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The Jewish architect who designed Cambridge’s massive new £17 million mosque as well as the London Eye has died.

David Marks, 64, lost his battle with cancer last week (October 6).

He, along with Julia Barfield who formed Marks Barfield Architects, were the inventors and designers of the London Eye, and are the architects of the stunning new eco-mosque which is due to open in Cambridge next year.

The massive project is already well underway in Mill Road, with two large structures standing that already give a glimpse of the scale of the project.

(Image: Cambridge Mosque Project)

Mr Marks was passionate about the potential of architecture to improve people’s lives and also designed the British Airways i360 observation tower on the seafront at Brighton, and the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens, west London.

The mosque - the design for which was developed from the concept of a calm 'oasis' with about 20 new cypress trees creating a permeable green edge around the building - is due to be completed in November 2018.

Born in Stockholm, Mr Marks grew up in Geneva before moving to London.



He received an MBE in 2000 after the completion of the London Eye and was also honoured with a special commendation for outstanding achievement in design by the Prince Philip Designers Prize.

Marks Barfield Architects also designed the University of Cambridge Primary School in Eddington as well as museums, art galleries and housing.

The Cambridge mosque he designed will hold a congregation of up to 1,000 men and women and will have a café, teaching area and meeting rooms for use by the whole community.

It will also feature a golden dome.

Tours of the mosque are taking place on Saturday, October 14, but are all fully booked.

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