Developer reveals 'Ground Zero Mosque' images
By Richard High05 October 2010
Sharif el-Gamal, the developer of New York's Park51 project, dubbed the 'Ground Zero Mosque', has released the first images of the project.
According to a statement, the images show Park51 is neither a mosque nor will it be situated at Ground Zero.
Constructed two blocks away the mixed-use tower will have two below ground floor Muslim prayer areas. Above ground the remaining 13 floors have been designed for secular and multi-faith use.
Facilities will include a sports and fitness centre, restaurant and exhibition space, a playground and a childcare area.
There will also be a memorial and sanctuary on the 12th floor dedicated to the memory of those who died in the 9/11 attacks of 2001.
Externally the tower features an "ice-white" latticework, with allusions to both traditional Islamic architecture and iconic symbols from other faiths, such as the Jewish Star of David.
However, the images, which were rendered by US-based Soma Architects, are Sharif el-Gamal's first ideas for the site. These could change with the appointment of an official architect.
