Al Khan Mosque

American University of Sharjah, College of Architecture, art and Design, Sharjah

Project idea

The objective behind this project is to provide a prayer space for the residents in Al Khan Sharjah. A beautiful site located right opposite the Al Khan Lagoon has magnificent views towards a water body as well the glittering city in the distance. The project requirement was a a fully equipped mosque for the residents of the area. One important thing to realize when designing a mosque is that mosques should look recognizable in order for it to fulfill it›s function. The concept of this project revolves around this very idea. Formally inspired by the Tasbeeh, Islamic prayer beads, which represents connected prayers, this project takes the form of interconnected dome structures. This approach gives various interstitial spaces which are rich in spatial quality.

Project description

The concept of this mosque is celebrating ablution, which is a very important water based ritual performed by muslims before each prayer. According to Quran, there are 4 rivers in Jannah. Therefore a mosque being a manifestation of heaven and its spirituality, my project incorporates 4 major water bodies. The formal representation of this concept is inspired by the tasbih, or the prayer beads which are used to repeat a certain islamic prayer. The intersection of the domes are significant just the way the beads are held to-gether by a thread. As shown in the parti masterplan, the Sahn acts as a central connecting space between the different functions accomodated in the mosque.

Technical information

Steel mesh structure is the primary structure. To achieve a finish, double curve gypsum panels will be used. Cavity insulation is held between the steel mesh structures. Horizontal steel rings will be used to hold the cladding panels.