Cambridge Central Mosque

I recently took part in one of three trips by CCC members to the newly opened Cambridge Central Mosque on Mill Road.  Thanks to Alan for organising.

The design of the mosque was inspired by both Islamic and English religious architecture.   Worshippers entering the building pass first through an Islamic garden, followed by a covered portico and then an atrium, before reaching the prayer hall.  A connecting space between the atrium and prayer hall has access to wash rooms, but is also angled, so that the atrium can face Mill Road and the prayer hall can face Mecca.  A series of large wooden columns ('trees') dominate the portico, atrium and prayer hall.  These are reminiscent of fan vaulting in European Gothic church design.  In particular, the architects wanted the prayer hall to echo King's College Chapel.  The result is a beautiful, airy and contemplative space.

 

 

One day in Devon

My first post of the new year is about the penultimate day of last year.  New year, but just as slow as ever on the posts.  I was down in Devon for a few days to celebrate the new year with my friend Vic.  It was a quick visit, with only time for one day out with the cameras.  We decided to scout out  Blackchurch Rock, near Hartland, a location neither of us had been to before.  It was a very sunny day, and we had to wait for the sun to move around to a position where it would light the rock.  We passed the time with some slow shutter work on a stream that crossed the bay.  Sadly, it became clear that sun wouldn't hit the rock before it set.  Wrong time of year.  So we took a couple of record shots and added this location to the pile marked 'unfinished business'.
 

Speaking of 'unfinished business', we ended the day at Hartland Quay.  My relationship with this location is long documented on this blog.  I love it, yet never manage to do it justice photographically.  This visit was no exception.  Still, it means I will just have to go again.