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Projects
Mosque
United Arab Emirates
ibda design
2016
Al Warqaa Mosque / ibda design

Al Warqaa Mosque / ibda design

22:00 - 18 May, 2016

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Al Warqaa Mosque / ibda design
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 Sadao Hotta

+19

Architects

ibda design

Location

Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Architect in Charge

Wael Al Awar, Kenichi Teramoto

Area

1400.0 sqm

Project Year

2016

Photographs

Sadao Hotta
More Specs
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 Sadao
Hotta

From the architect. Designed with the intention of capturing the historical
premise of a mosque as a communal space for worship, Al Warqaa Mosque
is a structure that also functions as a gathering place for the community.
With the proliferation of the iconic Turkish Central Dome mosque typology in
the UAE, the architects sought to return to a simpler design that is less
focused on the mosque as an icon, and more as a social space. Al Warqaa
Mosque echoes the spatial simplicity of Prophet Muhammads 7th-century
house in Medina, which is considered the first mosque in history. In what
came to be known as the Arab Hypostyle typology, the original mosque
structure was distinguished by an open courtyard surrounded by rooms
supported by columns. The design approach behind this layout was
influenced by an understanding of the mosque as a multifunctional space for
the community to congregate and socialize in after prayer; in this way it is
seen as an extension of its immediate environment.
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 Sadao Hotta
Ibdas integration of this concept in Al Warqaa Mosque can be seen in the
seamless transition into the space from the outside; with no boundary wall
defining the premises of the mosque, worshippers can enter the mosque
from three different sides of the riwaq (hallway) surrounding the prayer hall.
This increased accessibility creates an oasis-like effect that emphasizes the
notion of the mosque as a communal space. Defining access into
the haram (holy space)through the sahn (courtyard) is designed to create a
spatial shift that gradually takes worshippers from the busy street
environment to the serene space of worship through a series of playful and
inviting arches. The sahn also serves the functional purpose of allowing more
space for people to pray during Friday prayers or other high traffic seasons
such as the holy month of Ramadan and the two Eids.

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Sadao Hotta
Upon entering the sahn, worshippers are met with a striking minaret
structure located at the corner of the courtyard. Designed as a white free
standing element that is adorned with patterns, the minaret becomes a
unique amalgamation of minimalist and traditional influences. Beyond
the sahn, the interior of the mosque is an intimate, yet brightly lit space that
is uninterrupted by columns - usually a facet of the larger mosques prevalent
in the region. Demarcated by a floating bridge that intersects the space, the
womens prayer hall is at once private and contained within the uniformity of
the haram. The sensitive treatment of the womens area is in contrast with
many such spaces in other mosques in which the womens prayer hall is

segregated to a large degree, typically relegated to the rear mezzanine level

or in closed rooms altogether. The bridge structure also insures that there is
no sound obstruction or delay during congregational prayer times
or khutbas (sermons).
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Floor Plan
Conceptually and spatially, the architects incorporated the theme of light
both as a physical component and a spiritual element in the design of the

mosque. An emphasis on natural light is created through a skylight that

wraps around the entire space, producing a diffused effect that gives the
interior an ethereal sense of brightness. Light also plays another role. It
serves to call attention to the movement of the sun as a catalyst in the
changing prayer times, the constant motion becoming a visual reflection of
their daily cycle. This concept of motion is additionally integrated into the
pattern design in the mosque. Based on an abstracted flower relief, an
alternating pattern of openings on one side of the floating bridge creates an
intricate play of light and shadow that further underlines the notion of
movement and change in prayer times.

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 Sadao Hotta
The materiality and design of the Al Warqaa Mosque reflects a mindfulness
to the locality of the structure. Using Saudi Sandstone for the external
faade, the mosque becomes an extension of the desert environment it is
located in. The sandy outer faade contrasted with the stark white interior of
the mosque reinforces the notion of the mosque as a sanctuary in the
neighborhood a type of retreat from the harsh elements of the material
world.

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 Sadao Hotta
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