The Es-Selam Mosque is the frst purpose-built mosque in the state of Iowa. The congregation consists largely of refugees who fled the Bosnian War in the 1990’s and have resettled in Iowa. Many of the congregants work in the construction industry and will donate their labor to aid construction. Hoping to make the most of this opportunity, the design team carefully chose materials and systems that could be procured and installed by the congregation.

Situated in the countryside among corn fields, the mosque is one part of a future complex that one day will feature a cemetery, soccer pitch, community center, and housing. As one approaches the site, the minaret marks the entrance from some distance off. Coming closer to the building, the dome sets this worship space apart from its agrarian context. A stately and elegant entrance facade greets each visitor and wooden doors indicate the entrance. The building is comprised of a two-story worship space, offices, a library, classrooms, and a below grade multi-purpose space. Raw finishes, such as exposed CMU block, are employed throughout. Custom hexagonal, CNC’d, plywood panels finish off the worship space ceiling, alluding to bees the Imam keeps nearby and to the ‘Honey Passage’ of the Koran which declares that the blessings of God are for all people.

CLIENT

Islamic and Cultural Center Bosnjak of Des Moines

PROJECT ARCHITECTS

Josh Palmer and Jackson den Herder

COMPLETION

Ongoing

AREA

28,500 SF

*Firm of record is Neumann Monson Architects