Redefining the visual identity of a historic monument
The Grande Mosquée de Paris, an iconic institution blending spirituality, history, and culture, was the focus of a project to redesign its visual identity. The goal was to modernize its image while preserving the essence of its rich heritage. The vision adopted led to the creation of a contemporary and timeless identity that reflects the grandeur and cultural richness of this unique landmark.
A dialogue between tradition and values
The logo of the Grande Mosquée de Paris is a blend of symbols that represent the cultural and spiritual richness of Islam while grounding itself in French republican principles. Each component has been carefully designed to convey a strong message:
Coufique calligraphy: At the heart of the logo are the Arabic initials "مسجد باريس الكبير" (Masjid Paris Al-Kabir). The coufique calligraphy, with its clean geometric lines, brings a modern touch while remaining deeply rooted in Islamic tradition. This structure evokes the grandeur and spirituality of the mosque.
The stylized minaret: The graphic composition gives life to a minaret, a central architectural symbol of mosques. This choice reflects the minaret’s importance as a spiritual and visual landmark, representing the call to prayer.
The crescent and star: At the top of the minaret, the crescent and star hold a key symbolic role. These universal elements of Islam embody light, guidance, and universality, adding a spiritual dimension to the composition.
The three horizontal bars: The base of the logo is supported by three parallel bars, symbolizing the values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. These lines establish a strong visual connection between the mosque and French republican principles, while also evoking a solid and stable foundation.
An Inspiration rooted in architecture
The key visual element of the graphic identity originates from the very structure of the Grande Mosquée de Paris: the grand prayer hall. This hall, with its distinctive geometric shape and harmonious proportions, serves as the spiritual and architectural heart of the mosque.
From the prayer hall to a rich graphic universe
The distinctive silhouette of the prayer hall has been stylized and reinterpreted to become a universal graphic symbol. Building on this foundation, a series of geometric patterns has been developed, reflecting the richness of Islamic art while infusing it with a timeless modernity.
Geometric harmony: The shapes inspired by this design are used to create patterns that adorn visual supports such as printed materials, signage, and the mosque's website.
Visual cohesion: The repeated use of this structure strengthens the overall visual identity while paying tribute to the architecture of the mosque.
A bridge between tradition and modernity: These patterns, though contemporary in their execution, evoke the centuries-old traditions of Islamic art and architecture.
