The Institut Du Monde Islam stands on the Wilhemina Pier in Rotterdam. Its aim is to improve understanding between different ways of thinking. The architecture of this complex in which art, religion and science form an abstract magic unity, is based on the Islamic Pattern which in turn issued from the Islamathematica. A familiar basic form obtains for the mathematical pattern, namely a circle within which are two squares rotated out of alignment. Adding auxiliary lines to this basic shape gives a pattern a particular identity. For the design of the Institut Du Monde Islam the familiar basic form of the pattern is transformed into a new system by magnifying that form 1800 times, multiplying it by three and then giving it 3-D status. This generates lines in the horizontal and vertical planes of the pattern. All materials, openings (in floors as well as facades) and movements need to fall within the system. As a result, spaces ensue that can differ in breadth, length and height and yet together form a unitary whole, surrounded by a transparent skin.

The first principle in the world of Islam is the unity among all existing things. Everything in the universe is ultimately one. Those engaged in the institute are searching for a relationship between religion, art and science and the forming of a unity within one so-called open-closed world. The three blocks, one for religion, one for art and one for science, together form, as it were, a body with one mind, one soul and one being. Art and routeing play a crucial role in this relationship, horizontally in the shape of an arts tunnel and vertically among the individual functions. Thus, for instance, there is a relationship between the mosque and the baths (hammams) on the religion side and between the library and the auditorium on the science side. A slab puncturing the religion block points the way to Mecca. This slab fits within the system of patterns. Unhampered by surrounding buildings, it leads worshippers to the prayer space. The creation of unity is not limited to the building but continues to the level of the city. I regard this project as an on-site guest, itself hospitable and inviting, with respect for its surroundings yet retaining its own identity.

To conclude, I echo the sentiments of Keith Albarn in the book Islamathematica:
'In the midst of a chaos of experiences, in a splintered world, an insight into patterns can easily lead to an active understanding of this world. Whether reality today is chaos or not, we must and shall only work with a model of that reality that is self-ordering and easy to understand. The model must be able to process the complicated stream of experiences and make of the world a unity in a form or forms that belong to and derive from our time.'

Place of education: TU Delft
Specialization: architectuur
Tutors: Daan Vitner, Jan Engels, Rogier Verbeek & Ina Klaassen