Visual Analysis of Al Aziz Mosque (Pages

Chapter 3-

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 26- Concrete wall with calligraphy close up, photographed by LUCEM (2015)

Lower Ground Floor Upper Ground Floor First Floor

Figure 27- Floor Plan of Al Aziz Mosque, produced the APG (2015)

becomes alive whilst the user reads the words of God as they move alongside it. The bold contrast between the cursive writing on the walls

contrast with the modern geometric shape of the mosque features such as it’s dome and minaret gives the feeling of conflict and harmony for the user observing because stylistically although both are different, they serve the same purpose to be icon guides for users on the path to prayer (Fig.

29). Unwin (2014) points out that the architectural feature of a wall has the power to guide users in a specific direction, combined with his idea of a wall being a space where images, words and art can be projected. Al Aziz mosque creates a wall that serves a multipurpose function to guide

users to prayer and to display and awe them with the lighting of God's names (AlFozan, 2019). This itself can serve as a reminder to those users

who walk past to be mindful they are entering a space with spiritual significance and thus mentally it can affect the user to behave in a certain way because of these indicators.

The Al Aziz mosque creation of the personified wall gives a constant reminder for those who view God's presence through his words. Along with the many aspects in mosque architecture such as the removal of footwear, this experience allows for users to have more intimacy for different

textures and knowing that every individual has to follow the same routine can provide a sense of solidarity for the user. Therefore, storytelling

through the architectural design of the space and enlightened atmosphere is created by using the messages and texts from God and the user

begins to understand the purpose of prayer through their experience in the space.

Figure 29- Elevation of Al

Aziz Mosque, produced

by the APG (2015) Figure 28- Interior main prayer hall of Al-Aziz Mosque, photographed by APG

(2015)