Generic Mosque
40 Drawings and models (2004)
Generic Mosque proposes a conceptual architectural grammar that can be adapted and changed for mosque designs, defining the mosque as a performative space, and moving away from stylistic parameters. While reinterpreting historical elements of a mosque, this project suggests ways to synthesize learning and interacting between Islamic and non-Islamic contexts, subcultures, and religious practices. The modular structure can aggregate into a hypostylistic mosque. The honeycomb-like floor plan can be infinitely expanded and adapted to any site. The overall system is derived from an Islamic geometric pattern. The roof, façade, and walls consist of hexagonal elements in three different sizes, depending on the spatial use. Each roof hexagon is supported by three steel columns forming an “umbrella.” The conical formation of the columns directed towards Mecca emphasizes the prayer direction. In this way, the entire space takes on the function of the mihrab. In profile, the columns shape the crystal-like formation of differently-sized patterns nested in each other. The roof-hexagons carry differently-colored light and shading elements, which can project patterns onto the floor. Prayer rugs are hung on the façade, which allows for varied use of the interior. By using the prayer rugs, worshippers transform the façade, thus creating different levels of transparency. The ritual act of placing the rug on the floor would stimulate sensors in the roof and affect its color constellation. In this way, the entire roof and façade becomes a reinterpretation of a minaret, here literally shaped as the “bundle of light.” The different visual barriers between male and female prayer spaces would be created through textiles. This allows for fluid spatial arrangements (be it parallel, behind one another, or even zigzag) depending on the community size and its gender arrangements.
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Thesis project for M. Arch degree at SOA Princeton University; Advisors: Jesse Reiser, Thomas Leisten
Concept and design: Azra Akšamija
Materials: 40 hexagonal posters on wooden frames, wire models
Dimensions: hexagons with 60 cm diameter; models variable
Production: David Rhöse (graphics, frames); Jason Anderson, William Hartzog, Mathew Haseltine, Ash Lettow, John Morrison, Beth Stryker, Mersiha Veledar, Michael Young, Leslie Witt (models, design, and conceptual contributions); Brian Melcher (video)
Also see: Azra Akšamija, Mosque Manifesto: Propositions for Spaces of Coexistence. Berlin: Revolver Publishing, 2015.