Maryam Saleemi: Sacred City

Words and images by Maryam Saleemi

Goal & objective
Using Islamic principles to develop a new model for intergenerational living: Sacred City aims to create homes linked to community spaces to share knowledge and improve the mental wellbeing of the elderly, reversing the effects of loneliness. The inclusive design of Sacred City also promotes regenerative architecture by working with the landscape and the elements.

Strategy
A reciprocity of Earth, Humanity and Home, three elements that work together to achieve a higher goal.

1. Regenerative architecture

2. Connecting humanity back to nature

3. Intergenerational homes connected to spaces for community

All three are based on Islamic principles, the teachings from the Prophet PBUH and the Qur’an.

Impact
Changing the current perception of Islam portrayed by the media, while bringing the elderly back into society and reversing the effects of loneliness.

Site location
Stoke Newington, London Borough of Hackney

Project size
5222 sqm

Client
Hackney Council