Ground Zero Mosque Developers On Why Stars of David Seem To Feature In Ground Zero Mosque Architecture: Hexagram Is Part of Islamic Symbology

Who knew?

I don't know about you, but I don't remember ever seeing the Hexagram used in Islamic symbology.

From the Daily Mail:

It's the building that has divided New York and forced a national debate on what it means to be American.

Now these artist's sketches show the first glimpse both inside and out the proposed Ground Zero mosque - and you may be surprised at what is planned.

The futuristic-looking building is wrapped in a honeycomb of abstract shapes - symbols that have already forced the centre's developers to issue a clarification, after observers pointed out that many of the shapes appear to resemble the Jewish symbol of the Star of David.

Day and night: The building's futuristic honeycomb exterior would feature traditional Islamic themes - including the hexagram, which also features as a symbol of Jewish identity

Past and future: Developers have taken traditional Islamic arabesque design and added contemporary and abstract elements, creating a unique and arresting environment

The developers took to their Twitter account to clarify that the hexagram is a powerful symbol in Islam and Christianity as well as Judaism. 

'Intrafaith engagement is also in the works for when programming ramps up in 2011,' the developers added on the Park51 Twitter account last night.

The renderings are preliminary, but they project the development team's desire to build something cosmopolitan and fun on a site now known only for controversy.

'I don't think that once this thing gets built, anyone will be picketing,' said Sharif El Gamal, the project's developer.

SYMBOL OF RELIGIONS AROUND THE WORLD: USES OF THE HEXAGRAM

It is instantly recognisable as the symbol of Jewish identity, the Star of David.

But the six-pointed hexagram is also a powerful symbol in many other world religions - especially Islam and Christianity.

In Islam, it is also known as the Star of David - or as the Seal of Solomon.

Multi-faith symbol: A traditional Star of David is seen on the wall of a Jewish house

Solomon and David were both prophets and kings, and as such are revered by the Muslim faith, according to the Koran. 

The hexagram can be found today in many mosques and Islamic artifacts around the world.

It also features in Christianity, where it is often known as the star of creation. A Star of David can be seen in the ceiling of the Washington National Cathedral. 

The symbol is used in many other, smaller religions.

Mormons use it in architecture to declare their affinity with Israel.

Rastafarians use a black Star of David for a similar purpose - to identify peoples of Africa with the tribe of Israel. 

The symbol is also used in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. 

Where the symbol first appeared is unclear. Some scholars believe it is such a simple geometric shape that it may have been created by various different peoples with no connection to one another.

One unsubstantiated theory claims it is two of the three letters that spell 'David' in the Biblical Hebrew alphabet.

But another theory claims the symbol actually has its roots in Hinduism.

The star has been found on South Indian Hindu temples built thousands of years ago.

It symbolises the 'nara-narayana', or perfect meditative balance between man and God - a state that, if maintained, can result in nirvana.

Groundbreaking for construction is probably two to three years away, 'or hopefully sooner,' El Gamal added.

The largest part of the building - four of 16 floors - would be taken up by a sports, fitness and swimming centre.

Another full floor would be occupied by a child care centre and playground.

Much of the rest of the building would be occupied by a restaurant, culinary school, artist studios, exhibition space and an auditorium for cultural events.

El Gamal said the idea was to build a facility that will attract neighbourhood residents looking for a place to work out, as well as suburban Muslim couples spending 'date night' in the city.

The building's prayer space for Muslims - the part of the centre that has caused critics to brand it the 'Ground Zero mosque' - would be located on two levels in the basement.

The 12th floor would hold a 9/11 memorial and sanctuary open to people of all faiths.

As for the look of the place, it could fit in fine as an annex to Superman's Fortress of Solitude, with white walls and floors and a crystalline feel.

Renderings by Soma Architects show a building exterior that takes a traditional element of Islamic architecture - an arabesque pattern - and weaves it into a geometric mash-up that extends into the interior.

'We want to have a marriage between Islamic architecture and New York City. We want to do something that is green and cool,' El Gamal said.

Actual working plans for the centre are still some time away.