|from the Architect |

Many of my contemporaries may criticize that the modern Islamic architecture should be done to the exclusion of its symbolic feature (dome, arch). But I couldn’t exclude them when I saw too much emotions and feelings about those among the villagers. Such symbolic features are often associated with strong sense of identity and  visual metaphors ; for instance when we see an arch, dome and minaret  we create a mental image of a mosque. As an architect I’m always respectful to user’s faith, perception and priority, so I thought if I would use those symbolic features, but also making them special so it will become more acceptable to the villagers.

To me, it’s not fair to leave a box of carbon in such a beautiful natural setting. So I made an alliance between  nature & building. By designing large openings and apertures, I did not restrict the natural air  to flow through. The filtered light coming from the split-dome on top and screen walls on sides all together creates a spiritual ambiance which also works as the means to sense the Creator’s creation. I also kept in mind that, this is a very straightforward approach to comply with the utilitarian and spiritual aspects of Islamic architecture.

Last but not least, I used local materials (brick mainly) & local masons to build the structure to create sense of ownership among the community people.

| Image gallery |