Sharjah Architecture Triennial by Architect Yussef Agbo-Ola
Yussef Agbo-Ola drew inspiration from Sharjah Architecture Triennial, particularly the Jebel Jais Mountain in the neighboring emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. His reverence for mountains as repositories of environmental wisdom and DNA informs the design’s form and color palette.
Sacred Space for Reflection:
Named Jabal: 9 Ash Cleansing Temple, the structure serves as a sacred space for incense burning, reflection, and collective aroma rituals. It honors non-human life and endangered species while evoking rituals practiced by Bedouin, Yoruba, and Cherokee communities, emphasizing environmental consecration.
Material and Design Significance:
Constructed from jute, hemp, and cotton yarns knitted into a fabric, the temple’s tent-like form blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The colors and patterns of the knitted skins symbolize mountain landscapes, rock formations, and fractal fossilized micro-crustaceans, creating a visual ecosystem.
Embracing Impermanence:
The temple celebrates fertility and natural transformation processes, embracing decay and impermanence as integral aspects of its essence. Agbo-Ola emphasizes the significance of microscopic organisms and the decay of fibers, underscoring the interconnectedness of all elements within the ecosystem.
Invitation to Contemplation:
Visitors are invited to slow down, contemplate, and revere the presence of sacred mountains. While also experiencing collective rituals and burning incense. The sonic component of the installation enhances the immersive experience, drawing from ritual practices and environmental elements.
Fostering Environmental Awareness:
Through its design and rituals, the temple facilitates a dialogue between human and non-human entities. Thus, fostering a deeper connection to ecological environments. Agbo-Ola’s creation transcends conventional architectural boundaries, offering a space for reflection, reverence, and environmental awareness within the context of the triennial.
Conclusion:
The Jabal: 9 Ash Cleansing Temple exemplifies the transformative power of architecture to engage with cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and collective consciousness. Therefore, enriching the discourse at the Sharjah Architecture Triennial.
The photography is by Edmund Sumner.
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