A design`for the controversial Ground Zero mosque in Manhattan is being compared to the "Fortress of Solitude," Superman's futuristic crystalline headquarters of comic book and movie fame. Some of the shapes in the 16-story white honeycomb highrise also appear to resemble the Jewish star of David, but the hexagram is used in Islam in the Seal of Solomon as well, notes the Telegraph. "We want to have a marriage between Islamic architecture and New York City," said developer Sharif el-Gamal. "We want to do something that is green and cool."
Schematics of the proposed building have been posted on the Islamic project's website. Four floors of the proposed Islamic center would be occupied by a fitness and swimming center, while the Muslim prayer center would be on two levels in the basement. The building would also include space for a restaurant, cooking school, auditorium, art studios, exhibition space, and a child care center. Groundbreaking is two to three years away—"hopefully sooner," said el-Gamal. |