JOURNEY OF PERCEPTION - CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES AT PANADURA, SRILANKA

Project idea

The intention of the project is to design a building to provoke true Islamic expression which will be familiar to the multi ethnicity by criticizing the traditional Islamic subjugation forms in the present contemporary world.

This will be a landmark and representative design for Muslim community of Panadura while educate and entertain both Muslims and non-Muslims to learn about Islam and Muslim culture through a ‘Journey of perception’.

Project description

Journey of Perception

At the beginning of religions there were no followers. So, every religion is not originally made for its followers, but for human beings. It originally comes in an acceptable and welcoming manner. But, with the evolution and rise of a religion, it is built into a closed group and always tries to stand out from the others, as a result of identity politics. Religious architecture also has been projecting this phenomenon.

Hence, this is an attempt to drive religious architecture to harmonize with its original roots. The project suggests a typology for an Islamic Centre, which is an architectural expression of the holistic philosophy of Islam. So, the question is,

ARE THESE BUILDINGS, BUILT FOR MUSLIMS BY MUSLIMS?

ARE THESE SUBJUGATION FORMS NECESSARY IN THE PRESENT CONTEMPORARY WORLD?

SO, WHAT MAKES ISLAMIC BUILDINGS?

Not its form, But its intention and expression. So, the idea is to create a familiar architectural language which helps the visitors to explore themselves the spaces with curiosity.
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By exposing the people to a series of spiritual spaces where it will ignite the feelings in non-Muslims that arise their perception on Muslim culture and Islam in reality. The more their perception changes and allows them to see and understand it even further. This design explores the ways of seeing and thinking, that define that specific intention of that building. Usually, Sri Lankan people wouldn’t visit mosques as much as their own religious buildings unless they are being invited and guided by the specific ethnic group.

This project challenges blind replication of Islamic architectural language around Sri Lanka. The exhibits aren’t objects but the people of Islam who kept the Islamic expression in themselves which turns them in to a part of the building while engaging actively.

Technical information

The walls are made up of smooth concrete. Despite concrete being a heavy and solid material, these walls which are massive as well as unadorned create a sense of weightlessness.

The concrete used is vibrant, which is impressive as concrete is known to be raw and aggressive material. The low gloss coating is provided to this concrete creating a radiant, airy effect, which when connected to the blue sky eliminates the disturbance creating a state of pure Zen.