ICONIC MOSQUE

Competition Project | Dubai, UAE | Marin Architects

The design of the mosque is thoughtfully crafted to accommodate a congregation of 7,500 wor-shippers, featuring a dedicated praying terrace for women and separate entrances for both men and women. Additionally, an exterior area within the courtyard can serve as a prayer space for an additional 2,000 individuals, eliminating the need for an open prayer area on the roof.

The architectural concept harmoniously blends a sense of serenity, sanctuary, and tranquility with contemporary elements, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. The cubical design of the building strategically interweaves positive and negative spaces, fostering an inviting atmosphere. Abundant indirect natural lighting streams through strategically placed skylights, enhancing the interior’s luminosity. The exterior, adorned with a natural stone façade crafted from marble, not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also infuses the space with an ethereal glow, evoking a heavenly ambiance for worshippers.

Given the geographical location, the design prioritizes energy efficiency and passive climate control to minimize environmental impact. To this end, the building incorporates ample shading to mitigate heat gain, while its high ceilings incorporate natural ventilation components. Water, revered in Islam for its life-giving, purifying, and sustaining qualities, plays a pivotal role in the design. Beyond its symbolic and aesthetic significance, water aids in naturally cooling the structure and serves as a buffer against external city noise. Notably, water flows through the marble screens of the mihrab, creating a sense of tranquility and unifying the interior and exterior spaces into a harmonious whole.

The design embraces the notion of sustainability by integrating environmentally responsible features such as rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems, aligning with the building’s holistic and eco-conscious ethos.