One of the reasons for the move is the relocation of the Language Centre to the second floor. 'Simply put, there was no more room for quiet rooms there,' describes Marc Hulshof of Campus & Facility Management (CFM).
Another reason, student chaplain Jacco Zuurmond knows, was the ITC faculty’s move to the campus. 'They have a relatively large number of Muslim students. Those did no longer fit together in the small space. In addition, ladies and gentlemen had to share one ablution room. That caused some delay and unrest in the hallways.'
Earlier reports stated that a move to the Citadel was in the pipeline. According to Seif Elblalisy, spokesperson for the Enschede Muslim Student Association (EMSA), a consultation round showed that there was insufficient space to accommodate all the different groups. 'Another issue was that the building closed in the evening, while we also have to pray after closing time.'
That is why the solution — after a few structural changes — lies on the fifth floor of the Vrijhof.
Emergency solution
In the meantime, however, the mosque has to move before 27 January. Until that is ready, an emergency solution has been devised, in place per week 4. The small lecture rooms 501 and 507 temporarily serve as prayer rooms. The spaces in between, 503 and 505, are used as temporary storage.
Because Muslims have to wash themselves ritually before they are allowed to enter a prayer room, two washbasins (wudus) will be placed on the floor. The temporary wudu for ladies is added to the wheelchair accessible toilet, the men get a solution in room 587 across the corridor.
General meditation room
Although the Muslim community is the largest group of users, the new space is intended as a general meditation space. Hulshof confirms: 'In practice, we have Christian groups such as Navigators, ICIS, ICF and Ariëns in addition to EMSA, but the room should also be available for meditation and yoga sessions. Everyone is welcome for a moment of contemplation.'
Karate cries
Because the surrounding rooms are still used for lectures, but also by Twente Pathway College and the editors of U-Today, extra attention is paid to damping. According to Hulshof, the space will have acoustic walls. 'This not only dampens the sound both inside and outside, but also adds a warm and serene feeling to the room.'
According to Zuurmond, that was necessary, too. 'In our previous room, our moments of silence were sometimes disturbed by karate cries from an adjacent sports room.'
The lighting can also be adjusted to the nature of the congregation. Zuurmond is enthusiastic about the plans. 'As far as I know, it will be a beautiful, pleasant space. All stakeholders have been listened to carefully. It is furnished with a lot of respect for all faiths.'
In the final design, the washrooms have also been integrated into the new prayer room, without obstructing access. Elblalisy is happy with the way everything has been resolved. 'The preliminary artist impressions looked beautiful.'
Preliminary artist impression of the new wudus.
Enthusiasm underestimated
Zuurmond adds that enthusiasm for the room may have been somewhat underestimated, causing some practical problems. 'The users’ wishes exceeded the plans. It is a space for everyone, but Muslims must pray at fixed times. That can be a bit impracticable.' Hulshof agrees: 'Unfortunately, we don't have more space.'
Still, Elblalisy is satisfied. 'Of course we would have preferred our own solution, which is more convenient for everyone. But we really got the feeling that a workable solution for all stakeholders was sought and found in good consultation.'
Zuurmond does not think he is taking up a lot of space: 'Once a month, I organise a meditative Taizé celebration with silence and music. Sometimes I have one-on-one conversations there. In addition, for many people it is just nice to just sit there for a while without stimuli.'
Rounding off in the summer
Renovations for the final Contemplation Room at 583 will begin in February. The intention is to open the doors as per this summer. 'I don't expect any major changes, but we are still in the final phase in terms of discussing layout details. Because there are many parties involved, it all just takes a little longer,' says Hulshof.
