Location History
• Barking Riverside is current being developed, from making new homes and facilities. The appellation 'Barking Riverside' refers to the location adjacent to the River Thames. Initially the name Barking Reach was selected for the area.
• However, the location, near Dagenham Docks, was home to Britain's largest powerhouse until Barking Riverside community development arose, which made Essex famous.The 440-acre brownfield site was previously the location of Barking Power Station, which had three coalfired stations and was inaugurated by King George V in May 1925. Barking Power Station was located on River Road. For around 20 years, the station made Barking one of the biggest steam-generating power stations in Europe.
• The regeneration project is creating a community with fresh infrastructure and housing. An overground station opened last month (July 18) and the Uber River Bus servicein April and is expected to provide over 10,000 residential homes by the 2030s.
• The housing expansion plans will mean Barking Riverside is predicted to have a population of approximately 26,000 residents going into the next decade.
• This makes Barking Riverside a great location for me to make a local Mosque.
Location analysis
Brief
• I will be designing a Mosque that allows local Muslim around the area/world to come and pray. It will hold events such as Ramadan vigils, funeral services, marriage and business agreements.
• The mosque is the house of prayer in the Islamic faith. A mosque is symbolically very important to Muslims and is a humble way for man to recreate pure divine presence on earth. Although prayers can be said privately, either indoors or outdoors, nearly every community of Muslims dedicatesa space or building for congregational prayer.
Specification
Male and female toilets
Ablution area
Different entrances for females
Accessible for wheelchairs
Minaret
Prayer hall
Mihrab
Prayer rugs
Shoe shelf
Office
Secondary research
Cologne Central Mosque
The Cologne Central Mosque is located in Venloer Street,Germany.
The mosque's huge dome is its mostdistinguishing feature. This structureis madeup of four sizable basins that resembleabstracthands and guard the holy area with protection. The Cologne Mosque is intended to serve as a communicationbridge across religions in Germany. The mosque's designis also regarded as "particularly German" since it manages to make a breakthrough in the realm of places of worship by fusing Turkish mosquearchitecturefrom the Ottomanera with conventional European architecture. The building of the mosqueis designed to be transparent by using glass that features natural lighting
Two delicate-looking minarets that are 55 metres tall flank the mosqueon either side. The community centre will include training rooms and lecture rooms in addition to the prayer rooms,a library, offices, and administrative spaces.
Quba mosque
Masjid Quba has been relevant and important since its creation. Being the first-ever and the second largest mosque constructed, Masjid Quba has always been one of the most sacred places for prayer. The significance of Masjid Quba can be understood by the fact that everything from its creation to its evolution is mentioned abundantly and in crystal clear phrasing, it was the first masjid to be built in Islamic history, and it is also the place where the first-ever congregational Friday prayer (Salah) was held.
Masjid Quba is outside the city of Madinah, approximately six kilometres from the village of Quba in Saudi Arabia. Masjid Quba‘s most recent renovation was completed in 1896. This included adding a rectangular prayer hall on the second floor, which is connected to shops, offices, and libraries. Currently, Masjid Quba has 56 mini domes, 4 parallel minarets, 12 minor entrances, 7 main entrances, 3 central cooling units, and all necessary state-of-the-art facilities. The Quba mosque has a
The minbar is made from white marble, whereas the courtyard’s foundation comprises white, red, and black marbles. I will be incorporatinga courtyard in my final idea, and I will be getting inspiration from this.
Blue mosque
The Sultan AhmetMosque,also referredto as the Blue Mosque,was finishedin 1617,just before the tragic passingof its then 27-year-old patron and namesake,Sultan Ahmet I.The mosque,which is composedof six thin towering minarets and six climbingdomes,dominates Istanbul'smagnificentskyline. Although it is one of the last surviving examplesofa classicalOttoman building,the mosque's building programmeincludesnew architectural and decorative elements,and its symboliclocation at the city's imperialheart indicates a break fromthe classical style pioneeredbythe renownedmaster architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century.
The large forecourt's façade was constructed similarly to the façade of Istanbul's Süleymaniye Mosque, with the exception of the installation of turrets on the corner domes. A continuous arched arcade encircles the court, which is about the size of the mosque itself. In comparison to the courtyard's size, the central hexagonal fountain is very diminutive. Architecturally, the courtyard's imposing yet small entrance stands out from its arcade. With a little ribbed dome perched on a tall tholobate, it has a semi-dome with a superb stalactite structure.On the mosque's western side, a large iron chain is suspended above the court entrance. On horseback, only the sultan was permitted to enter the Blue Mosque's court. The chain was placed there so the sultan would have to lower his head each time he entered the court to avoid being struck.It was done as a symbolic act to demonstrate the ruler's deference to the divine.
The prayer hall itself is punctuated with several architectural features including the sultan’s platform and an arcaded gallery running along the interior walls except on the qibla wall facing Mecca. A carved marble niche set into the center of this wall guides the faithful to the correct direction for prayer. Upper sections of the mosque are painted ingeometric bands and organic medallions of bright reds and blues
The decorations include verses from the Qur'an, many of them made by Seyyid Kasim Gubari, regarded as the greatest calligrapher of his time. The floors are covered with carpets, which are donated by the faithful and are regularly replaced as they wear out. The many spacious windows confer a spacious impression. The most important element in the interior of the mosque is the mihrab, which is made of finely carved and sculptured marble, with a stalactite niche and a double inscriptive panel above it. It is surrounded by many windows. The mosque has been designed so that even when it is at its most crowded, everyone in the mosque can see and hear the imam which is very important.
The mosque of light
Along a busy streetin the Al Quoz industrial area in southernDubai, stands a new white stone mosque designed byDabbaghArchitects founderSumaya Dabbagh.The Mosqueof Lightis one of the first placesof worship in the United Arab Emirates to be designedbya female architect.The architects' achievement was their ability to interpretthe mosque'sspacesin relation to Islamic liturgical rites, suchas ablution, undressing,and reading the Quran . In doing so,they helpedMuslims gradually transition from the chaosof the city to the meditative practiseof prayer through sacredarchitecture.
The volume of the mosque is separated into two bodiesby a covered linear courtyard: on one side the prayer space surmounted by a double dome, with the women's prayer area on the first floor, and on the other the service block containing the ablution facilities, the Imam and the Moazen’s residence. The tower of the minaret stands out, separated from the main volume and signalling the presence of the mosque. A soft, naturally lit prayer space and an atmosphere of connection with the divine are created by the mosque's surface being completely perforated with triangular geometries and sacred texts, which diffuse natural light into the worship areas with delicate control and care. This also helps to keep the mosque naturally cool.
With all the distractions in our modern busy lives it can be challenging to quieten the mind and find an inner calm to allow for full immersion into prayer. Through the design, a series of spaces were created that allow the worshipper to transition from the busy outer world and prepare for an inner experience. This was achieved through form, materiality and the use of controlled natural light, which had been considered when creating the interior. Inside the prayer hall, concealed cove lighting within narrow openings emphasises the depth and height of the space, whilst creating a sense of natural illumination
Primary research
I believe that the way a leaf curves can provide an organic shape that can be worked to construct a structure. Strong and delicate structures are balanced in a way that works extremely well together. I next examined various leaf shapes and began to consider how I could modify them. The rounded leaves might be a wonderful way to divide up sections and give the design some interest. I then turned around and looked at some sharp, pointy leaves to see how they would appear, but I don't believe it would turn out that well. I really like the first concept, where I took the curved leaf's shape and transformed it into a roof for a building. I’ve tried to draw possible structures my building could look like by rearranging the leave.
A portion of my primary research on trees and flowers is summarise here. I believe that the textures of trees provide for a very intriguing form that may be incorporated into various aspects of my design. By imitating the form and shape of the flowers, I was able to convey the delicate nature of the blooms in my design. Since the foundation of my idea is creating an environmentally sustainable building using natural and organic elements. I am inspired by way the flower petrels are shaped and how they look and I will be using them in my final design as I have done a quick sketch on the corner.
When I was taking pictures I came across this outdoor seating bubble and I liked the diamond shape.I’ve tried to draw inspiration from the diamond and tried to draw a mosque .
Primary research
Model making
Solution 1
When making this model I wanted it to have fixed structures and have variety of different size wooden cuts, which would allowme to think of different possibilities I could make my building.
Solution 2
For this model I have used less wood cut outs. I have drawn out using inspiration from the model to show how the buildingcould possibly look like. The curve like structure would be engraved with arabic writing and cover half the building.
Solution 3
I took inspiration from objects around me and tried to make a spacious model because I want my final model to be open and very spacious.
Solution 4
For this model I took inspiration from this thin rope. I interpreted the object and made this branch form that is related to my theme of natural and organic forms. However, I think that this model is very simple and won't work well. I find that the form is not as interesting as my other models so I will most likely not develop it.
Development
Development of solution 1
Interior research
Jama Masjid
The JamaMasjid inDelhi is considered to be the finest mosque constructed during the Mughal Empire. Built using red sandstone and white marble in Indo-Islamic architectural style, it has a length of about 261 feet and a widthof 90 feet. The structure is adorned with three huge arched gates, three marble domes, four towers, and two towering minarets. It also has a sprawling courtyard thatcan accommodate more than 25,000 people for prayers at atime.
The mosque has astrikingly designed black and white marble floor with 899 bordered spaces demarcated for worshippers. Lavisharches, floral designs, andfluorescent motifs adorn the interiors of this mosque. The archwayto the center of the prayer hallhas the words ‘The Guide’ written on it. The significantrelics at the mosque include acopy of the Quran written on deerskin, ared hair from the beard ofProphet Mohammed, a pair ofhis footwear, andhis footprints on a marble block.
Jama mosque
The main Dome of the Jama Masjid covers a huge Hall within that has seven arched openings that forms the entrances partially decorated with marble and facing the walls and the western side of the Mosque. Ahead of this Hall is the main Prayer Hall measuring 61 x 27.5 metres that has 11 arched openings or entrances with a wide and impressive central arch flanked by thin pillars covered with an octagonal shaped pavilion on each corner. This central arch forms the main gateway of the prayer hall and has a marble slab inlaid over it with an inscription that reads ‘The Guide’. Tablets of white marble measuring 4 x 2.5 feet are inlaid over these 11 entrances with inscriptions made from black marble revealing the history of this Mosque.
sancaklar mosque
A privately funded mosque called the Sancaklar Mosque was constructed outside of Istanbul for the local populace and the clients' extended family. In the current, more conservative environment, it is especially amazing that the architect and client dared to challenge tradition in this dramatic redesign of a mosque. The customer had the challenging task of convincing his extended family to accept a wildly unconventional, modern design. The program's success has led several doubters to change their minds and become proud of it, and now many fly there to pray.
The area for prayer is included within the hill's incline. The architect did this as a means of avoiding questions of form and cultural restraints. The route to the entrance descends through a difficult landscape with rocky stairs and untamed vegetation, past gushing water, and around a curved drystone wall to face towards Mecca. At the entrance to the prayer hall, a courtyard is formed, which is bordered on the outside by a teahouse, common area, and library that are all located next to a small body of water and provide a reflective calm before entering the prayer hall.Despite the architect's fruitless attempts to create a single entry for both men and women, the interior's design challenges convention by positioning women close to men facing the Qiblah, albeit elevated and physically and aesthetically separate. There isn't a dome either, but the ceiling's rising outlines provide a subtle allusion to one.
The prayer hall itself is a dramatic yet contemplative space, natural light floods down the Qiblah which is a curved wall of boardmarked concrete laid in the direction of falling light. Its contrast with the rugged stone walls and landscape signals its special nature. The Mihrab is a simple niche within this wall flanked by a minbar with semi-circular stone steps leading up to it. The care taken with a restrained palette of natural materials and straight forward detailing is welcome.
It is testament to the success of the project that people travel from Istanbul to the mosque and many are now proud of how special it is. This is particularly impressive in a climate where most new mosques are built in the Ottoman style. A groundbreaking scheme.
Final design
I’ve made some big changes from my first draft to my final piece, I’ve changed the shape of the building which was inspired by leaf petals and instead incorporated the inspiration from leaf petals to flower petals on the main entrance
Water fountain
Greenery
Long, flat steps, visitors can sit and hang out.
Main entrance
Visitors can enter and exit
1st Draft
Final outcome
For my main buildingI wanted it to be very simple and spacious. This will allow more room for people to come and pray. Before doing my research of mosque interiors I wanted it to be complicated but I changed my mind and agreed a spacious interior would be more useful and right.
I wanted my interior to replicate the exterior so I have agreed on a big haul. From personally experience I have found big hauls to be more calming and freeing, and I want my building to have the same effect.
Prayer mat carpet that’s going to be covering the floor deign both on the men section downstairs and women’s section upstairs
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I have decided to make this building because my site is next to the River Themes. I wanted to make sure my buildingwas suited for the area. By making this it will allowvisitors to have a clear view of the Themes, it will attract young kids and adults, it will play out as a calming site. The structure is open and wide so it wouldn’t feel cramped and tight.
Final model
