Design Thinking Book_Islamic Interchange

Scrutinizing the Pluralism in Al-Islam

ISlamic Interchange Jingpan Zhang Instructor: Georgia Daskalakis Teaching Assistant: Douglis Beck Design Thinking: Research and Design Methods Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Art Washington University in St. Louis

Islamic Interchange

Jingpan Zhang

Design Thinking Research & Design Methods Fall 2021 • Faculty: Gia Daskalakis Faculty Assistant: Douglis Beck

Contents Synopsis

002 - 003

Premise

004 - 031

Program

032 - 047

Place

048 - 075

Possibility

076 - 101

Appendix

102 - 107

Bibliography

108 - 109

Synopsis

Since more and more Muslim people live in St. Louis, a more abundant and pluralistic culture towards religious life appears. According to the research, the population composition of the Muslim group is complex. The Muslim immigration in St. Louis typically comes from the Indian, Pakistan, Arab world, Yugoslavia, and Canada. Also, there are many Muslims born in the US as the second and third generations. Except for the discursive culture in Muslim groups, there have been some changes between different age groups, generations, gender identification, worship, and political appeal. How to face the complexity within the Muslim group is a thought-provoking topic.

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Suppose a solution exists to create a multi-functional mosque that could meet the Muslim group’s contemporary requirements. In that case, it can also help the people from other cultures and backgrounds have an approach to learn and understand the Muslim culture. It will include worship for religious use and introduce more open space for the public.

There will be some gathering space for celebrating the holidays and displaying the Muslim craft art pieces.

Creating such a mosque aims to help people eliminate the fear of an unfamiliar culture, combat Islamophobia increasingly, and stitch the people together.

002 003

PART 1 : PREMISE

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Scrutinizing the Pluralism in Al-Islam

004 005

Premise: Re-scrutinize the pluralism in Muslim.

Premise

‘Yugoslavia immigrants’

‘Complexity’

As the second most populous religion in the world, Islam has been subject to various misunderstandings and suspicions since its history. As an immigration receiving country, the United States has continuously received Muslim refugees from the Arab world region, the Middle East area, India, Europe and other places since the last century. Since 1950, St. Louis has received many Bosnian refugees due to the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia and the relaxation of immigration policies at that time, making St. Louis the largest Bosnian gathering area in the world outside of Europe.

As the Muslim groups who have immigrated to the United States and their second or third generations, their own complexity cannot be ignored. Different from their original nation-states, Muslim groups in the United States have more racial diversity (including whites, blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Africans, etc.), more open gender recognition, more diverse political demands, and more sensitive attitudes towards the religion of Islam.

With the escalation of global terrorism and the constant war in the Middle East area, especially after the September 11 attacks, the Islamophobia in the United States has become more and more prevalent.

............

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............

Premise: Re-scrutinize the pluralism in Muslim.

The fear toward fundamentalism deepened people’s misunderstanding of Islamic culture and innocent Muslim group.

‘Social Inequity’ ............

This misunderstanding further leads social inequity (such as employment, etc.) toward Muslim youth. And it brings the youth a kind of ideology confusion.

The inequity and ideology confusion drive Muslim youth walk in the way of fundamentalism. To some extent, the public ignore the Islamic humanitarian tradition.

As Islamic culture entered the United States, the form of the mosque itself as a

representative of the Islamic religion has also undergone tremendous changes.

Abandoning complicated decorations in form to become more concise, abandoning complicated worship system in function, and adding more functions related to public education.

‘Modernity’ ............

We are trying to come up with an idea, on the basis of further transforming the form, site and function of the mosque into contemporary language, increasing its integration with surrounding communities, leading more people to understand Islamic culture, and dispelling the fear of Islamic civilization?

006 007

Muslim World Map

The main Muslim immigration population areas around the world

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008

Muslim minorities

Muslim areas

Muslim population

009

statistics Muslim population in the world, in USA, in Missouri state, and in greater St. Louis area.

3.45 Million

0.12 Million

Muslim in USA

Muslim in MO

<1.1%

<1.9% of the Missouri state population.

USA population 329.5 million

MO population 6.2 million

According to the research about the Muslims in the world in 2020, there exist around 1.9 billion Muslims in the world which is making up about 24.7% of the world population. Typically, there are two denominations about Muslims: the Sunni and the Shia. Sunni has the most people in Muslims that occupied around 90% of the population, otherwise, the Shia has relatively the fewer people in Muslims that occupied around 10% of the population.

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Based on the study of religious populations by adherents, Christianity has the largest population, which is 2.382 billion that occupied 31.11% of the world religions population. Islam is the fastest-growing religion and it has the 2nd largest religious population just after Christianity.

100,000

the number of Muslims in greater St. Louis area.

The largest Muslims population in MO live in St. Louis county and metro areas. According to the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis. There are total about 100,000 Muslims live here.

‘St. Louis has the second large Bosnian population in the world’ Even though there is a large population of Muslims worldwide, there is a less population of Muslims in the US. Around about 3.45 million Muslims live in the US. The Muslims lived in St. Louis area are the largest Muslim population in Missouri state. There are about 100,000 Muslims live in St. Louis county and metro area, 60% of them are from Bosnian.

010 011

Muslim Immigration History in St. Louis 1990-2000

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The wave of Muslim immigration to St. Louis starts from 1990. It happened behind the history about the relaxation of immigration law in US. Numberless Bosnia refugees arrived in St. Louis and became a crucial part of the city.

012 013

map Muslim immigration routes to St. Louis during 1990 - 2000.

Canada

St .Louis

‘The Bevo Mill in St. Louis’ The first wave of Muslims immigration started from 1990 to 2000. In this period, there are many refugees come from Bosnian because of the Yugoslav Wars that moving into St. Louis. Thus, St. Louis has the largest Bosnian American population outside of Europe.

Some of them live in the “Little Bosnia“ district of Bevo Mill in the St. Louis metro. Some of them live in Affton, Mehlville and Oakville in the south of St. Louis county. 87% of the Bosnian are Muslims.

The other Muslims lived in St. Louis area immigrated from Indian, Pakistan, Canada, the Arab World countries, and some other Middle Eastern countries.

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Yugoslavian Other Middle Eastern Countries Arab World

Pakistan Indian

Immigration Route St. Louis Muslims Migrant-Sending Countries

014 015

map Muslim ancestry distribution in greater St. Louis area.

Forest Park I-64

I-44 Missouri Botanical Garden Tower Grove Park

I-55

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Mississippi River

Mississippi River

The Arch

The Ancestry and Its Percentage of Muslim Population in St. Louis American - (Local 2nd/3rd generation) Arab World Canada Indian Other Middle Eastern Countries Pakistan Yugoslavian (Bosnian)

don’t know 20% don’t know 10% don’t know 7% 60%

Percentage of the population reporting “Arab“ and “Bosnian“ ancestry (%)

0.0% - 1.0% 1.0% - 3.3% 3.3% - 4.9% 4.9% - 6.6% 6.6% - 8.3%

016 017

Children/ Women/ Diversity/ Liberal/ ......

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018 019

graph Demographics of Muslim Groups in the US 65+ Baby Boomer

50-64

Silent Younger Millennial

18-29 Generation X

30-49

Age Distribution 2007-2014

Women

Older Millennial

Generational Cohort 2007-2014

Worship Attendance 2007-2014

The composition of age of Muslims groups has changed a lot. More youth generation like younger millennial and older millennial increased, and more older generation like baby boomer and generation X decreased.

More Women

Women

Man

Man

More Youth

Gender Composition 2014

There are more women attendance of the praying activities and worship. That not means there are more women prayers, but means more women are allowed to participate the religious activities in the US than before.

Third generation

Less Immigrants

Second generation

Immigrants

Immigrant Status 2007-2014 Islamic Interchange

The Muslim immigrants become less in recent years. In the present Muslims group, there are more second and third generations. They may be influenced more by the American culture.

don’t know

not too fairly certain certain

science religion

common sense

absolutely certain

Belief in God 2007-2014

philosophy

Source of Guidance on Right & Wrong

More Common Sense Judgment Even though the people who believe in God still occupied a large of number. Their judgment toward right and wrong is mainly by common sense rather than by the religion or philosophy.

Mixed Latino White

Asian

More Ethnic Diversity The composition of ethnic diversity is changed. There are more black, Asian, Latino and other race.

Black Racial & Ethnic Composition 2007-2014 don’t know

Conservative

Liberal

More Liberal

Moderate Political Ideology 2007-2014

The main political appeal has changed from Conservative to Moderate and Liberal in recent years.

020 021

map Mosque Map

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West Florissant Masjid

Northwest Islamic Center

Umar Masjid

Baitul Hafeez

Masjid AI-Tauheed

Al-Mu’minun Islamic Center

Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabaah

Quoba Masjid

Grand Islamic Center of St. Louis

Resalat Community Center

Islamic Community Center

Masjid Abu Bakr Al Siddiq

Mosque Boshnac

St. Louis Islamic Center

Bosnian Islamic Center

022 023

Anti-Muslim Incidents Over Time

2012

2013 Boston Marathon Attack

2014

Charlie Hebdo Attack

San Bernardino Attack

2015

Paris Attack 2016 Brussels Attack

Orlando Nightclub Attack Nice, France, Truck Attack

2017 Manchester, UK, Concert Attack

New York City Truck Attack 2018

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2019

Anti-Muslim Incidents

by State CA TX NY FL MI MN MS WA GA MO VA OK SC IL NJ AL MA TE OH MS KY IN ML AR WV OR PA NC AR NH SD LO ID LA CO NB WI MT NM DE ND RI CT DC WY VT HI KS NE UT AS

Anti-Sharia Legislation

Opposition to Refugee Resettlement

9 cases

5 cases

Hate Incidents Against Mosque

Media Reports of Anti-Muslim Crimes

3 cases

3 cases

Anti-Muslim Actions

Opposition to Mosques

1 cases

0 cases

Anti-Sharia Legislation Opposition to Refugee Resettlement Opposition to Mosques Anti-Muslim Actions & Statements Hate Incidents Against Mosque Media Reports of Anti-Muslim Crimes 024 025

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All About the Mosuqe !

026 027

diagram The Conventional Mosque

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Three Functional Types of Mosques

Holiday Mosque

Congregational Mosque

(Musalla)

(Jama Masjid)

For greatest Islamic feasts. (twice a year)

Jama Masjid is for Muslims traditionally gather for Friday communal prayer.”

Quarter Mosque (Masjid) For daily prayers.

Crescent (Hillal) The symbol is primarily used to represent the Moon, not necessarily in a particular lunar phase.

Oriented to Mecca (Mihrab) The prayer niche is the focal point in the interior of a mosque.

Minaret (manara mi dhana) The tower from which the faithful are called to prayer five times each day by a muezzin.

Arcade (riwaq) An arcade or portico open on at least one side. It serves as the transition space between interior and outdoor spaces.

Praying Hall (haram) The mosque is a place to gather for prayers, to study and to celebrate festivals.

028 029

diagram Islamic Architecture General Periodization Year

600

700

800

900

Style Phase

Transition Period

Early Period

Main Islamic States

Umayyids

Abbasids

Jawatha Mosque 629-639

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Al-Zaytuna Mosque 709

1000

1100

1200

Classical Period Fatimid imperium Saljuk sultanate Sultans of Ghazni Spanish

Great Mosque of Sfax 850

Mosque al-Ahzar 1000-1200

1300

1400 Late Period

Mamluk Egypt Uthmani imperium Sultans of Dihli Mongols Timurids Normans in Sicily Crusades

1500

1600

1700

Mannerism Great Moghuls Safawid Iran

Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaytbay 1474-1475

Sultan Ahmet Mosque 1609-1616

1800

1900

Westernization Foreign control

2000

Revivalism Establishment of modern states

Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta 2015 030 031

PART 2 : PROGRAM

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Casual Interaction Occupy More Time Convenient Opacity

032 033

Program: Casual Interaction, Occupy More Time, Convenient, Opacity.

Program ‘Attract People’

semi-outdoor spaces simultaneously, connected by greenways.

The original concept of the design of this mosque project is to attract more people from different cultural backgrounds to experience Islamic life culture. So, considering the programs, what kind of functions will attract more people to come here is essential. The selected programs can attract residents both from long distances and nearby areas.

Moreover, at the same time, the selected programs can also capture people of different age groups. Whether people who visit these programs are elderly, children, or a family, they can find a reason to spend their time here.

‘The Mosque’

After thinking about these principles, the programs are mainly composed of four diverse parts: a mosque located in the central area, a bathing complex, an amphitheater settled around the mosque, and a cultural experience area. All programs will be in indoor, outdoor, and

‘The Bathing Complex’

............

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............

The mosque in the middle of the area is mainly an indoor program. It is the center of the entire site and the hub space connecting the bathing complex,the amphitheater, and the cultural experience space. Unlike traditional mosques that distinguish between male and female worship spaces, the new mosque will break this gender segregation and use large open spaces and small semi-private spaces to express religious aspirations.

Worship can be performed anywhere.

............

Next to the mosque is the bathing complex. Bathing is a traditional Muslim activity. The traditional bathing space

Program: Casual Interaction, Occupy More Time, Convenient, Opacity.

is a sacred place to clean oneself and has a social function. This new bathing complex will succeed the social function of the traditional Muslim bathing space, which includes public bathing areas, sports pools, and relaxing functions such as saunas and massages. This bathing project will not be completely enclosed.

When people walk through this garden-like bathing space, they can see the splash of water mist, hear the water splash, and smell the moisture. The whole bathing environment will enhance people’s sensory experience of wandering in this area.

‘The Amphitheater’ ............

As a program that aims to attract residents from afar to participate, except the bathing complex, the amphitheater is the other possibility. The amphitheater would include a nightclub area, mainly used to attract young people nearby or far away. The amphitheater will be

used for performance, dance, concert, or live music. Its open space can also be a venue for cultural or religious festivals.

‘Cultural Experience’ ............

In addition, the other essential thing is a semi-outdoor culture experience area. Traditional mosques often have the function of cultural centers, mainly for the study and education of Islamic culture. Different from the traditional cultural center, the culture experience area will bring an immersive experience.

The production of food, art, and crafts will allow visitors for viewing and deep participation.

‘Greenway’ ............

Finally, the landscape design and greenway layout will guide people to swim in this incompletely enclosed park and provide more social possibilities.

034 035

Traditional Composition For Muslims Only

Pray and Worship Bath Huge Prayer Hall Rarely has furniture, chairs and pews are absent from the prayer hall.

For Muslim to clean their body before they pray.

Women Prayer Space It is called Makhphil. Women prayer are separated from men.

Direction Prayer Face To There are Mihrab (a wall) and Minbar (a raised platform) for prayer face to.

General Affairs The reception, meeting rooms, stuff offices, kitchen, restrooms and ect.

Foundation Center It is usually used to collect donation for the expansion of the mosque.

Library & Classrooms This space is used as an educational function for Islam students to learn more historical and religious knowledge.

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Contemporary Explanation Merge with Community

Pray and Worship

Bathing Complex

No Gender Division Men and women pray in same space.

Everywhere It could be inside space, but can also be outside landscape space.

A bath and spa service for all people.

Multiple-Level of Privacy Domin public space, small individual semi-private and private space.

Memorial Landscape.

Culture Experience See

Read Craft Display

Hand -made

Commu nicate

Discuss

Listen Cele brate

Cook

Eat

General Affairs Underground parking, administration offices, foundation offices, stuff offices, restrooms, electronic rooms, mechanical rooms, open stairs, fire stair case, ramps, elevators 036 037

Bathing Complex Sports Pool (Competitive) Sports Pool (Relax) Water Playground Hot Spring Bath Cold Spring Bath Therapy Treatment Space Sauna Space Spa Space Rest Area Public Social Space Landscape Staff Offices Public Restrooms Lockers Storage Rooms Equipment Rooms Mechanical Rooms

23,450 sqft

10 @ 200 sqft 5 @ 200 sqft 5 @ 300 sqft 4 @ 200 sqft 4 @ 200 sqft

2 2 2 5

@ 75 sqft @ 200 sqft @ 750 sqft @ 100 sqft

2 @ 50 sqft

Amphitheater Lobby Box Offices Staff Offices Main Stage Main Backstage Main Auditorium (500 seats) Side Stage Side Auditorium (100 seats) Cinema (80 seat) Wardrobe Workroom Dancing Club Landscape Storage Rooms Equipment Rooms Mechanical Rooms

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5,500 sqft 2,500 sqft 2,000 sqft 2,000 sqft 1,000 sqft 1,500 sqft 800 sqft 800 sqft 400 sqft 1,800 sqft 2,000 sqft 150 sqft 400 sqft 1,500 sqft 500 sqft 500 sqft 100 sqft

11,350 sqft

2 @ 75 sqft

2 @ 100 sqft 2 @ 100 sqft 2 @ 25 sqft

1,000 sqft 50 sqft 150 sqft 1,500 sqft 1,000 sqft 1,500 sqft 800 sqft 400 sqft 600 sqft 400 sqft 1500 sqft 2,000 sqft 200 sqft 200 sqft 50 sqft

Mosque Public Pray Hall Individual Pray Space Memorial Staff Offices

8,500 sqft 10 @ 400 sqft 5

@ 100 sqft

Cultural Experience Landscape Rest Area Food Experience Craft Experience

11,500 sqft 5 @ 300 sqft 4 @ 200 sqft

Greenway North-South Direction West-East Direction

Parking Underground Parking Bicycle Parking

Total

2,000 sqft 4,000 sqft 2,000 sqft 500 sqft

5,000 sqft 1,500 sqft 2,500 sqft 2,500 sqft

1,600 sqft 4 @ 200 sqft 4 @ 200 sqft

800 sqft 800 sqft

4,100 sqft 4,000 sqft 100 sqft

59,400 sqft

038 039

Program Diagram _ Plan

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040 041

Program Diagram _ Section

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042 043

Program Diagram _ Time Occupancy

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Program Diagram _ Space Occupancy

044 045

THE ARTIFACTS IN THE SITE

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046 047

PART 3 : PLACE

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Population Density Cultural Diversity Walk-Through Accessibility

048 049

Place: Population Density, Cultural Diversity, Walk-through, Accessibility.

Place ‘Attractions’ ............

The specific and main purpose of the mosque complex project is to attract people from different cultural backgrounds to participate in it. In the program chapter, we are using different functional areas to attract surrounding residents, when considering the choice of site, the location of this project is also particularly important. It is better to put the site in an area with high population density, and cultural diversity. The site also needs a large area of open green needs a large area of open green space to support the design of the landscape.

In addition, the accessibility with daily passing through of the site is also very essential.

‘Population Density’ ............

As one of the most important elements, the large population density in the site should be firstly considered. It will bring

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the large number of residents to participate in this project. The project is not suitable to settle down in downtown or too remote areas. The large population density gap between morning and evening in that two areas may cause some of the function in the project not to be used at certain times of a day, a month, or a year.

‘Cultural Diversity’ ............

The other consideration is about the cultural diversity within the area. The neighborhood around the site needs to have richer ethnic and religious diversity. Under such a cultural environment, residents might be more open to accept the new experience of participating in the mosque complex.

‘Landscape’ ............

Regarding the spatial consideration, the site may be in a large area of undeveloped green space, which can be used to

Place: Population Density, Cultural Diversity, Walk-through, Accessibility.

realize the landscape design.

‘Accessibility’ ............

The subsequent essential factor is the accessibility. It means the entire site is accessible. The first explanation is the sight accessibility. When people pass by the site or drive through the highway, they can clearly see where the site is and what events happen in it. There are no overly high buildings, not too many houses and dense trees around the site to block people’s sight. The entire site is easily reachable by people’s sight. A clear view provides the possibilities to stimulate people’s curiosity and encourage people to participate in this project.

The second explanation is the easily physical accessibility. Some areas are hidden in the depths of a neighborhood, requiring people to park relatively far away and walk a certain distance to reach. That specific location is not easy to find. Even though such location can provide a quiet atmosphere, it is not suit

able for daily engaging. The entrance of the site should be next to the main road, not too far from the highway.

‘Daily Pass-Through’ ............

The final crucial factor is the daily passing through. The location of the site need not to be separated from the surrounding community but may be part of the area where people are likely to pass through every day. The everyday visiting increases the time residents spend in contact with this project and encourages people to participate in a certain part of the project through the setting of some convenient functions. For example, the surrounding area of the site may be part of the path for office workers on their way to work, it may be a bicycle trial used by sports people, or it may be a place where families often walk their dogs.

The site itself has specific functions and its own population mobility. Through the setting of some functions of the mosque complex, it can increase people’s experience of the site itself.

050 051

Ranking of the Four Essential Factors When considering the site in the south of St. Louis county

Mosque

Mosque Mosque

Mosque

Mosque

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Potential Neighborhood

1 Muslim Population The south of St. Louis county, include the Bevo neighborhood, has the high density of the Muslim population and the Mosque.

2 Landscape There are four areas that have large open ground with grass, thin and thick trees.

3 Attractions Around The Grant’s Trail Activities: Bicycling Walking Facilities: Parkings Restrooms

Attractions: A - The Lodge at Grant’s Trail B - St. Louis BMW Bike Park C - Reavis Barracks Rd D - Blake Snyder Park Trails

4 Near to Main Road Near the main highway: Interstate 55 Except of the I-55, there are still have Union Road and Green Park Rd that lead people to the potential sites.

052 053

Affton Location 38.551052, -90.323614

Potential Site

Population Density 4480.1 people per square mile Racial Makeup White - 97.62% Asian - 1.3% Hispanic or Latino - 1.01% African American - 0.06% Native American - 0.01% Pacific Islander - 0.03% Others - 1.41%

St. Louis Islamic Center

Potential Site

Green Park Location 38.523603, -90.338144 Population Density 1942.2 people per square mile Racial Makeup White - 92.5% Asian - 3.5% Hispanic or Latino - 1.7% African American - 1.4% Pacific Islander - 0.1% Others - 2.6%

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Mehlville Location 38.504303, -90.312745 Population Density 3913.6 people per square mile Racial Makeup White - 97.08% Asian - 1.77% Hispanic or Latino - 1.45% African American - 0.75% Native American - 0.13% Pacific Islander - 0.02% Others - 0.95%

Potential Site

Bella Villa Location 38.323567, -90.170896

Potential Site

Population Density 5607.7 people per square mile Racial Makeup White - 92.6% Hispanic or Latino - 4.3% Asian - 1.9% African American - 1.5% Native American - 0.3% Others - 3.7%

Lemay Location 38.532552, -90.285332 Population Density 3959 people per square mile Racial Makeup White - 98.51% Hispanic or Latino - 1.03% Asian - 0.53% African American - 0.02% Pacific Islander - 0.01% Native American - 0.007% Others - 1.62%

Potential Neighborhood & Site St. Louis County Population Density 1967 people per square mile 054 055

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056 057

Grant’s Trail

Potential Space

Gravois Creek

River City Blvd Grant’s Trail

Potential Space

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Muslim Population

Attractions Around

Landscape

Near to Main Road

Grant’s Trail

Potential Space

Gravois Creek

Grant’s Trail Potential Space

Muslim Population

Attractions Around

Landscape

Near to Main Road

058 059

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060 061

Grant’s Trail

Potential Space

Union Road The Crossing Church Grant’s Trail

Potential Space

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Muslim Population

Attractions Around

Landscape

Near to Main Road

Grant’s Trail

Potential Space

Potential Space

Grant’s Trail

Muslim Population

Attractions Around

Landscape

Near to Main Road

062 063

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064 065

Potential Space

Grant’s Trail

Union Road

Potential Space

I-55

Grant’s Trail

Green Park Road

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Muslim Population

Attractions Around

Landscape

Near to Main Road

Grant’s Trail

Potential Space

I-55

Union Road

Potential Space Grant’s Trail

Muslim Population

Attractions Around

Landscape

Near to Main Road

066 067

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068 069

Potential Space

Mc Nary Dr

Grant’s Trail

Grant’s Farm

Gravois Road Gravois Road Grant’s Trail Cor Jesu Academy

Potential Space

Parking

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Muslim Population

Attractions Around

Landscape

Near to Main Road

070 071

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072 073

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074 075

PART 4 : POSSIBILITIES

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Social: Anti-discrimination Culture: Acceptance Form: Expression

076 077

Possibilities: Anti-discrimination, Acceptance, Breakthrough.

Possibilities

‘Anti-discrimination’ ............

Worldwide, terrorism has still not stopped, and the status of Islamophobia has not abated, but at the same time, there have been more and more anti-discrimination activities. The fight against racism is a global culture in modern society, promoting tolerance and equality worldwide. As for Islamic culture, many people worldwide, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, try to use various methods to protect and spread it.

The most basic of this project is to eliminate people’s resistance and increase people’s understanding of Islamic culture. The most important thing to achieve this goal is to reduce its religion and mystery and increase its accessibility to

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daily life. For example, people may be tasting Islamic food for three meals a day, or people may come to this project for fun on weekends. This Muslim project will eventually become a part of people’s daily life, a young and energetic cultural symbol, and even a part of American culture, just like McDonald’s and Walmart exist in people’s daily lives.

‘Cultural Contradictions’ ............

One of the possibility to be considered for this project are the contradictions that people faced. One is how much traditional culture should give way to modern culture, and the other is how minority culture can survive in the local mainstream culture. Traditional culture faces the contradiction between inheritance

Possibilities: Anti-discrimination, Acceptance, Breakthrough.

and innovation, the split between the older and new generations. As a minority culture, Islamic culture faces the contradiction of integration and independence from the mainstream American culture and the dilemma of whether it is impacted by or affected by the American cultures. This choice is challenging for any culture with a long history.

There are countless researches on culture, and the scope is extensive, such as cultural anthropology, cultural sociology, cultural economics, cultural psychology, cultural ecology, and cultural modernization.

Only a few pages are far from telling us about Islamic culture, but we certainly hope to think about a new form of culture that may exist through this mosque project.

‘Push the Limits of Form’ ............

Another possibility for this project is to explore the boundaries of Islamic architectural forms and how they can break the limitations of traditional architectural principles. The traditional Mosque consists of an open courtyard, an arcade, a prayer hall, and a minaret.

With the change of time, the functions of these spaces themselves have undergone tremendous changes. The reason for their existence has also changed from the original functionality to the existence of a symbol. The symbolic meaning of a typical mosque is gradually greater than its concrete image in the environment and becomes a cultural landmark and visual reference. Can the existence of a mosque have more other meanings and purposes?

078 079

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080 081

New Expression of Mosque Form Re-Interpretation of the traditional Islamic architecture language.

Vali-e-Asr Mosque

Vali-e-Asr Mosque Islamic Interchange

Amir Shakib Arslan Mosque

Light of Allah 082 083

Sunlight & Atmosphere Use sunlight to create a quiet and sacred atmosphere for the pray space.

Vali-e-Asr Mosque Islamic Interchange

Vali-e-Asr Mosque

Vali-e-Asr Mosque

Vali-e-Asr Mosque

Vali-e-Asr Mosque 084 085

Amir Shakib Arslan Mosque

Amir Shakib Arslan Mosque

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Amir Shakib Arslan Mosque 086 087

Sancaklar Mosque Islamic Interchange

Sancaklar Mosque

Sancaklar Mosque 088 089

Light of Allah

Light of Allah Islamic Interchange

Light of Allah 090 091

Relationship with Site & Surroundings Use sunlight to create a quiet and sacred atmosphere for the pray space.

Amir Shakib Arslan Mosque

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Amir Shakib Arslan Mosque

Amir Shakib Arslan Mosque 092 093

Sancaklar Mosque

Sancaklar Mosque Islamic Interchange

Sancaklar Mosque

Sancaklar Mosque 094 095

Sancaklar Mosque

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Sancaklar Mosque

096 097

Bathing & Social Interaction Use sunlight to create a quiet and sacred atmosphere for the pray space.

Thessaloniki’s wet dream Islamic Interchange

Thessaloniki’s wet dream

Thessaloniki’s wet dream 098 099

Thessaloniki’s wet dream

Thessaloniki’s wet dream Islamic Interchange

Thessaloniki’s wet dream

100 101

Appendix I Islamic Terms Abu It means “father of,” and is often used as a nickname. A man’s friends might refer to him as abu, followed by the name of his first-born son.

Abu Bakr It is an Arabic given name meaning “Father of a Young Camel” (Abu meaning ‘Father of’ and Bakr meaning ‘Young Camel’) that is widely used

by Sunni Muslims.

Allah The Islamic term for god. Allah is the creator of the universe. He is considered to be merciful, beneficent, protective, mighty, a provider, the exalted one, lord, all knowing, all hearing, all seeing, magnificent, wise, and eternal. The Qur’an states 99 characteristic names for Allah.

Allahu Akbar Arabic for “Allah is most great,” or “God is great.” It is used as a call to prayer.

Assalaamu Álaikum A general greeting in Islamic culture, which means, “Peace be upon you.”

Ayatollah A spiritual leader among the Shi’ites.

Barakah Blessing or divine grace.

Bilal Full moon, water, victorious.

Bismillahir rahmanir rahim A phrase recited before doing any daily activity.

It means,”In the name of Allah, the most beneficent, the most merciful.”

Caliph Successor of Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community.

Daa’i A missionary in Islam.

Islamic Interchange

Dar-al-harb A term used for the non-Muslim world and means “House of War.” Dar-al-Islam A term that refers to the Islamic world and means “House of Islam.”

Da’wah Its literal meaning is to invite others to Islam and is the Islamic equivalent to the Christian word, “mission.”

Dhimmis These are conquered peoples living under Muslim rule, generally the Jews and Christians who are called “people of the Book.” They are protected and can have certain rights such as privately worshipping according to their religion.

However, they must pay protection money and are never considered citizens.

Eid Means a festivity, a celebration, a feast.

Fatwa This is an Islamic legal ruling or edict.

Hadith A collection of Muhammad’s sayings and deeds, known as the Traditions, which is commonly taught as a part of Islamic theology.

Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca during the twelfth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. Muslims are required to perform hajj at least once in their lifetime, if means and health allow.

Imam A religious leader or head of a local community, or a spiritually qualified leader. He also leads in community political affairs.

Iman This is a belief or faith in god (Allah).

Injil It is the Gospel of Jesus and one of Islam’s Holy Books.

Salat Worship in the form of ritual prayer that is repeated five times daily.

Islam The root words of Islam are silm and salam which mean submission.

Sawm Fasting, especially during Ramadan. Sawm means total abstinence from food, liquids, and sexual relationships from dawn to sunset, for one lunar month. Also called slyam.

Ka’ba A cubic stone structure where the black stone is housed. Located in the center of the Great Mosque at Mecca, Muslims believe that it was the first house of worship built by Adam, which was later reconstructed by Abraham and Isma’il.

It is also spelled ka’aba or ka’bah.

Mahdi This term means the guided one.

Masjid Arabic word translated as mosque.

Mosque A place or house of prayer-literally, a place of prostration.

Muharram Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and a festival commemorating the martyrdom of the third Imam.

Mullah A learned leader, especially in Iran.

Muslim A person who submits to Allah and practices the religion of Islam.

Qibla Direction toward Mecca that is designated in a place of prayer.

Ramadan Month of fasting which is observed in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that it was during this month that the Quranic revelations began.

Shi’ite Partisan or follower who believes that leadership should come from descendants of Muhammad’s family.The plural is Shi’a.

Shirk The act (sin) of regarding anything as equal with god. This includes idolatry, polytheism, or attributing divinity to a person.

Sufi A Muslim mystic who emphasizes strong denial of self for the purpose of communion with god.

Sunni Ninety percent of Muslims are Sunni. This name is derived from sunna (tradition) for one who follows the tradition of Muhammad (who did not designate a successor). It is the belief that leadership should come from among the Quraish Arabs (Muhammad’s tribe).The plural is Sunnites.

Sura Chapter of the Qur’an, of which there are 114.

The plural of surah is suwar, which means chapters. Also spelled surah.

Umma The whole community of Islam or the ideal society god creates from those who practice and submit to Islam.

Zakat The alms or contributions to charity required as a duty to god. Zakat constitutes about 2.5 percent of one’s annual wealth.

Salaam A salutation, greeting, or blessing which means peace.

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Appendix II The information of Mosque, Muslim community and education center in St. Louis metro area. (page 22-23) West Florissant Masjid address: 6809 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63136 website: https://west-florissant-masjid.business.site/ contact: +1 3472202931 Northwest Islamic Center address: 10543 Lackland Rd, St. Louis, MO 63114 website: http://www.nwicstl.com/ contact: +1 3144273900 Umar Masjid address: 5388 Geraldine Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115 website: (none) contact: +1 3142613000 Baitul Hafeez address: 4529 Emerson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63120 website: http://www.alislam.org/ contact: (none) Masjid AI-Tauheed address: 5010 San Francisco Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115 website: (none) contact: (none) Al-Mu’minun Islamic Center address: 1434 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63106 website: (none) contact: +1 3143008494 Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabaah address: 3843 W Pine Mall Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108 website: https://islamstl.org/ contact: +1 3145318646 Quoba Masjid address: 1925 Allen Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104 website: http://masjidqooba.org/ contact: (none) Grand Islamic Center of St. Louis address: 3415 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118 website: http://www.grandmasjid.com/ contact: +1 3147713311 Islamic Interchange

Resalat Community Center address: 3418 Meramec St, St. Louis, MO 63118 website: (none) contact: (none) Islamic Community Center address: 4666 Lansdowne Ave, St. Louis, MO 63116 website: (none) contact: +1 3143522700 Masjid Abu Bakr Al Siddiq address: 4700 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63111 website: (none) contact: (none) Mosque Boshnac address: 698-600 Kayser Ave, St. Louis, MO 63125 website: (none) contact: (none) St. Louis Islamic Center address: 9528 Reavis Barracks Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123 website: (none) contact: +1 3149399074 Bosnian Islamic Center address: 318 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125 website: http://www.bicstl.com/ contact: +1 3146317746

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Appendix III The information of the precedent studies. (Classify the Mosques and Bathing program by names) Vali-e-Asr Mosque Location: Tehran, Iran Year: 2016 Architects: Reza Daneshmir, Catherine Spiridonoff Area: 269,000 sqft Amir Shakib Arslan Mosque Location: Moukhtara, Lebanon Year: 2016 Architects: L.E.FT Architects Area: 1,100 sqft Sancaklar Mosque Location: Buyykcekmece, Turkey Year: 2012 Architects: Emre Arolat Architecture Area: 7,500 sqft Light of Allah Mosque / Ibrahim Ma Location: Xingping, China Year: 2015 Architects: Ibrahim Ma Area: 4,500 sqft Thessaloniki’s Wet Dream Location: Thessaloniki, Greece Year: 2013 Architects: Ermis Adamantidis, Dominiki Dadatsi, Nikos Christodoulou Area: N/A

Islamic Interchange

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_What if there is a possibility for us to recognize the Islamic culture? _What if there is a place where Muslims could share their lives with the public? _What if there is a future that the fear towards Muslims is eliminated in the USA? _What if ...... ?

Cover Photography Data from: University of California, San Diego