Cubeinside, a local architecture studio in Dhaka, has designed the Bait Ur Raiyan Mosque in Bangladesh, emphasizing simplicity and geometric forms over traditional Islamic ornamentation. Situated near the Arial Kha River in rural Madaripur, the mosque stands as a rectilinear brick structure, featuring a central dome and four minarets at each corner, creating a timeless and sacred yet intimate atmosphere.
Design Concept: Abstract Semiotics and Symbolism
Cubeinside aimed to reinterpret traditional mosque elements like domes, minarets, and arches through the lens of “abstract semiotics,” focusing on symbolic and suggestive forms rather than literal representations. This approach allowed the studio to explore geometry as a tool for abstraction, resulting in a design that feels both traditional and contemporary.
Materiality and Exterior Features
The mosque’s exterior is crafted from locally sourced red bricks, chosen for their historical significance in Bangladeshi mosque architecture. The deep red hue of the bricks provides a mellow contrast to the surrounding greenery. The exterior is predominantly blank, with minimal detailing, such as a deep-set brick arch at the entrance and perforated brickwork that allows for natural ventilation. Raised on a dark marble plinth, the mosque’s entrance is accessed via steps, reinforcing its sense of elevation and importance.
Interior: A Simple Yet Expansive Prayer Hall
Inside, the mosque features a single prayer hall beneath a slightly raised dome, which creates a halo-like skylight that floods the space with natural light. The interior walls remain exposed brick, complemented by a marble floor and a concrete ceiling. A stone-lined mihrab, bisected by a tall, narrow window, marks the direction of Mecca. Large sections of glazing cover the perforated brick walls, allowing for controlled natural ventilation, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the space.
Sculptural Minarets and Additional Facilities
Four minarets rise from the mosque’s corners, described by Cubeinside as sculptural elements that soar towards the sky. Adjacent to the main mosque, a smaller brick structure houses an ablution area, toilets, and rooms for the muezzin and imam, fronted by a colonnade that maintains the mosque’s overall aesthetic.
Cubeinside’s Bait Ur Raiyan Mosque successfully merges traditional elements with modern architectural concepts, creating a space that feels both familiar and forward-thinking, enhancing the spiritual experience of its visitors.
Photo: Asif Salman
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