Light Mosque: A Contemporary Interpretation of Islamic Architecture

Prayer Hall

The Light Mosque stands out with its unique properties and strengths. The light steel structure and array of fabrics create semi-open/semi-closed spaces, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow. Instead of solid walls, curtains made of translucent fabrics subdivide the vast space, maintaining a human scale and allowing for the circulation of people. At night, the fabrics illuminate a soft glow, giving the building a strong presence.

The realization of the Light Mosque involves a flexible building framework that can be easily assembled. A simple structural steel framing forms the main structure, while a series of fabric elements are hung to define the interior space. The fabrics not only act as cladding material but also contribute to the spatial organization, allowing for the powerful plasticity of the design.

The design of the Light Mosque incorporates sustainable features. A cooling pond surrounding the mosque utilizes grey water from the surrounding buildings. An embedded sprinkler system moistens the fabrics on the perimeter of the building envelope, and the resulting evaporation cools the space, enhancing natural ventilation. The Sunbrella fabric used in the curtains is breathable and resistant to mildew.

The layering of textiles in the Light Mosque creates a gradual transition from exterior to interior. The undulations of the fabrics form a changing rhythmical pattern, enhanced by the play of light and shadow throughout the day. The interior is flooded with filtered sunlight, celebrating the patterns of everyday human rituals.

The Mosque of the Light was the grand prize-winning entry of the Future of Shade International Competition 2015 organized by Sunbrella New York. The design was inspired by the light fabric structures found in public spaces in Dubai, such as the tents on the souq market. The overall arrangement of the mosque establishes a rhythm that highlights the unique textile texture, giving the form its essence and exposing the character of the internal volume.

The Light Mosque overcame several challenges during its creation. The durability of the Sunbrella fabric was taken into account to withstand the intensity of the local sunlight. The arrangement of the fabrics provides shade and glare protection against the harsh sun while creating a pleasant, spacious, cool, and shady environment. The design achieves a visual rhythm in relation to the building's structure.

The Mosque of the Light, with its contemporary reinterpretation of Islamic architecture, showcases the potential of fabric elements in creating unique and sustainable spaces. Nikolaos Karintzaidis' design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Social Design category, highlighting its outstanding creativity, technical skills, and contribution to improving the quality of life.