Component 2 by Jannat

COMPONENT 2

BRIEF AND SPECIFICATION

Islamic architecture has had a huge role in the history of architecture, going back to almost 1300 years ago. From the complicated tessellations, to beautiful large domes and tall minarets, Islamic architecture have created significant mark in architecture recognised worldwide. Many of these features are mostly seen in mosques, and although it being a captivating sight, it remains as a place for Muslims to come together and pray and worship either in congregation or alone. It is a place of peace and serenity, and it is a significant place for Muslims as well as being part of a Muslims everyday routine.

I want to be able to create a mosque where just by its aesthetics, people can feel tranquillity and peace; a place they can keep coming back to and almost become their second home. By focusing on colours, shapes and natural lighting, I hope to create a mosque that satisfies all the requirements needed for a mosque both physically and spiritually.

Furthermore, I would like to blend contemporary architecture with traditional architecture of mosques, this way I can design something that fits in with our current times and developed locations, as well as bring in some aspects of the more traditional, expected Islamic architecture that comes into our minds when thinking of it.

For the theme, I would like to follow a geometric theme for the actual shape of the building as it can go hand in hand with the Islamic art we already see as well as tessellation and using repeated patterns.

SPECIFICATION:

• Outdoor walking space

• Theme of geometric and repeated patterns

• Small pond/fountain

• Plants and trees for some greenspace

• More than one entrance

• Washroom

• Ways to let natural light in

• Contemporary and traditional design

LOCATION

For my location, I have picked this space in canary wharf, that right by the river and next to a promenade. This site is surrounded by modern, block looking, tall buildings and I think it'd be great to place a mosque here to add in some diversity with the architecture near this site, but not having it stand out too much. I can do this by using minimal colour and having a minimalistic design concept

STATIONS

CANARY WHARF PROMENADE

The 3D CAD version of my site allows me to interpret my site in greater detail and also lets me figure out dimensions be

JUBILEE PARK

UBER BOAT

These are some facilities around the site, and it is a positive that the stations are not far off because it makes it more accessible. There is also a uber boat, which gives another form of transportation. Furthermore, there is a promenade and park very nearby, and it makes the site an appealing site as it has a diversity of functions around it.

Walking paths

As I am designing a mosque, it is important to consider the direction of prayer, and Muslims pray towards Makkah, which is where the Kaaba is. From where the UK is located, from using a world map, I can see that Makkah is towards the southeast, which is the direction Muslims do pray.

Here I have made three different solutions on how the structure can be placed. The structure itself doesn’t have to necessarily face the direction itself, as arrangements are made within the mosque

Building directly placed so it faces Makkah

Building follows the shape of the site, and then internal arrangements can be made to face Makkah

Having something surround the building, and again arrange the direction of prayer from within.

Red lines and arrow show the direction of prayer

MOSQUE MOODBOARD

MOSQUES ARCHITECTURE

Here I wanted to explore the main features that can be seen in a mosque, and a lot of the times it is domes, minarets and arches. I have drawn a few variations of each to explore different styles and shapes that I can use for my final design.

These are some different styles of domes. Domes are can be commonly seen not only just mosques, but also churches and amore

Minarets come in all shapes and sizes, and a lot of the designs are based around a certain period of time. I have only drawn four, however it gives me the foundation of what a minaret can consist of.

There are a lot of different arches styles and these are a few which I like. I think arches can really pull the final outcome of a place, even though it is such a simple concept Designs around it and unique shapes give it its complexity

This drawing shows the different parts and layers a structure can have. This one has a dome that sits on top of an arch and I’ve showed this.

Jama Masjid, New Delhi

To begin with, I researched the Jama Masjid, which is a very traditional mosque, and it was built in 1656 It has very prominent features of a mosque: the domes, minarets and the arches, as well as Islamic patterns This is Mughal architecture which is a type of Indo-islamic architecture created by the Mughals as early as the 16th century. I think it is important to keep traditional parts in architecture because it allows to keep some sort of history in our modern times. Hence why I also wanted to include traditional features for my mosque, like the domes and minarets. Including those will really bring my design together and it'll be clear that it is a mosque.

These are three main features that I really liked and would like to include in my design in a similar way. I really like the design of the arches; they have a grand look to them, and it is a great detail to have.

I drew this to understand the overall spacing and layout a mosque can have. I like the idea of a courtyard, which can be seen in this mosque, and it is very large. This is a great way to allow lots of people in and socialise, while still being in the mosque territory

The dome and minaret have similar styles

These two are on the more complex side of the design, as it is for the overall mosque, however it has a very strong traditional, and historic atmosphere to it.

GEOMETRIC ARCHITECTURE MOODBOARD

Women prayer hall

I created a very basic layout with blocks from the image and editing I’ve done by putting the single shape in like jigsaw puzzles and simplified it when creating the model I then created a 3D Sketchup version to give it more depth and to help me visualize it as an actual building and layout.

I wanted to explore repeated patterns, so I took pictures of repeated patterns I saw in everyday life.

My first one was this shape, that has a reflected Z shape. Since I'm beginning with figuring out the layout of my building, that is what I explored here.

Mens's toilet

Here I have created a plan layout, and annotated what role each block and part could have.

Women’s toilet

Men prayer hall

I have also made a basic design to make it look like more like a mosque, with the domes and minarets, so that I can have a starting point to develop something. However, I wasn’t very fond of this design as it wouldn’t have fitted into my location very well.

Possible outcome PRIMARY RESEARCH: IDEA 1

COLOGNE CENTRAL MOSQUE

Located in Germany, this is a very astonishing and unique contemporary mosque. The mosque is constructed in a way that forms a group around a courtyard. All entrances to the mosque are situated on the higher level's yard, which serves as a meeting point for the complex. This yard provides access to the other functional areas of the mosque, including the library, classrooms, and administration offices The mosque is characterized by the praying hall, which consists of several shell-like walls. These walls converge in the centre to form a light-flooded dome, creating a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. The design of the praying hall reflects the mosque's traditional Islamic architecture, with a contemporary twist

There is a really grand feeling to this mosque. A feature I could take from this is the idea o having a lot of natural light, and making the space feel as open as possible

I really like the concept of having huge parts of the buildings as windows. These give a lot of natural light which is a great way to open up a space Since it is a mosque, it also gives the tranquillity aesthetic to it, and lets people enjoy a space much more.

Interior view of the ceiling

PRIMARY RESEARCH: IDEA 2

My second idea is from these repeated hexagon shapes that I have photographed. I liked the idea of using hexagons to create a layout for my building

I’ve drawn out the shapes and turned them into a threedimensional shape and drew out a possible outcome for the exterior of my building. I have created hexagon pieces out of card and put them together.

I then created this outcome on Sketchup and added shadows to get a more realistic view and idea for this design.

This is a rough sketch of what could be created with these shapes I think this works well as it allows me to use all the features I wanted to include for my mosque. I have added some details from my previous research, like the very open glass that covers parts of the building I want to make sure I can get some sort of natural light in for my final design.

Putting the SketchUp model in plan view, I then placed this onto my location to see how it fits into the site. It works well with my site, and it also leaves some space around it, making it not feel too crowded.

ELEVATION

I've made a simple Sketchup model of this to see how the shapes will and can connect, and to also see how it will look like when fit into the site location

This is another variation of using the hexagons and creating a different layout for my design. This is a bit more linear, and all of the shapes connect to each other in one single level

In this elevation, I have added some features of a mosque to visualise how this design will look like if I were to use it as a final.

Through the drawings, I have annotated possible functions of the mosque, and roughly mad notes on how the rooms will connect and how it'll partition I also drew a plan and labelled what each section could possibly be.

In this Sketchup design you can see the interior lines of the shapes, and it shows the two hexagon that intersect. I've decided to put them together so that it creates a larger space.

IDEA 3

SANHUAN KINDERGARTEN

The new kindergarten in Yang Zhong is situated in the northern part of the city, which is on an island in the Yangtze River. Typically, public education facilities are built in these areas before real estate developments take place in the surrounding urbanized areas. The kindergarten's design is centred around three courtyards, each with the same plan shape but different floor numbers. This creates a cascading and overlapping massing form that is visually interesting

The classrooms are located on the top floor of each courtyard to take advantage of natural light and ventilation. Placing the classrooms on the top floor is a smart design decision because it provides unobstructed views of the surroundings and minimizes noise and distractions from street-level activities. Furthermore, natural light and ventilation have been shown to positively impact student learning and wellbeing.

This design uses stacked architecture and geometric architecture and fused it into. I like how the levels of each block represents something different, in this case different grade, and how it all flows together as well. The courtyards that connect is a great way to allow children to not just be stuck in one place and allows them to move around freely It is also a great concept in the way that they also have their own courtyards, which makes it easier to keep them grouped when it is necessary to do so. I thin this is a creative concept and I would like to include the hexagon shape as the main structure of my design.

stacked ELEVATION

HEX-SYS

The HEX-SYS is composed of hexagonal cells that incorporate architectural, structural, and mechanical systems within the same geometrical rules. These hexagonal cells are available in three types: indoor-open, indoor-closed, and outdoor-open. Each cell is designed to accommodate different functional needs and can be combined in various configurations to create a building that is tailored to the specific requirements of the project.

OPEN Architecture has designed HEX-SYS, a versatile building system that is both reusable and reconfigurable The modular system is capable of adapting to various functions and can be disassembled and reused, thereby extending a building's life cycle

The roof goes inwards because of the interior shapes, which creates more dimension and makes the structure more interesting

Inverted umbrella roof structure

Some part of this hexagon structure is meant for outdoors, hence there are just bars filling it u. some also have glass roofs and overall this is a multifunctional space and it is a very open space

The indoor-open cells are designed to provide an open and airy space, while the indoor-closed cells offer more privacy and can be used for enclosed rooms such as offices or bedrooms. The outdooropen cells are designed for outdoor spaces such as balconies or terraces and can be used to create a more open and connected feeling between the interior and exterior of the building

Mosque of Mohamed

Abdulkhaliq Gargash

Natural light is used as a tool to enhance a feeling of spirituality, the connection between the earthly and the divine, and to mark the worshipper’s journey through the building. Scale also plays a role in creating this sense of sacredness. Dabbagh Architects sought to avoid multiple blocks, simplifying the traditional typology of the Islamic form and stripping it away to its essence The use of pattern and materiality in this project enhances the user’s experience as they journey from the outside into the courtyard and enter the building. Throughout the building is a triangular pattern, a reference to traditional Islamic geometry but reinterpreted in a deconstructed contemporarylanguage

There is a section of the mosque where it has a wooden roof with a shapes that are hollow. This also allows the natural light to pass through, and gives a serene atmosphere to the place. It also includes a small pond, which I think is a great addition to the space

Elevations of the mosque I like the simplicity of this mosque, and how they somewhat modernised Islamic art and architecture. It still has the traditional features, but done in a more contemporary way

The larger triangles on the buildings are hollow and are glass. Allows a lot of natural light in

I have also created this very quickly on SketchUp This allowed me to visualise the design and to see how everything fit together much more clearly Although I do think this solution works, I find it to be quite boring.

LINEAR SHAPES

To further explore model making, I used scrap pieces of wood to create a random shape, which then I outlined to create a possible solution. I have also added in features of a mosque to further finalise it

Diamond shape

For this research I have looked into patterns I could find on a prayer amt. this is a direct link to my design and so thought it would’ve have a good connection to take some parts of the patterns found, and using it for my building design in some way. Has a continuous, linear structure

I created two outcomes for this design idea The layout of the main buildings is the same however the structures surrounding it are slightly different. The first idea is individual structures with arch like openings on all four sides. I have placed these onto the side that faces the river, so if anyone was to stand to see the view, they can do so comfortably as there will be shade, It is also useful because if it were to rain, people standing outside would have shelter. Having them singular, spaced out and on one side only, disregards it feeling too cramped.

The red for both distinguishes where the mosque and structures are

Follows circular path

Sketchup version to visualise how it could look like if it were my final design

This design was inspire by a research, which is this circular, oval structure that has arches to lead into the main building. This surrounds the building completely. I have added some hollow diamond like shapes at the top, so that a lot of light can come through, otherwise it could end up feeling quite closed up.

PRIMARY RESEARCH: IDEA 5

MOSQUE OF REFLECTION

The Mosque of Reflection, located in Dubai, presents a fresh perspective on the role of a mosque in the city. Instead of being solely a place of worship, it also aims to foster community engagement and social interactions. The mosque design draws inspiration from the traditional Arabian mosque style, which emphasizes communal elements The design of the Mosque of Reflection encourages the use of the space for community activities, in addition to its primary function as a place of worship This approach aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes social interaction and cultural exchange. The mosque's spaces are arranged in a way that encourages community use and interaction, while still maintaining the sacredness of the space for worship.

Plan view

From this design, I would like to take the round arches structure that surrounds the building. I really like the concept of it and want to design something similar to it

Elevation of part of the mosque, this mosque was already an existing building and the circular arches were added on later.

As part of the refurbishment, a significant addition to the mosque is the riwaq, or colonnaded arcade. Unlike the traditional mosque typology, the riwaq is circular in form, gently wrapping around the mosque The riwaq is made up of a series of wide arches that invite people and worshippers from all directions. The arches are covered with white perforated metal that features small circular voids, allowing natural light to filter into the depths of the space.

DEVELOPING DESIGN THROUGH RESEARCH

I wanted to have some sort of structure that either surrounded or was in front and back of the mosque I wanted to find a way to include arches into my design, and hence went with this design. This is a very simple and easy design, however when put together, it has a great outcome and look to it.

Front elevation drawing of the arch

I started by drawing a simple arch, and decided to overlap them, so it creates arches all the way round. I made a simple card model by making slits and overlappin g them and was pleased with the outcome.

I then created this model on SketchUp and gave it shadows to see how it would look realistically and how it sat on a surface

Since this is going to go onto my final design, I made this into a 3D model, and I used black MDF. used 2D design and had the front elevation view of the arch Then I created slits on the top and bottom so that I could insert them to create the final outcome. I made a few of these pieces as the go at the front and back of the mosque, which will be shown later on.

This is what it looks like once it has been completely put together. It creates a beautiful arch, which are on all four sides.

overlapping

DEVELOPING FINAL SOLUTION

Sections of the building

To finalise the exterior of my mosque, I combine d my third and fifth idea. I used the fifth idea to make a linear structure but instead of having a diamond shape for the building, I have used the hexagons, hence using the third idea. I decided to go for a simpler linear structure to give it a sense of tranquillity and open space, as mosques are places of worship, those two qualities go hand in hand and are necessary for my design, I want to have a calm atmosphere, especially because it is right next to a place where a lot is always going on, and everything's really quick paced, hence this place can be a break from all of it.

These are my sketches for the finalised layout of the building. I am content with this idea because it doesn’t take up too much space as it is linear, and there isn’t a lot going on, which is what I wanted to achieve with this design.

Sketchup versions Allows me to see how the parts are connected

Plan view

ISLAMIC PATTERNS MOODBOARD

USING ISLAMIC PATTERNS

Islamic patterns can be quite complicated, and require a lot of geometry when hand drawing, hence I straight went onto SketchUp to create the patterns. These patterns are a repetition of a basic hexagon in the middle with 6 kite shapes surrounding it. Then by repeating this pattern on a shape until it filled up, I connected the end lines that met the next pattern and it became a whole, singular pattern that was all connected I also used this pattern for another design. I filled in this arch with the patterns, and fitted it into the shape so that the exterior of the building didn’t look too plain.

Closer version of the pattern, the hexagon I the middle is glass, which is done all throughout the pattern. This allows natural light to come in, like little specs which will also have an aesthetic look from the interior.

Here is the full patterned wall, which I have used on five sides of one of the hexagons. Each part has the smaller hexagons within the pattern made into glass so the light is from all directions.

This is the basic concept of the pattern, and the shapes.

DETAILS

Here I am showing the details of my mosque. These are the Sketchup versions, and the physical 3D version of each one, which then I have used to create my final model later on

I used a long piece of a cylinder wood stick and one end was sharpened to achieve the pointy look of the minaret. I then spray painted it in white so that it resembled my Sketchup version. I have also inserted two rings to make it more accurate to the Sketchup design, and they were also spray painted white m

The dome I have 3D printed. This gave it a neater look and it picked on the details really well.

The Islamic patterns were the most complicated feature for this design. To achieve this, this pattern was scored onto clear acrylic, which was done using 2D design. I am satisfied with the outcome and it shows the details very well.

To follow through my theme of tessellation and repeated patterns, I created this open roof and used hexagons to make my patterns. These have holes in the middle, which lets natural light come through I put this design on 2D design and made the smaller hexagons hollow, so that the laser cut would cut them. I first laser cut a base and then individual strips to place on top so that it had more dimension and texture to it.

DEVELOPING FINAL SKETCHES

Here I have done sketches of what the final outcome going to look like These are the elevations for all sides of the design.

I’ve decided to not go for a full circular shaped dome, and instead have an eight sided base shape. This is so that it can fit into my geometric theme.

Through these sketches, I can visualise the final outcome of the design, which then I have made on Sketchup

I have labelled the facilities of each part for this building.

This is the finalised arch, which is from previously in the project.

Here is a perspective drawing of the final design. This is the layout I would like to keep and have finalised

There are also a more in depth sketches in the next slide that show the full design

Sketches

FITTING ONTO SITE

Here I was seeing how the design fit into my site. The top one is a in progress model, and the bottom is the completed version. I made the site into a solid colour because it was hard to imagine it when it had the extra bits on the map. From this I can see that the building and the arches fit just fine, and it also leaves some extra space. This allows it to not feel too cramped

FINAL LAYOUT AND CONCEPT OF MOSQUE AND SITE AREA

FINAL DESIGN ELEVATIONS

A linear design using a common geometric shape, the hexagon as the shape of the exterior of the mosque. It consists of three main parts, the prayers halls, the entrance/prayer hall and the bathroom/ for men and women. It has distinctive features of a mosque the dome and minarets that stand tall as well as the arches which have ben altered slightly. However there are more traditional arches which outline the ceiling to floor windows.