Interior design of religious buildings,
Mosques, a constant sign of Islamic architecture, are outstanding architectural masterpieces from a long time ago.
These religious structures provide a place for Muslims to congregate, meditate, pray, and celebrate the sacred religion of Islam.
It has been observed that mosques have been growing in size and number all over the world, over several decades and reflecting degrees of different styles.
All of these mosque designs follow traditional Islamic principles, but are seen to have taken many forms in their implementation over the years.
More recently, there has been a significant evolution in traditional mosque design, with a significant shift in the traditional dictionary of earlier notable examples of religious building to designs that reflect our changing society, in terms of materials, ornamentation, and essentials.
But even with all this change in the design of these religious institutions, there are a few commonalities that seem to be used consistently in various examples of modern mosque designs around the world.
These include:
Engineering
The basic denominator of all mosque designs is the incorporation of the principles of geometry at any stage of the design, be it in plan, height, building details or smaller decoration.
Geometry is a common factor in Islamic design because it is linked to the principles of stability, order and space.
Geometry also refers to the belief in “unity in multiplicity” with direct derivations from the natural world and the cosmic universe.
Thus they are seen and used in different elements of the building, from the complete site plan to the smallest details of the ornaments.
decoration
Since Islam does not include the use of images or statues of God, to prevent the practice of idolatry, mosques are covered in representational designs and patterns.
They usually feature a great deal of intricate detailing throughout the building elements and furnishings.
These designs revolve around geometric patterns, floral motifs, and mosaics all aiming to achieve a sense of unity, calm, eternity, and other religious principles.
Inscriptions of Quranic texts in Arabic have also been incorporated throughout the mosque, to give a permanent connection to the historical scriptures.
Many building elements such as columns, ceilings, walls, and windows also incorporate designs that elevate the basic form of the structure into a grand cultural and religious context, bringing a sense of color, life, and devotion to the space.
The Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, includes extravagant decorations and ornamentation on all its surfaces.
The mosque is characterized by the use of multicolored tiles that form geometric patterns,
natural motifs of plants and flowers, and Quranic inscriptions that all contribute to a state of inner calm.
The intricate details of the designs and the mesmerizing colors of these decorations leave visitors in awe.
Upholstery
Besides the various decoration elements of the mosque,
the building usually displays decoration in terms of furnishings as well.
Most mosques are characterized by the use of large chandeliers or hanging lamps as central lighting elements, as light is an important factor in the design of interior spaces.
Where you see that prayer is usually late at night and early in the morning,
and these chandeliers provide light throughout, to symbolize the light of God and his absolute presence.
The devotees ask themselves to kneel and prostrate themselves on the ground,
on a surface that must be clean.
Hence, mosques usually cover prayer halls with large ornate carpets.
Many of them are characterized by the use of arches directed towards Mecca,
which provide a clean space and cushioned floor for prayer.
Shoe racks are also an essential feature near mosque entrances.
This is done as people are asked to take off their shoes before entering mosques
in order to maintain respect and cleanliness inside the sanctuary.
natural light
Light is an important element to consider while designing any space,
and this is especially true for the design of mosques.
Natural daylight helps connect human imperfection and morality with God’s spirituality and absolute beauty.
The design of mosques should also allow daylight to pass through the prayer halls.
So that the worshipers gain a sense of spirituality and heavenly contemplation,
as this results in the design of a fully functional and aesthetic religious space.
Bait Al Rouf Mosque was designed in Dhaka.
Bangladesh in a way that creates a heavenly prayer area with a dynamic interplay
of light and shadow formed due to the perforated walls and ceiling.
The sunlight reflecting off the walls is also used to highlight the qibla wall and create an ethereal prayer hall.
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