Friday Mosque, UAE

Religious, educational and social facility

The Friday Mosque draws inspiration from the intricate Islamic patterns of the 12th century, showcasing the craftsmanship and creating a captivating atmosphere. Florian Berner, the renowned designer behind this project, aimed to capture the essence of indigenous architecture while infusing it with a sensuous touch.

One of the defining features of the mosque is its enclosed space, defined by walls, arcades, and moulds. This element, which is central to Islamic architecture, creates a serene and sacred ambiance. The design philosophy of the mosque revolves around inclusivity, with the building open to all cardinal directions, welcoming people from all walks of life.

The Friday Mosque serves as a multifunctional institution, catering to public, religious, educational, and social needs. It embraces a radial liturgy, inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, to create a harmonious balance within the space.

When it comes to the realization of the design, the Friday Mosque employs a combination of low-cost and high-tech solutions. The vertical construction utilizes rammed earth, a mix of gravel and clay readily available on-site. This sustainable material, surrounded by earth, generates a natural and balanced atmosphere. The horizontal components are constructed using precast concrete, a commonly used material in the UAE, ensuring efficiency and durability.

With a diameter of 55m and a height of 12m, the Friday Mosque boasts a central main prayer hall spanning 600m2. The technical specifications of the design are meticulously planned to accommodate the needs of worshipers and create a serene environment.

The design team behind the Friday Mosque includes Florian Berner, Weyell Berner Architekten, CH, Miriam Weyell, Weyell Berner Architekten, CH, Martin Rauch, Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst, A, and Thomas Honermann, Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst, A. Their collective expertise and collaboration have brought this architectural marvel to life.

Interacting with the design is a seamless experience, thanks to IT developments and mechanized methods. Transportable robots are employed to treat the surfaces, creating specific openings and diaphanous rammed earth walls. The play of light within the space enhances the sacred atmosphere, inspiring worshipers.

The Friday Mosque is designed with sustainability in mind. Traditional cooling techniques, such as chimneys, and insulation methods ensure the building adapts perfectly to local conditions while maintaining an excellent eco-balance. The thick walls provide insulation and regulate internal humidity naturally.

The project for the Friday Mosque began in November 2009, organized by the Traffic Design Gallery in Dubai. It was chosen as one of the top ten concepts and ranked 2nd, leading to a ceremony and exhibition in late 2010.

The design of the Friday Mosque is the result of extensive research into traditional elements and customs. The team delved into historical literature and collaborated with specialists from various countries to develop an architectural expression that pays homage to tradition while embracing innovation.

Overcoming creative, technical, and research challenges was an integral part of the design process. The team's creativity lay in transforming traditional fragments into forward-looking architecture, with the real innovation lying in their reliance on history.

The Friday Mosque has received accolades for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2012 in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements, contributing to a better world.