Muslim Architect Includes "Western-Sensitive Features" in Mosques

February 20, 2004

Source: The Dallas Morning News

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/arts/stories/022104dnrelarchitect.11d6f.html

On February 20, 2004 The Dallas Morning News reported, "Something is different about the elegant entrance to the first mosque ever built in this Vancouver suburb. There are two large carved wooden doors under Moorish arches that are exactly the same. One is for men. The other is for women. Gazing up at the portals, architect Sharif Senbel is proud of his creation – a mosque that emphasizes women and men are equal, even if they worship separately. The grand twin entrances are among a variety of Western-sensitive features Mr. Senbel has fitted into his graceful, brick-faced mosque in the growing municipality of Port Coquitlam. An Egyptian-born Vancouverite, Mr. Senbel, 37, is one of a handful of architects who are trying to create a new look for mosques in Canada and the United States."