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MASJID NEGARA MALAYSIA
03/ INTRODUCTION 04/ FAST FACTS 06/ HISTORY & ARCHITECT 08/ ARCHITECTURAL STYLE 10/ 12/ 14/
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION BUILDING MATERIALS COMPONENTS/ELEMENTS
18/CONCLUSION, REFERENCE
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The National Mosque of Malaysia or better known as Masjid Negara, is one of the prominent and largest mosques in Southeast Asia located in Kuala Lumpur. It was built between 1963 and 27 August 1965, which took a duration of 3 years to be fully completed. It has a capacity that can fit up to 15,000 people. The uniqueness of the building design embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art, calligraphy and ornamentation. The national mosque also symbolizes the greatness of Islamic Majesty as the official religion in Malaysia. Photo Credits [Drew@lifewithoutexcuses.wordpress.com]
• The National Mosque of Malaysia • Built from 1963 to 1965 [ officially opened in 1965 ] • Took over the role of the main mosque of Kuala Lumpur from Masjid Jamek. • Originally built on a church site; The Venning Road Brethren Gospel Hall [ which had been there since 1922 before the Government of Malaysia allocated the site to build Masjid Negara ] • Located around several tourist sites such as the Old Railway Station, The Islamic Art Museum, Perdana Lake and Bird Park. [Figure 1.1]
Figure 1.1
• The grand prayer hall which is placed right under the umbrella shaped roof [Figure 1.4, 1.5] • Heroes’ Mausoleum/Makam Pahlawan which is a burial ground of several Malaysian politicians [Figure 1.6, 1.7] • Hall which can be used as a multipurpose hall • Library Figure 1.2 • Offices • Main feature of Masjid Negara is the 73m • Open Courtyard [Figure 1.8] tall minaret and a 18-pointed star concrete umbrella-shaped main roof [Figure 1.2]. • The area of Masjid Negara is 13 acres. • Able to accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers. • It cost RM10million to build the building. • There are 3 huge entrances and 1 special entrance for the Royal. Non-Muslim will be provided with a robe and a scarf (for female) upon entering the mosque. [Figure 1.3]
Figure 1.3
Figure 1.8
FAST FACTS ABOUT
MASJID NEGARA
Figure 1.4
Figure 1.5
Figure 1.6
Figure 1.7
There are a few buildings built during the British colonialism that has relations to the National Mosque. One of it is the Jamek Mosque [Figure 1.9]. It was served as Kuala Lumpur’s main mosque until Masjid Negara came into existence as a symbol of independence and the main religion of our country. Next, is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building [Figure 2.0], which is located in front of Merdeka Square. The design of the building was also inspired by mosques but in the Mughal style. Just across the street from the National Mosque is the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station [Figure 2.1]. The design was adopted from both the Eastern and Western architecture and that would explain why the design has some similarities with the National Mosque. After independence and the National Mosque had been built, one of the earliest skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, the Dayabumi Complex [Figure 2.2], was built very nearby the Mosque, also following its architectural style of the modern design and Islamic architecture.
Figure 1.9
Figure 2.0
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
The view of the Main Prayer Hall. Today, there is a fountain overlooking the structure and the bare concrete roof has been clad with blue tiles.
As we all know, Malaysia gained independence from the British Government on 31st August 1957. As the new government started to take over in ruling the country, major development programs in areas of economy, social and architecture were implemented in line thus portraying a new progressive culture and achieved democracy. On 30th July 1957, in the meeting of the Federal Executive Council, they had an idea to build a National Mosque that represents the symbol of the country’s independence but the idea was mooted. Therefore, on 5th March 1958, Chief Ministers of the eleven states in the Federation of Malaya gave a proposal to name the mosque as Masjid Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj to show some gratitude towards Yang Teramat Mulia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj that had been putting a lot of effort in guiding the country to independence. However, Tunku refused this honor and on the contrary he named it Masjid Negara in thanksgiving for the country’s peaceful independence without any bloodshed and problems. As for today, we can see that the National Mosque continues to stand sleek and stylish against the Kuala Lumpur skyline. There is an underground passage leading to the National Mosque located near the Railway Station, along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. Near the mosque compound, is the Heroes Mausoleum (Makam Pahlawan), a burial ground of several Malaysian politicians that have been struggling for the Malaysian Independence.
The multipurpose hall back in the 60’s.
The Minaret standing tall
HISTORY & THE ARCHITECT The main dome of the National Mosque is designed in the shape of an 18-point star to represent the 13 states of Malaysia and the five central Pillars of Islam, and has the appearance of a partly opened umbrella roof concept that symbolize the aspirations of an independent nation. Furthermore, the construction of the National Mosque symbolizes the spirit of unity and tolerance. National Mosque’s original structure was designed by the 3 team of Malays from the Federal Public Works Department, Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Abu Kassim, built by the Chinese and Indians and funded by the contribution of the Muslims, Christians, Buddhist and Hindus. Besides that, Baharuddin Abu Kassim, the main architect, studied about mosques in India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Republic and Spain. Upon completing the building, the design and supervision of the National Mosque was done by the architects from Design and Research Department and Federal Public Works Department.
Old Versions of the Floor Plans
New Versions of the Floor Plans
The majestic National Mosque or also well known by the people of Malaysia as Masjid Negara was built in 1965 as a symbol of the country’s independence. As a result of Malaysia gaining its independence in the late 20th century, the mosque adapted the ways of modern architecture. However, because it is a place of worship and religious understandings of the country, the architects designed the mosque to have both the context of local and modern languages of architecture. Characteristics of modern architecture can be observed in this building, as the building lacks unnecessary ornaments. Decorative mouldings and decorative trim can hardly be seen on the building. It is greatly simplified, giving a very clean aesthetic look. Besides that, the building used modern materials and system in which steel and reinforced concrete were used in constructing the building. It also focuses on low, horizontal massing, and flat roofs that emphasize on horizontal planes and broad roof overhangs.
Roof overhangs
It is an Islamic architectural feature that comprises a tall spire with a conical crown. The plan also shows a hypostyle that is adapted in Islamic architecture. The mosque is characterized by square and rectangular plans that include a covered prayer hall and enclosed courtyard. Furthermore, there is an integration of buildings with landscape that is encouraged in Islamic architecture as a remembrance of the existence of God. The compound of Masjid Negara is surrounded by a large green landscape. This principle had been adapted into the planning of the national mosque where there are water features, green areas and landscape design.
Flat roof
On the other hand, the national mosque has characteristics of Islamic architecture. This is through the construction of minarets, a structure that looks like a tower. Courtyard
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE Water texture
Green landscape
Masjid Negara was one of the earliest buildings that marked the emancipation from architecture of the colonial period. During the colonial period, many had the tendency to use the onion-shaped dome copied from colonized countries such as the Middle East and India but this national mosque was designed with intentions of using the local and modern languages of architecture that conveyed the country’s message of moving forward and forgetting the past. The form of parasol was used to signify the unity of people in Malaya that comprised of people from different races and religions that had formed the Malaysian race.
Minaret
Besides that, the parasol also symbolized the souvereignty of the nation where the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong is always accompanied by the royal parasol. Thus, the main Prayer Hall is roofed with an “open parasol” as if sheltering and embracing the worshippers. Alternatively, the minaret is a “close-parasol” pouting upwards, signifying the strength and unity of the people. The use of this element also shows a more neutral or democratic approach from the point of architectural language because it does not convey ethnic and religious preferences. The local language that stands out is the Islamic decorative elements such as the calligraphy, and particularly the many geometrical designs that can be found all around the mosque. These are the two fundamental forms used in Islamic art.
Prayer Hall
G e o m e t r i c P a t t e r n s These patterns exemplify the Islamic interest in repetition, balance, symmetry and continuous generation of pattern. The integration of geometry with such optical effects as the balancing of positive and negative areas. This requires skilful use of colour and tone values.
Geometric patterns on the wall
C a l l i g r a p h y Calligraphy is closely linked to geometry. The proportions of the letters are all governed by mathematics. Inscriptions are most often used as a frame along and around main elements of a building like portal and cornices.
Islamic calligraphy above the prayer hall’s entrance
The Construction of the National Mosque The Design Process Providing a unique design for the mosque was not an easy task. Firstly, a proposal to hold a competition to get talented designers from around the world to design the mosque was held by the committee of Kuala Lumpur’s Township Arrangement. Later, the proposal was rejected, and they suggested a competition be held amongst designers and architects in the country. Unfortunately the suggestion was also turned down as it would cost a lot of money and difficulty, thus making the work process even slower. The committee finally decided to give the job of designing the mosque to the Public Works Department. Firstly, a council of architects from the Public Works Department had to collect, analyze and compare the designs of all the famous mosques in the Islamic world. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had asked the United Arab Republic to help in giving suggestions and design proposals for the mosque. Several designs of prominent mosques in the Arab countries were sent to Kuala Lumpur to study. The task to design the National Mosque was given to a young architect, Mr Baharuddin bin Abu Kassim who had specific knowledge in mosque studies. He had visited India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Spain and the Arab states to study more on the designs of all the famous mosques in those countries. His design was accepted and confirmed by the Mosque Committee in June 1960.
Prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, during the official ceremony to set the Qibla’ direction
The stages of the construction process of the National Mosque. The photo above shows the front view of the construction and the photo below shows the back view.
Preparation of Site The first stage of the construction of the mosque was to provide a site. A lot of work had to be carried in the first stage of construction, which included the demolition of previous buildings, leveling of the ground, piling works and water system construction. The preparation of the site was carried out by the local contractor, Messrs K. C. Boon and Cheah within two years. On 29th September 1961, a ceremony to set the Qibla’ direction was officially done by the Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. After the site was ready and the Qibla’ was determined, the next stage was the construction of the building. The initial cost of overall material for the building was too high and they had to reduce the cost by changing the specification of materials used. After discussion, it was decided that the remaining terrazzo design was replaced with local marble. This way, the construction costs was saved by more than two million ringgit.
The workers were working very hard throughout night and day in preparation for the opening ceremony on 27th August 1965.
The Main Construction On February 27, 1963, Yang di-pertuan Agong held the stone-laying ceremony of the National Mosque. The mosque consists of a main hall with a veranda surrounding three sides of the hall, a tower, a courtyard with two pools, a hall, a library, a room for temporary use for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Kings and the Head Imam.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION The main hall, which is the prayer hall, is the most significant part of the National Mosque. The area of the hall is 153 square feet, built with reinforced concrete and covered with beautiful Italian marbles. Reinforced concrete is concrete in which steel is embedded in such a manner that the two materials act together in resisting forces. Reinforced concrete was used as it was able to withstand bad weather conditions due to it being stronger than normal concrete.
Reinforced Concrete
Next, there were nine sliding doors that were placed along the walls on the three facades of the main hall. The doors were made out of big aluminium. The construction of the roof along the veranda was built in waffle slabs. The roof structures are cantilevered, which extends horizontally over the veranda and corridor walkways.
Yang di-pertuan Agong during the official ceremony of the construction of the National Mosque
The Similarities with the Modern Building in the West Based on the construction of the National Mosque, we can see some similarities with the construction of one of the most well known residences in the west, designed by one of the modern masters, Frank Lloyd Wright. The house mentioned is the Fallingwater in Bear Run, Pennsylvania. One of the similarities is that Fallingwater was built using reinforced concrete. Reinforced concrete was commonly used in the modern building as it was the new technology at that period. Wright had also designed the house with cantilevered floors. This reflects back to the National Mosque’s cantilevered roof design. Lastly, the third similarity was the use of waffle slabs. Wright used waffle slabs in the construction of Fallingwater as it provided a lighter and stiffer slab which reduced the extent of foundations. This slab was made of a thin topping slab and narrow ribs spanning in both directions between column heads or band beams. The column heads or band beams are the same depth as the ribs.
National Mosque cantilevered roof
Waffle Slab
Waffle slabs in the mosque
Fallingwater’s cantilevered design
Fallingwater’s waffle slabs
CEILING
Indoor : In the Main Hall. Material : Plaster The ceiling is fully covered with plaster with rich decorative elements. Advantages: - Decorative ornaments are easily carved - The natural white color gives the feeling of purity and calmness.
GRILLWORK
Indoor : Support the structure of the main prayer hall Material : Mosaic Outdoor : The grillwork was used as outdoor walls and balcony divider. Material : Wrought Iron and Panel The pattern of the grillwork is also derived from the Islamic Art pattern. Advantages: - Ventilation purposes, air flows in easily - Source of natural light STAIRS
Outdoor : Along the verandah Material : Terazzo The design of the outdoor ceiling at the court yard implies the pattern of lattice using terrazzo. Advantages: - Source of natural light - Cost saving - Aesthetic value GLASS WINDOWS
COLUMNS
Outdoor : The stairs is used to connect between the ground floor and 1st floor. Materials : Tiles The tiles used are made from local marble. Advantages: - Easy maintenance - Aesthetic value
Outdoor : located outside the main prayer hall supporting the ceiling of the mosque Material : Mosiac Mosaic is used as the finishing for fountain and columns both outside and bottom part of inside of the main prayer hall thus created the aesthetic value of the component Advantages : - Durable and last longer than any other type of finishing - Easy to maintain - Versatile FOUNTAIN
WALL
Indoor : Both in the main hall. Material : Tempered Glass The glass are used in the main hall as decorative elements. It is in triangular and rectangle shapes. Advantages: - To avoid direct sunlight from coming into the prayer hall. - Aesthetically pleasing
Outdoor : Located at the main prayer hall. Material : Tile Cladding A simple and earth colour marble tile were used as the wall finishes Advantages : - Stain resistance - durable
Outdoor : The fountain act as the decoration of the exterior view of the mosque Materials : Mosaic Mosaic is used as the finishing for fountain and columns both outside and bottom part of inside of the main prayer hall thus created the aesthetic value of the component Advantages : - Durable and last longer than any other type of finishing - Easy to maintain - Versatile
BUILDING MATERIALS ROOF
FLOORING
DOOR
Outdoor : Along the verandah. Material : Concrete and Tiles
Outdoor : Located all over the mosque except for the main prayer hall. The usage of black and white colour gives a warmth feeling to the user Material : Tiles Local tile marble is used as the finishing for the exterior floors that is located outside of the main prayer hall Advantage : -Durable -Easy to maintain -Hypoallergenic
Outdoor/Indoor: Located at the main prayer hall Material : Glass and Steel Frames Glass was selected to make a door out of it so that it can provide a natural light towards the main prayer hall. Steel were used as the door frame. The combinations of both glass and steel shows the modern style of the mosque
Outdoor :The Hall and Gallery Material : Concrete and Glass Mosaic
Outdoor : The Main Prayer Hall Material : Concrete and Glass Mosaic Advantages: - Aesthetically pleasing - Gives out a great impression of the mosque - The use of material that often used in Islamic architecture. HANDRAIL
WOODEN FRAMES
Indoor : Loacted inside the main prayer hall. Material : Timber Indoor: The floor finishing inside the main The wooden frame was carved with geometric prayer hall shape that reflects the Islamic architecture Material : Carpet style. For the interior flooring of the main prayer hall, Advantages : carpet is used as the finishing to give comfort -Versatile for the user -Easy to install Advantages : -Good insulator -Reduce noise -Provide warmth and comfort -Energy saving Outdoor : Located along the walkway of the mosque Material : Timber and Paint The material used for the handrail is timber and then painted with a brown colour paint to prevent the timber from rotting and degrading gradually when exposed to the sun. The simple design of the handrail reflect the simplicity of the Islamic religion itself.
ARCHITECTUR
The National Mosque has many significant components that could be extracted as one of its unique qualities in terms of architecture. The main components that are considered of utter importance would be the big umbrella dome (roof), minaret, courtyard, heroes’ mausoleum, mihrab and mimbar. Aside from those, also mentioned would be the fenestration, staircases, columns and other tiny details that give the mosque an Islamic identity. The most significant structure of the mosque that is easily recognizable from the Kuala Lumpur skyline would definitely be the ‘semi-opened umbrella’ roof of the main prayer hall. This roof clad in blue and green tiles was once just a bare pink concrete roof before the major renovations in 1987. This symbolic dome has 18 points which actually represent the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam. This striking feature also symbolizes the aspirations of an independent nation as this sacred building was one of the first major buildings erected after the Independence of Malaya.
RAL COMPONENTS/ELEMENTS The heroes’ mausoleum located at the rear of the mosque is surrounded with a lovely circular self-reflecting pool connected to the main building through a covered foot bridge. In comparison to the Grand Hall’s roof, though the design for both roof are still rather similar, the total of the heroes’ mausoleum roof is reduced to 7 folds only, one of which covers a reserve for the national hero’s tomb. It was first constructed in 1963 alongside the construction of the mosque, and was completed in 1965. In 1973, the first national leader to be buried in the mausoleum was Tun Dr. Ismail, the former Deputy Prime Minister.
The unique roof of the Heroes’ Mausoleum, similar to the roof of the Prayer Hall.
The surroundings from the inside of the mausoleum.
The minaret, also a distinctive feature of the mosque with a height of 73 meters high, rises from the middle of the reflecting pool and can be seen alongside the umbrella roof from the city’s skyline. The design of the national mosque’s minaret is like a folded umbrella. A minaret is actually a slim tower rising from a mosque, from which the adhan may be called. In the earlier built mosques, there was no minaret but the adhan was simply called from any high point near the mosque. The purpose of it being built very high is to project the adhan so that all muslims will know that it is time for them to perform the prayer. Now as we live in the modern era, microphones and speakers are often used to project the adhan, but the minaret still remains as a significant element in Islamic architecture all over the world.
Another component that the mosque has is an open courtyard which is located in front of the Grand Prayer Hall and opposite the library. The open courtyard is partly covered by 48 independent concrete parasols to provide shade from the sun and shelter from the heavy and regular tropical rain so that it is easier for the worshippers to perform their prayer. Usually this open courtyard space is fully utilized when there is not enough space to perform prayers in the grand prayer hall during the Friday prayer. It also acts as a linkage to connect a fountain for ablution on the floor beneath with the grand prayer hall. Courtyards in West Asian mosques are usually likely to open up The Courtyard area. to the sky and usually feature a cluster of fountains in a pavilion or an open The Mihrab and Mimbar are pool where ablutions are performed. components located in the Main Prayer Hall. The mihrab is a niche which indicates the direction of the Kaabah in Makkah where the prayers are oriented. It is located on the wall on the axis of the of the kiblat direction and is printed with sacred verses from the al-Quran. The mimbar is the pulpit placed on the right side of the mihrab. It is cantilevered above floor level enabling the Imam to be seen and heard easily during the friday prayer sermons.
The minaret is a beauty against the fountain in between the prayer hall and verandah.
ARCHITECTUR
RAL COMPONENTS/ELEMENTS Other components that represent the national mosque’s define beauty could be seen through the fenestrations, columns, ceiling as well as staircases. The Islamic art present in the mosque is very beautifully demonstrated in the fenestrations of the mosque. The courtyard is separated from the open outdoors by these.
The columns on the outside which support the courtyard and verandahs.
Although these columns in the prayer hall seem heavily decorated, it is balanced well with the columns on the outside of the hall which look simple, yet with a touch of gold to make grand.
The ceiling of the open areas such as the courtyard and the verandahs are very simple and bare compared to the one in the prayer hall but the height and verticality of the tall columns holding it gives meaning to the person standing below. In Islam, it would signify how small human beings are in comparison to the greatness of Allah the almighty.
The fenestrations are decorated with repetitiv geometric patterns which is part of Islamic art.
The columns present in the mosque are also detailed with beautiful Islamic patterns. Most mosques utilize the Islamic patterns all over the building as simple yet intricately detailed decorative elements. The column in the photos below is found in the main prayer hall.
The huge columns which support the main prayer hall is also decorated with beautiful Islamic patterns.
As for the ceiling, each part of the mosque’s spaces has different types. The middle ceiling of the prayer hall in the photo on the right clearly shows the shape of the umbrella dome from the inside. This brings forth a representation similar to the massive concrete roof, whereby the 18 points symbolize the 13 states of the country as well as the 5 pillars of Islam. The other part of the ceiling [photo below] is decorated with textured patterns which are left to remain in its neutral color.
The ceiling on the outside area [courtyard and verandah]
Another component would be the staircases leading up to the mosque’s main space. These staircases are built wide and rather massive looking. This could be to represent how the mosque is a public space where all the muslims are encouraged and welcomed. These stairs are located at all the main entrances into the space.
CONCLUSION As a conclusion, the Masjid Negara stood as a very unique and inspiring position where it seem to be the best place and to best represent Islam and its culture. The mosque displays an adaption of modern architecture with emphasis of the current movement of time and place. The Masjid Negara exhibited the language of local and national characteristics through the form of modern architecture. The national mosque presents humility that is the characteristics of Islam with its horizontal expression. The building itself sits comfortably without a monumental gateway which projects a language of true friendliness. Therefore, Masjid Negara clearly stands as a regionalistic model that presents the idea of Islamic architecture. It carries a sustainable identity that is carried till today since its main agenda. Thus, the Masjid Negara is a masterpiece of modern architecture without losing its Islamic architecture values. Masjid Negara is the icon of inspiration of national and multi-racial society that reflects universal values of humanity.
Aimi Ruzanna Binti Datu Adzman 0306177 Renee Lim Wei Fen 0311016 Nur Bahirah Binti Abdul Rahman 0311085 Nur Aiman Binti Mohamad Shakir 0311759 Dayang Puteri Syahirah Binti Abang Omar 0310500
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