English (fluent) | Urdu (native) | Hindi (C1) | French (A2)
01: Masjid An-Nur
Mosque, with adjoining community centre
Site: Diyar Al Muharraq
Final Semester ‘25
Instructors: Simon Kay-Jones & Imran Patel
Considering Bahrain’s growing population and Diyar Al Muharraq’s promising location, there is significant expectation for development. A mosque, as a vital religious institution for the majority Islamic population, is central to this growth.
This mosque and community center project is situated on one of Diyar Al Muharraq’s six islands. The site selection was driven by the desire for a sacred space that harmonizes with the surrounding sea - a tranquil and peaceful space .
The core concept, light, underpins the architectural response to a key challenge: demonstrating that mosque design can prioritize modesty over strong ornamentation. By looking past conventional notions of ornate beauty, the design translates Islamic principles of modesty and chastity into a minimalist yet profound structure Rooted in Islamic principles of humility, the project extends this ethos to the built environment, creating a sacred, minimalist space for worship and community development.
This exploration of light and spirituality draws inspiration directly from Surah An-Nur of the Qur’an, hence the name “Masjid An-Nur”, or, “Mosque of Light”.
Complementing the mosque, the community center provides a classroom for children’s Islamic education and a lecture space which is strategically placed before the sea, offering a serene backdrop for scholarly discussions.
Recognizing the communal aspect of worship, where meaningful conversations often arise post-prayer, a cafeteria, playground, and open courtyard are provided. This holistic approach transforms the area from a mere mosque into a self-supporting hub for the community.
The mosque entrance
Minaret design development
Mosque design development
Semi -open lecture space (specific timings for men and women)
The Mosque entrance (Ground floor for men Floor above for women)
02: Al Areen Visitor Centre
A place for nature, education and community to prosper
Site: Al-Areen Wildlife Center
First Semester ‘24
Instructors: Simon Kay-Jones & Imran Patel
The design proposes a responsive and creatively engaging Visitor Centre for the Al Areen Wildlife Park, promoting innovative and open functionality by investigating the dynamic interrelationships among existing context, human inhabitation, and creative architectural intervention.
The Visitor Centre’s program includes a welcoming reception, an educational classroom for young visitors to learn about Bahrain’s protected wildlife, a souvenir shop, and a restaurant designed for relaxation and enjoyment. The layout ensures a logical and intuitive flow between each component, fostering effective placemaking within the facility.
GREEN ROOF (flat)
12.5mm White Plasterboard
150mm Al Manaratain Precast Hollow Concrete Core Roof slab
30mm Diathonite Thermactive 0.37 (lime based plaster finish)
GROUND FLOOR
· 75mm screed
· 150mm XPS board
· DPM
· Dry sand
· Hardcore
Concrete Raft Foundation Slab
03: Oriental STEM Academy
A renovation from hotel, to an educational facility
Site: Bab-Al Bahrain
Second Semester ‘24
Instructors: Simon Kay-Jones & Imran Patel
This project focuses on the renovation design of the Oriental Palace Hotel, transforming it into a Science (STEM) Academy.
The design prioritizes overall project sustainability by integrating newly built spaces within the original building’s structure. This renovation aims to incorporate sustainable design practices and creatively adapt various precedents and concepts.
A key conceptual driver, evident throughout the STEM Academy’s design, is the exploration of arches, inspired by the hotel’s existing concrete facade featuring prominent arched perforations. Retaining much of the building’s original form and main structure ensures its sustainability
A ramp corridor that runs around perimeter of classrooms, leading to library section in the academy
Design detailed section through classroom space, and ramp running through one end Scale - 1:50
05: Bab-Al Bahrain Souq
A market, a cafeteria, and homes in one Site: Bab-Al Bahrain
First Semester ‘25
Instructors: Simon Kay-Jones & Imran Patel
Located in Bab Al Bahrain, this project addresses the revitalization of a marketplace section devastated by a fire in mid-June 2024.
The core objective was to reflect the country’s cultural heritage through architectural expression, while meeting the client’s desire for a ‘traditional’ design with a ‘modern edge.’
The resulting proposal is a multi-storey souq with a roof terrace, conceptualized around ‘linear geometry.’ This guiding principle informed the design’s foundational form, ensuring adherence to Bab Al Bahrain’s historical architectural traditions.
Bab Al Bahrain entrance area
Sparse density near Oriental Palace Hotel
Densely crowded passages within the Marketplace
Density mapping of the Bab-Al-Bahrain region Activity is determined by which places are most populated during the day
Bab Al Bahrain Avenue
Technical 3D Render of building make-up (optimised for fire safety)
Section through front of the souq marketplace below, cafe in the middle, and apartments for the shop owners above
A small section of the marketplace It is divided to mimic the pattern of division in the vast and densely packed marketplace of
