Chapter 3-
Page.14
Visual building analysis: Al-Aziz Mosque
The Al-Aziz mosque is located on the Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and was designed by APG Architecture and Planning group in 2015 (Lucem GMbH, 2022). Contextually, Abu Dhabi has experienced rapid amounts of growth due to the discovery of oil reserves and the cityscape has changed exponentially over the last century (Franssen, 2009). The architecture reflects this through the use of more modern building construction methods and technology, Al-Aziz mosque features a geometric shaped dome and minret which stands out from other mosques as contemporary (APG, 2018) (Fig. 25). The mosque is constructed using a concrete facade walls which features the ninety-nine names of God in Islamic Arabic calligraphy that lights up using a hidden LED light transmitting optics system within the structure (Sebambo, 2015). This way of using light and structure adds another layer to the mosque's complex phenological experience because the building itself becomes an active light source (Fig. 26). Furthermore, in islam God gave the world to humans in a perfect form however corruption has destroyed the original image, in this way mosques try and replicate the perfection through their floorplan, art and structure (ERZEN, 2011). The Al-Aziz mosque upper ground floor plan displays a large prayer hall with an additional residence for the imam and mouazzen (the person who recites the call to prayer) on the north side, whereas on the south side is where the minaret located which is the large tower from which the mouazzen recites. Above features the women's separate praying facilities and below on the lower ground floor contains a secondary prayer hall alongside the washing and restroom facilities (Fig. 27). This is commonly featured in many mosques because the need to clean oneself before praying is a crucial element is islam, this experience spiritually rids the user of earthly impurities before the prayer and is vital for the phenomoglocal aspect as it begins the path to enlightenment, previously water fountains were used although modern methods favour it purley for an aesthetic value (Stegers, 2008).
Furthermore, for both women and men shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall, this experience for the user creates a more intimate feel for the spaces in which they gather for prayer (Stegers, 2008). As with all mosques the prayer hall has to face Mecca, this orientation can create harmony between the users as they know that as prayer begins everyone is all facing one direction (Stegers, 2008). As islamic prayer is usually conducted as a group with an imam as the lead reciting prayer, this creates a unique atmosphere within the interior space as the only sounds that should be heard is the prayer itself. The feeling of the floor materials through the user's feet first hand already creates a sense of space and awareness. Example being the concrete floor panels directly outside the prayer hall being cold and once the user enters the hall their feet touches the warmer fabric finish of the floorboards. This difference in materiality creates a division threshold within the space and phenomenologically in the user's mind, the warmth and comfort of the prayer hall may encourage more users to stay and pray spiritually strengthening their connection with God as the cold concrete disways them from leaving so suddenly (Fig. 28) (Unwin, 2013).
Figure 25- Al-Aziz Mosque at night, photographed by APG (2015)
