design studio QASTIC embraces the divine, sacred nature of light as a starting point for the spatial organization of the dubai creek harbor iconic mosque proposal. with its two main levels oriented southwest, towards the qiblah, the direction muslims face when praying, the geometric structure incorporates light and shadow as ‘players’ in the spiritual perception of space.

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposalQASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal designboom
the mosque within its context

 

 

QASTIC‘s proposal aims at redefining the role of a contemporary religious building within its primary context. using southwestern light as its main spatial instrument, the building creates harmonious links between the two-level prayer area, the service area, the upper-level plaza and the buffer zones. other functions in the mosque, including cultural spaces, service areas and restrooms are located along a central axis formed by the light and the orientation of qiblah, helping to smooth the transition and circulation of the 10,000 prayers in the two levels.

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal
frame of light

 

 

the architects propose a GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) paneling system for the mosque’s skin, to be supported by the steel structure in harmony with the geometrical arrangements. the urban plaza and buildings surrounding the structure provide an active urban life with diverse cultural and civic functions. while the current master plan and skyline of the creek harbor puts emphasis on the verticality of the adjacent towers, the iconic mosque proudly ‘bows down’ towards the qiblah,  suggesting an iconic building on the horizontal axis.

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal
two level prayer’s area

 

 

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal designboom
bird view

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal
site plan

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal
model and internal light

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal
1st floor plan

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal
2nd floor plan

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal
interior organization

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal
structure and skin

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal
design process

QASTIC draws on the spiritual nature of light for dubai creek harbor mosque proposal
roof skin system, light and ventilation

 

 

 

project info:

 

client: emaar properties, dubai, UAE

architects: QASTIC lab, california, USA

designers in charge: mohammad momenabadi, mahdi alibakhshian

QASTIC design team: tiv ngoun, takin daneshmir, sohrab pak, ning yi

visualization: naab design

consultants: nathaniel hadley, alexis rose farley

acoustic and environmental: AES engineering

structure consultants: nast enterprise

photography: martin ruiz

animation: zeming sun

status: competition proposal

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom