The centerpiece of this 86,000 sq.ft. facility is undoubtedly the prayer hall, whose crystalline glass roof establishes the Qibla axis and creates exceptionally unique and ever-changing interior lighting conditions. During the day, as sunlight is filtered and diffused through the translucent glass, the serene prayer hall inspires users to physically and spiritually connect with both the sky above and the ground below. At night, the glass roof glows like a beacon in the dark sky, rising elegantly above the surrounding landscape. The first of its kind in North America, the unique roof of the prayer hall is constructed of complex structural steel trusses of various depths and dimensions, which are covered by a double layer of glass. The glass rises in the shape of an inverted cone and is pieced together to form a translucent fractal skin. The ethereal quality of the prayer hall is further reinforced by a sophisticated heating, cooling and ventilation system that operates in near complete silence, allowing for purely uninterrupted prayer and contemplation. The interior acoustics support a variety of uses, ranging from quiet mediation to communal prayer services. The plush carpet and slatted wooden perimeter wall further absorb sound and reduce echo. The community and social spaces of the building occupy the west side of the building. The Social Hall houses the Centre’s more public and secular functions. Its large, slanted glass skylight allows natural light to flood the interior space and create a bright and ceremonial quality that is both dignified and welcoming. Additional community spaces within the building include a library, classrooms, offices, meeting rooms and a large roof terrace that overlooks the gardens, the adjacent museum and city beyond.