DESIGN NAME: Friday Mosque, UAE
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Religious, educational and social facility
INSPIRATION: Inspired by Islamic infinite patterns of the 12th century, craftsmanship and atmosphere it creates both an indigenous and sensuous architectural impression.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: `Enclosed space, defined by walls, arcades and moulds is the most important element of Islamic architecture`(Y. Zaki)
The proposed building describes a new philosophy for religious worship, based on traditional elements. Open to all cardinal directions, the building and its internal arrangement of spaces aim to welcome and host people. It is configured as an all day municipal institution for public, religious, educational and social facilities. The chosen radial liturgy adopts the equipoise of traditional Islamic architecture.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: IT-developments and mechanised methods allow a variety of new possibilities for on site construction. Transportable robots are used to treat the surface, generate specific openings and diaphanous rammed earth walls - light is an inspiring instrument to generate sacral atmosphere.
Using traditional cooling (chimneys) and isolation techniques the building adapts perfectly to local condition and has an excellent eco-balance. Thick walls ensure a well-balanced insulation and a natural regulation of the internal humidity.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Organized by the Traffic Design Gallery, in Dubai, the project started in Nov 2009. The proposal was one of ten concepts, chosen for the final stage. Ranked 2nd, ceremony and exhibition were in the end of 2010.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Architecture, Building and Structure Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Low Cost/ High Tec
Although seminal technologies are used, the building is based on historical elements of sacral and vernacular architecture. Rammed Earth is used for all vertical construction. This low cost material consists of a mix of gravel and clay and is available directly on site. Being surrounded by earth a natural, balanced atmosphere is generated. All horizontal components are built time efficient in precast concrete, which is an often-used construction material in the UAE.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The overall diameter of the building is 55m with a height of 12m. The central main prayer hall has 600 m2 in total.
TAGS: Eco architecture, Regional tradition, Sustainability, Adaption
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: In a surrounding where globalisation and foreign star architects influence the appearance of a whole region, it was our aim to develop an architectural expression out of traditional elements. For us, it was crucial to analyse both, theoretical and practical customs. Our research was based on historical literature and a network of specialists in several countries.
CHALLENGE: Creativity is needed to transform traditional fragments into forward-looking architecture. The real innovation is to rely on history.
ADDED DATE: 2011-11-24 08:08:47
TEAM MEMBERS (4) : Florian Berner, Weyell Berner Architekten, CH, Miriam Weyell, Weyell Berner Architekten, CH, Martin Rauch, Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst, A and Thomas Honermann, Lehm ton Erde Baukunst, A
IMAGE CREDITS: Florian Berner, 2011.
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