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PROJECT

Virtual Assembly 2022-24

Old Kent Road Mosque, London


Virtual Assembly is an interactive digital model of Old Kent Road Mosque and MANUK (Muslim Association of Nigeria UK) due to the demolition and redevelopment of their mosque on Old Kent Road in Southwark. In the early 1960s, a transient community of Nigerians came to London to study. Initially staying only for short periods, it wasn’t until the 1980s that a more permanent community began to form, giving rise to the Muslim Association of Nigeria UK (MAN UK). A further ten years passed before MAN UK acquired their first place of worship, the Old Kent Road Mosque. In 2018, approval was granted for a six-storey mosque to be built on the site, as both an act of devotion and a practical response to a growing community. Prior to the demolition, a LiDAR scan of the entire building was made which served as the foundation for an interactive model to house a collection of stories and personal accounts from mosque members. Made in collaboration with the congregation this interactive model offers innovative ways to engage with the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of London’s oldest Nigerian community during a significant phase of their evolutionary journey. 



In March 2023, members of the congregation were invited to Ambika P3 gallery to provide feedback on a series of architectural models as part of Virtual Assembly. These prototypes were brought to life through large-scale projections, offering an interactive experience. The exhibition opening attracted over 60 members of the congregation who eagerly explored the interactive models and provided valuable feedback and responses to the work. As one congregation member commented:

“My son has never had the experience of walking into this mosque. It’s heart-breaking from a certain perspective but this artwork will keep it alive for years and years and years to come. So, they can see where we came from and what we experienced and hopefully we can build on those strong memories and bonds for our kids and the future mosque”.

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Funded by UKRI and made in collaboration with MANUK (Muslim Association of Nigeria UK), The Fabrication Lab University of Westminster and Untold Garden.


EXHIBITION

Virtual Assembly 2023
Ambika P3 Gallery, London

Virtual Assembly opened to the public in Ambika P3, showcasing a series of immersive architectural models depicting the former Old Kent Road Mosque in Southwark. Alongside the exhibition, the opening event was accompanied by an artist talk and a panel discussion with members of Old Kent Road Mosque congregation chaired by architect Shahed Saleem.


EXHIBITION

Faith Place and Migration 2024 Staffordshire Street Gallery, London


This multi-media installation introduces the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of London's oldest Nigerian community, the Old Kent Road Mosque. Through this exhibition, the curators question the nature of a community archive and explore how the narratives of community members are embedded in and told through the architecture of their sacred spaces.