Musalla

Khushu’ is the word used to describe an act – to bow down, to express humility – but is also a condition of the heart as well as of the body. The architecture of the proposed musalla is humble and pragmatic. Both concepts that are inherently rooted in the principles of Islamic architecture and culture.

A prayer hall nestled between palm tree promenades sitting atop an existing water body bor rows its form from surrounding site lines. The inscription of two geometric figures mediates between the site boundaries and the qibla direction.

The juxtaposition of two inherently unrelated geometric forms engender moments of subtle complexity. The interstitial spaces created are used for services and support spaces such ablution areas, shoe racks and seating benches. A series of internal courtyards are strategically placed around the prayer hall to permit natural light and ventilation.

The exterior material palette is carefully curated to address scale and sensory references. Handmade tiles are used for wall cladding and curved claustra screens that are utilized to diffuse light while providing privacy.

The interior color and material palette reflects natural tones and textures. A combination of oak wood, padded woven “haseer”, and cane fabric partitions contribute to evoking a sense of humility and warmth while absorbing sound reverberation. The notion of ornament is replaced with materiality, light and pattern.

Team: Akshay Mmamunkar, Fathah Mohammed, Mohammed Ziyadh, Naurin Offoor, Rajab Mohammed, Rashid Bin Hameed.

Client: Nakheel Properties

Collaborators: Spectrum(3D Visualisation)

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