – officially named the Makkah Museum – will be a “helical void” with a continuous, rising ramp described by the practice as a “virtual minaret that visitors ascend as they pass through the exhibition galleries.”

The museum will be the first “cultural institution” offering an interpretation and reflection of faith to the millions who visit Mecca – the holiest of Muslim cities.

As well as 5,600m² of permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, the building will house an auditorium, educational space, bookshop, roof garden and restaurant.