This project is a fusion of historic and contemporary architecture, which unites and enhances the divinity of monotheism; I call it "The Spiritual Castle."
Built on a Flag shape land 2.4 acres with industrial zone north and east, and residential zone toward's south and west.
Important design concern unites landscape and architecture, interior and exterior spaces, presenting a window into the city.
The program required, Fatimid period style of domes, spires, cresting parapet, pointed arches, foliated freeze, medallions and motifs , which incorporates spiritual experience as moving back thousands of years in history, yet indulged with all modern amenities and its aesthetic, cultural and community needs.
Ceremonial and spiritual entry through the public street into the circular drive way approach enhanced paving with stately lined palm trees and LED energy efficient site light fixtures. Geometric, symmetrical, Axial, and radial, site planning with Masjid on main axis focused towards Makkah.
This project consists of three buildings:
The main building, which is the place of worship, called Masjid.This building establishes an innovative blend of spiritual, social, and educational growth.
The other two,are residential homes for the priest and the caretaker for maintenance purposes.
23,000 sf spiritual complexes of modestly budgeted wood, engineered lumber and steel frame; exterior cement plaster and red sandstone cleft and honed finish veneer cladding. project consists of many energy efficient and sustainable features. Doors and windows double pane are aluminum cladded wood it added warmth and spirituality to interior spaces. Entry axis terminates into semi circular drop-off into Main building is has hierarchy of space start with public space the plaza area which leads to semi public hypostyle with cusped arches foyer with gallery overlooking into foyer follow to main sanctuary private space through the into dramatic apex area with carved white marble cladding. Social hall located toward west on secondary radial axial entry through the plaza area. Dinning and kitchen lower grade Sunday classes with tiny tot play equipment toward North West corner of the site. Upper level is Sunday school and administration offices, ceremonial gallery with hypostyle hall overlooking in main sanctuary and entrance foyer below. The apex of Masjid is the carved White marble, which is framed by a panel of alternating bands of calligraphic inscriptions and arabesque leaf patterns. South facing façades with minimum fenestration is punctuated with its ornamental arch shaped niches, bands of inscription, and roundels Epigraphy, in the foliated calligraphic script.
The project experience many challenges from conception to almost completion, but this shows what brain can perceive dedication can achieve.
