It was almost thirty years ago when the Australian Islamic Mission assigned Candalepas Associates the task of designing and building a mosque in southwest Sydney, the Punchbowl Mosque. 

The building, now completed, is just one of the magnificent projects designed by the studio of award-winning Australian architect Angelo Candalepas, and is the demonstration of a perfect and massive use of concrete and forms. 

What stands out when entering the Punchbowl Mosque is the fantastic play of light and shadow created by sunlight, which penetrates through a huge skylight, and bounces off the surfaces. It is fascinating to note that this dark light effect is not due to the use of different colours or materials, but simply to the 99 mini domes that have been created in the concrete itself. 

The shape of the dome was taken up again because it has always been part of traditional Islamic architecture, which is why the 99 names of Allah were inscribed within them. It is a magical place where the ancient culture of a population meets modern architectural techniques.