Salam: Redefining the Traditional Mosque Design

A Contemporary District Mosque Design by Azimuth For Architecture & Design

The Salam mosque, designed by Azimuth For Architecture & Design, presents a unique and contemporary take on the traditional mosque design. Located in Al-Medina city, Saudi Arabia, this district mosque aims to maintain the monumental style while incorporating more humanistic elements. The design concept is based on the historical supposition of mosques in Saudi Arabia, focusing on scale hierarchy, facade patterns, and the interplay between different characteristics of the mosque.

The Salam mosque stands out with its multiple masses, which not only maintain the grandeur of traditional mosques but also create a more inviting and inclusive atmosphere. The various movement relations within the mosque encourage interaction between the users and the building. The design also draws inspiration from the Hypostyle plan, with the prayer hall interior and covered entrance evoking a sense of the traditional column-supported design, albeit with a modern twist.

One of the key challenges in designing the Salam mosque was to create a contemporary flavor while respecting the traditional features of a mosque. The design team successfully achieved this by redefining the main characteristics of the mosque, conforming to the present while maintaining a sense of tradition. The limited area and strict requirements posed another challenge, but the design team managed to give the district mosque a distinct identity within these constraints.

The Salam mosque features a combination of grey marble facade and white stone of Riyadh, creating a visually striking exterior. The structure is made of reinforced concrete planar covered slabs, with exposed white concrete and dolomite rock and sand aggregates. The interior surfaces are finished with exposed white materials and wooden slabs on the walls.

With a height of 13.1 meters (excluding the minaret) and a total area of 1313.9 square meters, the Salam mosque can accommodate 400 to 650 worshippers. The ground floor plan spans 764 square meters, while the first floor covers 241 square meters. Additionally, the mosque includes a residence building for the imam and muezzin, with an area of 292 square meters.

The Salam mosque design has received recognition for its excellence. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2017. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Salam mosque stands as a testament to the integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.