Architects across Lancashire are being asked to submit designs for a brand new Mosque which is to be built at the end of a motorway.

The Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) have launched a competition for a team of talented designers to create the landmark building, just off the M55 in Preston.

Five shortlisted teams will each receive £4,000 and be invited to further develop their proposals following an open initial round requiring anonymous design concepts.

RIBA said the intention of the competition is to produce a 'strong and bold design' that is clearly identifiable as a place of worship but not necessarily to the extent that it is dominated by the traditional Islamic designs.

Similarly, it is acceptable to have an element of Islamic flair or features but this is not paramount and if the building has minarets they should be subtle and modern in appearance.

The building should have a clear focal point or strong design features which gives character and visibility at some distance and should not be so institutionalised as to simply have the look of a contemporary office building.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A spokesperson for the Royal Institute of British Architects said: "The client is looking to create a landmark, timeless building on this site.

"This site is located close to the city centre but in its own, prominent setting, visible from a large part of the surrounding area including key routes into Preston, therefore, there is a great opportunity to design a building which will become a proud element of Preston’s skyscape for many years to come."

The site for the proposed Mosque is at the western end of D’Urton Lane on the northern edge of Preston.

The site has been cut off by the recent completion of the Broughton bypass alongside the junction of the M55 and M6 and as such sits in a particularly prominent and elevated location.

The RIBA spokesperson added: "The design solution should be of the highest quality, both enduring and at the same time modern and reflective of current trends.

"As such, the design team should seek to create a landmark building.

"Examples of landmark buildings of worship in the local area include Preston England Temple in Chorley; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fairhaven; United Reformed Church in Lytham St Annes; and the Church of St Walburge’s in Preston, which boasts the third tallest spire in the country."

The competition is open internationally to architects who should be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in the UK, or an equivalent, recognised overseas regulatory authority.

No member or employee of the promoting body, the evaluation panel, or any partner, close associate or employee of them is eligible to compete or assist a competitor.

The competition will follow the open design competition format and will be organised in two phases:
Phase 1: Submission of concept designs assessed anonymously.

Phase 2: A shortlist of up to five designs will be selected and teams will be invited to develop their ideas and present them to the evaluation panel.

Teams may only submit an entry to the competition if they are officially registered through RIBA Competitions and in possession of a Unique Registration Number (URN).

The competition is subject to a non-refundable registration and administration fee of £35+VAT.

The deadline for phase one designs is 2pm on Thursday April 22.

For more information visit: architecture.com/competitions.