MIssions and Objectives
The Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC) is a key institution in Mauritius with the primary objective of preserving and promoting the authentic and perennial values of Islam and hence, promoting Islamic Arts and Culture.
It has also the mission of promoting the study of Arabic and Urdu, and to provide training in relevant fields of study.
It also provides an important link with the major Islamic socio-cultural Organizations in the Country.
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ICC BUILDING COMPLEX
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The Design
The building which is designed to reflect the Islamic spirit of beauty provides subtle relief from the monotonous stretch of concrete jungle presently invading our towns and villages. While assembling prominent components of Muslim architectural expression namely iwan, dome and arabesque, the building nevertheless, breathes a quiet blend of simplicity, originality and grace. The ICC complex is made up of 4 storeys and a multi-purpose hall with 2 mezzanines of a total gross floor area 3120 m / square. Visitors to the Centre pass through the great main front portal, the iwan, an architectural form which imbues a sense of reverence to the building whose façade it adorns, creating a hallowed entrance portal. The domes, another significant aspect of Islamic architecture, represent distinguished features of the complex. The main star-shaped dome is 25 meters above ground level.
The Location
Not only does the terrace on the third floor enable visitors to examine the main dome at close range, it also provides them with an excellent view of Plaine Verte and Vallée Pitot (suburbs of the Capital City of Port-Louis) which proudly unfold in front of them a myriad of minarets, mosques, madrassahs amidst promiscuous blocks of colorful houses and shops suggesting a vivid testimony of their débrouillardise and their savoir-faire that never fail to squat the fascination of all passers-by. The integration of the ICC complex with its surroundings serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity for the preservation of cultural heritage in the midst of mankind’s relentless pursuit of material development and progress.
The Structure
The building is made up of a ground floor plus 3 floors and a multi-purpose hall with 2 mezzanines of a total capacity of 1200 persons. On the ground floor are a foyer, reception, offices, Board Room, Multi-purpose Hall and other facilities.
The first floor consists of 6 lecture/classrooms, 1 computer room and other facilities.
The second floor is the administrative section with 6 offices and facilities.
The third floor gives access to a spacious and high sophisticated library.