Unigas Central Jame Mosque in Shitakundo Chittagong is a part of Unigas LPG plant. The client Unitex Group wanted to build a mosque for local people and the worker of the Plant as there is no mosque nearby. The mosque, designed by Architect Sharmin Sultana Tithi, embraces modernism while incorporating notable features of Islamic architecture.
The site is located beside the seashore and a scenic view of the sea can be seen from the site. The mosque is 1 storied building with double-height space, which is approx. 22 feet, to give a feeling of openness, comfort, and spirituality. The lofty space helps to reduce noise and creates an open view of the outside which explores the combination of light and built form to create a spiritual experience. This place invites the surrounding context to weave through the mosque and tie up with the prayer environment. The Prayer Hall and Plaza Space together can accommodate approx. 500 people. Also, it has a small-scale residential facility for the Imam and the Khatib with all supporting amenities.
The main idea is to design an open and transparent space to keep in touch with nature within a basic form where people can find peace and relate themselves to their surroundings. Islam believes in peace and truthfulness. Hence, the white color is used to create a sense of openness and “peace”. Also, this color represents faith and happiness, innocence and purity.
Building masses are well integrated with the site’s current contours to maximize the monumental feeling in the hall interior and achieve low-profile service masses. For breaking the solidity of the dome, triangular shapes openings are introduced. The filtered light through the screen and openings give a spiritual ambience to the interior of the mosque as well as creates a visually isolated space for prayers.