National Mosque Culture & History 2
Neo On E Ng Jia Wei Ng Jia Ying Angeline Natasha Labitoria Natalie Chen KheMin Natacia Marcella Ginola
0326727 0326857 0326469 0327012 0327110 0331347
Tutorial group : Ms Siti Balkish Roslan
Content
1.0 Introduction
3-6
2.0 Site Analysis
7-13
3.0 Architecture Layout & Plan
14-18
4.0 Architecture Style
19-32
5.0 Building Construction
33-39
6.0 Architecture Element
40-48
7.0 Conclusion
49
8.0 Reference List
50
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
3
INTRODUCTION
National Mosque also known as Masjid Negara was built in 1965 upon instigation by Tunku Abdul Rahman. It was located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur city, and situated among 13 acres of beautiful gardens surrounded by pools and fountains. National Mosque is one of the largest mosque in Southeast asia, it has a capacity for 15,000 people. (National Mosque, Wikipedia)
This mosque was designed by 3 architects which consist of 2 local architects and a British architect. The most distinguishing features of this monument is the 16- pointed star roof which looks like an umbrella. The roof are surrounded with bright blue small dome nicely organize in grid all around the roof. It act as an important monument in Malaysia because of it adaptation of modern architecture philosophy to local context and climate. ( Masjid Negara MASSA ,2007). 4
HISTORY
National Mosque was initially designed to memorialize Malaysia’s independence. There were supposed to be design competition organized by Raymond Honey to obtain suitable design for National Mosque, however due to it might increase the overall cost of building and not reflect the local context, it was then hand to PWD headquarters led by team of 3 architects. The mosque were supposed to name after our first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj but he declined the offer and should instead be designated Masjid Negara.Tunku Abdul Rahman chose the site adjacent to the Railway station and the Railway Administration Office as the site to build National Mosque, the location was strategic due to transport infrastructure bring more muslim visitor and ease movement of people all across the country. The site selected unfortunately was difficult to build due to several building have to relocate like Venning Road Chapel, Polish mess, government houses and others. The interesting fact of National Mosque is that non-muslim all around Malaysia have donated fund and help up with construction of the mosque, it represent the strong friendship and goodwill among Malaysian which made the mosque a more welcoming and friend place.
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ARCHITECTS
Reference: the man behind Masjid Negara's iconic 'umbrella'. (2015). Retrieved from Malaymail online
The project were led by 3 architects, which is Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Abu Kassim (local architects) as well as H. Ivor Ashley from british. However, Ashley left PWD and Hisham went to overseas for further studies, left only Baharuddin from original team to continue on the project. Tunku Abdul Rahman told the design committee to be sure the design was Malaysian, and doesn’t reflect other countries architecture, and most importantly it need to be national. Datuk Baharuddins’ concept for National Mosque was a continuation of his final year thesis design project at the University of Manchester. He applied flat roofed modernist with articulated folded plate pyramid roof. In order to blend in with local climate and context, he adapt Malay house set into the Mosque which make the spaces inside more interesting.
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2.0 SITE CONTEXT ANALYSIS BY: NG JIA WEI
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2.0 SITE CONTEXT ANALYSIS 2.1 Building accessibility National Mosque is strategically located at Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. It is located nearby Pasar Seni Station (LRT and MRT) and Kuala Lumpur Station (KTM). People can easily access to this building with different ways such as KTM, LRT, MRT and bus, which are the public transportation and also taxi, driving your own car or even walking. 2.1.1 Public Transportation
Dayabumi Complex (Bus)
Pasar Seni Station (LRT,MRT)
Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station (KTM)
Diagram 2.1
Dayabumi Complex
Pasar Seni Station
You can take the RapidKL bus (B101 and B112) and get off at the Dayabumi Complex. From the complex, you can walk to the National Mosque.
At Pasar Seni Station, you will see a bridge that links the station with Kuala Lumpur station after passing by the ticket counter. Walk through the bridge for about 5 minutes until you see Kuala Lumpur KTM station. Then, go straight until you see a tunnel that cross the Jalan Kinabalu. The mosque is situated at the end of the tunnel.
Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, At Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, you will need to walk towards to the National Mosque for about four minutes
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2.1.2 Private Transportation (car) If you happened to drive your own car to National Mosque. There are two parking areas for you to park your car.
Car Park B
Figure 2.1 Car Park A
Car Park A
Figure 2.2 Car Park B
Diagram 2.2
2.1.3 Building Accessibility by Walking Surrounding of National Mosque is mostly open spaces and easily for people to enter it. This is because the building itself needs to occupy 15,000 of people during Friday which is the time for Muslim to pray. People can enter in many direction and entrances so that there won’t be traffic congestion during Friday prayer’s time. C
View from A Figure 2.3
View from B
Figure 2.4 View from C B
9 Diagram 2.3
A
Figure 2.5
2.2 Relationship between building and surrounding National Mosque is situated in a section of the government administration enclave in Kuala Lumpur. This building is surrounded by a lot of Islamic building, such as Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department and Islamic Art Museum, which are quite similar to National Mosque as in it is run by Islam. The differences between National Mosque and its site surrounding is actually the lush greenery which expands to a 13-acre land, which includes the KL Bird Park
KL Bird Park
The Islamic Art Museum
Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department Malaysia Islamic Centre
Diagram 2.4 Figure 2.6
Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department It is an government office for islamic. This building and National Mosque have in common is they are both run under same religion, which is Islam.
Figure 2.7
KL Bird Park
It is the home to more than 3,000 birds of approximately 200 species of local and foreign birds.
Figure 2.8
The Islamic Art Museum It is one of the most attractions in Kuala Lumpur. There’s Arabic calligraphy draw on the columns and other places on the structure. Its architecture style is same with National Mosque which is Islamic Architecture, which makes the site looks unite. 10
2.3 Respond to climate This building gets to respond to different kind of climates, including sunny and rainy day.
2.3.1 Sun For sunny day, photos below shows the sun path from east to west of the building. The building has many open areas, but its wall pattern allows sunlight to enter yet filter some of the sunlight, so that the building will not be too exposed to sun. Please refer to and also 6.0 Architecture Element (Fenestration) for explanation of the wall in admission of sunlight and wind. Although the weather in Malaysia is hot, this building has cooling features due to the trees surrounding it and also the water feature which cools the area down.
Diagram 2.5
Diagram 2.6
Diagram shows the shadow lies on the public area that provides shades to the visitor during morning
Diagram shows the shadow lies on the public area that provides shades to the visitor during evening
Figure 2.9
Water feature that surrounds the building
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Figure 2.10
2.3.3 Rain The roof and pillars of the building are designed to adapt rainy seasons. Design of roof The roof is designed in an umbrella form which also function as one. It provides shelter for people from the rain. The rainwater will then flow into the pool surrounding the roof.
Water flows
Design of pillar and its roof Furthermore, the pillars allow rainwater to flow from roof to the ground so that the amount of rainwater will get controlled by not overwhelming the site.
The roofs are designed as sinking toward centre which help to collect rainwaters to the pipe in column Diagram 2.8
The rainwater is run down the pipe in the pillars and are collected into ablution room tank to reuse Diagram 2.7 Diagram 2.9
12 Figure 2.11
2.3.2 Wind The diagram shows the pattern of wall that used for the building. It helps to ventilate the whole building by allowing wind to flow through the walls. This is because the building needs to be occupied by around 15,000 people during prayer time, so the spaces should be well ventilated and cooling for people to stay in. Please refer to 4.3 Malay Architecture for further explanation of the ventilation.
Winds are able to flow through the holes of the wall pattern
Diagram 2.10
13 Figure 2.12
3.0 ARCHITECTURE LAYOUT & PLAN BY: NG JIA YING ANGELINE
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3.0 ARCHITECTURE LAYOUT & PLAN 3.1 Plan to Elevation Analysis Plan
In the original floor plan, there are only 3 main entrances, 2 facing Southwest and 1 facing Northeast. Later on, they added 2 more entrances, 1 facing southeast and 1 more facing Northeast which forms a total of 5 entrances for visitors to enter the mosque. The entrances were added in so that people from different directions can enter the mosque easily and the entrance will not be too crowded during prayer times. The entrance for travellers and non-muslims is located at the Southeast entrance. That entrance is the nearest to the information centre, thus it is convenient for them to ask for help or any information about the mosque. The prayer hall is the most important part of the mosque. Normally in other mosques, males and females enter the prayer hall through separate doors. But in the National Mosque, everyday except Friday, males and females can enter the prayer hall using the same door. On Friday, as up to 15,000 people will visit the mosque, the females will go to the women’s prayer hall which is located on the mezzanine floor above the main prayer hall to pray. This is to prevent males and
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females sticking too close to each other so that they can feel more comfortable and focus on their prayers. If the main prayer hall is full, the Muslims can also pray at the courtyard outside the prayer hall during the prayer time on Friday.
D
E D
E
2 1 4 3 C
A
3
4 C
A
B
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Ground floor plan
First floor plan
The diagrams above shows the current floor plan for the National Mosque. Legend: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Prayer Hall Courtyard Mausoleum Verandah Meeting Hall
A. B. C. D. E.
Southwest Entrance New Southwest Entrance Royal Entrance Original Northeast Entrance New Northeast entrance
Water feature Parking Information center Ablution Room VIP Room
Elevation The diagrams above shows the current elevation drawing for the National Mosque.
Section X-X' The diagrams above shows the current section drawing for the National Mosque.
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3.2 Circulation to use-space As shown in Diagram 3.2, the National Mosque has 5 main entrances, 1 on the west side for non-Muslims and 4 other entrances for the Muslims. The entrances leads the visitors straight to the first floor where the prayer halls are located at. The main prayer hall has 3 entrances. The women’s prayer hall is located on the mezzanine floor above the main prayer hall. This space is accessible by two staircases outside the main prayer hall that links to the women’s prayer hall. The staircase also links to the roof area allowing visitors to walk around the roof. This is a radial circulation. The prayer halls are located on the first floor, to allow more air to ventilate the prayer halls as many people will gather there during prayer times. Please refer to 4.3 Malay architecture for explanation of ventilation. All the classrooms service area and ablution rooms are located at the ground floor. It can be accessed from the garden and also through two staircases inside the mosque linking to the veranda.
Diagram 3.2
3.3 Organization Analysis 3.2.1 Asymmetry and Balance Asymmetrical balance is shown in Diagram 3.2.1 where the building has two walkways facing the south and one mausoleum on the west. The design of the plan of this mosque was initially a “F-shaped” plan as the architect does not want to follow the traditional Islamic construction which are symmetry with domes and arches. This mosque is not built for representing only the Malays, but also for other races, representing Malaysia as a multiracial country. (More will be explained in chapter 4.2 modernism)
Diagram 3.2.1
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3.2.2 Geometry The main form of the mosque is a combination of clustered rectangles, which was the trend during the modernism era. The form is designed initially from a flat concrete block, with ceiling articulated as a pyramid. The architect interpreted the form by putting elements of traditional Malay house set with natural landscape platform. The verandas and serambi space are adapted into it to mediate between the interior and exterior. 48 concrete parasol columns and a pool are added into the courtyard. Diagram 3.2.2
Every functional space is clustered together like a space within a space creating an area with a larger volume.
Serambi & Courtyard Veranda Main Prayer Hall
(More will be explained in chapter 4.4 design concept)
3.2.3 Spatial Hierarchy The ground floor of the mosque is for private and semi-private use. The private areas on the ground floor are the VIP rooms while the ablution room and the classrooms are the semi-public area. The entrances of the mosque leads the the visitors to the first floor, visitors need to go down the stairs which are located at the courtyard to get to the ground floor. Therefore, only those who wants to go to the VIP rooms, ablution room and classrooms will go to the ground floor. On the outer part of the ground floor, private parking areas dedicated for the visitors can be found near the Royal, Northeast and Southwest entrance. It is very convenient for the visitors as the distance between the parking and entrance is near. On the first floor, only the main prayer hall and the women’s prayer hall are private areas whereby only Muslims can enter. Other places on the first floor like the courtyard, verandah and mausoleum are public areas where the non-muslims visitors can visit.
Diagram 3.2.3
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4.0 ARCHITECTURE STYLE BY: NEO ON E & NATALIE CHEN
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4.0 Architecture style 4.1 ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE Masjid or mosque are known as important place of worship for muslim. A mosque have many typical feature like dome, mimbar, prayer hall and many more. All mosque are strict and detailed requirements in Sunni jurisprudence, instead if didn’t meet requirement it will not called a mosque. The orientation of the mosque must facing towards mecca too. In Islamic architecture, dome is an important element that appear as a symbol for most of the mosque. A beautiful dome will signify power & act as a focal point.
Diagram 4.1(a) showing a typical mosque building
Islamic architecture have an interesting characteristic where the space inside must have a lot of lighting come in. This is not just for the aesthetic in space but is due to their believe where light represent god. Therefore, we can see that everywhere in National Mosque is full of beautiful lighting. National Mosque used a lot of Geometric art decoration in the fenestration, it exemplify islamic interest in repetition, balance and symmetry.
Figure 4.1 showing the Terrazos slab decoration at courtyard area
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4.1 ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE Comparison of Taj Mahal and National Mosque
Diagram 4.1(b) above show Taj Mahal (left) and National Mosque (right) with the similar feature happening in the building
Most of the Islamic architecture are very strict on using symmetry floor plan, they have main prayer hall in the middle, mihrab towards kaabah, minaret and many more features. They emphasize on using arches and onion dome or even have a lot of fancy decoration on the surface of wall, while National Mosque as we can see is subtle in terms of decoration and have many feature are different in terms of form which will be discuss in next topic.
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4.1 ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE Comparison of elements with a typical mosque National Mosque
Putra Mosque
DOME
ENTRANCE
MINARET
PRAYER HALL
ORNAMENTS
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7 Principles of Islamic Architecture 1. “Tawhid : Unity & Uniquity of Allah” The main spatial area where Muslims congregate to perform their prayers ,facing the “Qi-blah” which is the direction of “ka-bah” in Mecca. This is a common direction during prayers as it signifies Islam is the religion of unity : “ One God, one Final Prophet Muhammed” .
2. “Dikr : Remembrance” National Mosque is covered with repeated geometric form ornaments everywhere.Geometric ornaments such as nature or Quranic inscriptions. It also acts as a remembrance of Allah
3. “Iqtisad : Balance” It implements the golden ratio when designing the building and achieved through the structural plan of the mosque in terms of proportions and spatial hierarchies. In terms of the National Mosque form , it is modest and on the simple side. The structural plan is in a sequences shape , hypostyle mosque where the flat roof is supported by columns throughout the entire building.
4. “Ikhlas : Sincerity ” Outward physical action and inward action of the heart is an expression of submission towards God are achieved through a form of prayer , meditation or by one’s social ethnicity . It can be translated through the design and motifs to build within conformity to God’s will.There’s always a focal point , lines of patterns that run across the 23 floor faces the direction of Ka’Ba.
5. “Ilm : Knowledge ” Islamic calligraphy are often used for decorations are also a way to express ilm.It is usually found written on buildings or elaborately carved into the wall .These calligraphy actually celebrates the aesthetic of islamic scripts across the islamic world through a visible form by revealing ilm’s and words of wisdom in the Quran. In Islamic view , knowledge and wisdom are presented as light of truth.Like many religious architecture , Islamic architecture has manipulated the light source as an expression through illuminating effects of daylight and moonlight.
6. “Haya : Modesty ” Modesty was presented in this mosque through the usage of minimum geometrical screenings serving as a private screening from the outside world giving a sense of humility. It also serves ventilation purposes and aesthetic feature of islamic architecture.The layout of the building follows the principle of Haya as the prayer hall are partially covered.
7. “Ihtiram : Respect ” The presence of showing respect, propriety and good manners towards Allah, towards all His creations and most importantly, towards oneself, Illustrated by symbolism , harmony and purity of geometric shapes. Islamic artwork can recreate natural patterns and at the same time , relaying religious message.For example , shaped like a complex star pattern , the “Koran” represents the middle of the universe.
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4.2 Post Independence Architecture “Form follows function� started during the 19th century.Although many modern buildings features detailed ornamentations, it was the goal of the modernists to shift the focal point of architecture to a whole new level of truthfulness of form , material and expression. The whole architectural expression of the National Mosque does not reveal any foreign influences as it is suited accordingly to our socio-cultural context. Masjid Negara is built in the modern era of reinforced concrete constructions (modernism style ) , wide span of beams and the huge folded plate roof covering the prayer hall.The form does not try to imitate the traditional masonry construction of the past such as arches ,domes and small fenestrations.
Figure 4.2(a) showing the application of ornament in National Mosque
If we compare Falling Water by Wright with Nation Mosque, both have a very interesting mass of form, and from the form it creates more functional space within the building. The bold rectangular geometry of the horizontal parapets and its vertical stone creates massing over the waterfall. Datuk Baharuddin create the whole National Mosque in more asymmetrical way rather than just normal symmetry floor plan to provide a more freedom way for user to explore around the building.
Diagram 4.2(a) show massing of floor plan in National Mosque
Diagram 4.2(b) above show both axono of building and both are asymmetrical in form
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4.2 Post Independence Architecture In National Mosque, free plan is used, as their main focus is open space concept. This is due to with the help of free plan they able to have more open space to maximise the ventilation in space and do not need a lot of wall to support the building. Free plan refers to having a floor plan with nonload bearing walls and floors by creating a structural system that holds the weight of the entire building by ways of using interior skeleton of load bearing columns.
Figure 4.2(b) showing space supported using piloti system
Diagram 4.2(c) showing free plan section of National Mosque
The piloti system is applied to the mosque, the free plan allows to create buildings without being limited by load-bearing walls.The building comprising of two levels , rested on piloted columns and with the surrounding of the main prayer hall resembles a wide-open verandahs. Diagram 4.2(d) showing piloti system
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4.2 Post Independence Architecture National Mosque is famous with it’s parasol like roof. In modernism era, the exploration of new construction method and test of material is often the trend. In National Mosque the type of roof they used is folded plate roof which is not a common feature during that time.
Folded plate structure Folded plates are basically assemblies of flat plate rigidly connected together along their edges. The structure system is capable to carry load without additional supporting beams along mutual edges. In National Mosque used 2 different types of folded plate roof which is linear and radial. The roofs are built of reinforced concrete (explanation of form will be on 6.0 Architecture Element)
Diagram 4.2(e) showing the different folded plate roof in National Mosque
Radial Folded plate - Mausoleum roof
Linear Folded plate - Multipurpose Hall roof
The roof is a very light structure and forces can be distribute and transfer evenly to the bearing. During that time, there are rarely buildings that have folded plate structure as design element. Therefor, Datuk Baharuddin think that it will be a opportunity for him to make used of this roof as a dome and make it a ‘Malaysian’ mosque. Diagram 4.2(f) showing the force distribution on Multipurpose hall folded plate roof.
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4.2 Post Independence Architecture
This iconic Mosque uses abstractive metaphor thus creating the frames of the whole structural mimics a serambi-verandah structure. It expresses horizontality and presents well as the vocabulary of humility in Islam. The mosque is also adapted modernist architecture, it is inspired by traditional islamic themes and motifs.This iconic mosque of Malaysia embodies a contemporary expression of traditional islamic art , ornamentation and calligraphy.It rejects history revivalism in all form that celebrates abstraction in forms and the structural expression in architecture.
Figure 4.2(c) showing geometric decoration applied on the fenestration.
Influence of Western Architecture Masjid Negara contains western influenced structure such as landscape gardens, fountains , pools and well-designed courtyard due to certain sultans and the court aristocracy to emulate the imperial British culture.As a result , the mosque was built accordance to the Georgian architecture such as grand structures , symmetrical in form and richly decorated with classical motifs.
Figure 4.2(d) showing the Arabesque motif in prayer hall
Figure 4.2(e) showing the landscape in National Mosque
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4.3 Malay Architecture When the architect designing National mosque, our prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman mentioned the design of the mosque to be national but also differentiate the design from ‘foreign’ domical structure and forms. In the final decision, the architect use parasol form as the design for dome and messing floor plan, but to make the mosque’s design more ‘Malaysian’, he include the elements of malay architecture into the mosque.
Diagram 4.3(a) above show the typical plan of malay house and the element from malay house that had adapted into National mosque
Malay house floor plan can be divided into 3 parts which is front, middle and back. There is 2 very important feature at the front part of Malay house which is Anjung and Serambi. Anjung can be translated as verandah, is a space where you welcome your neighbour or any visitor come to your house or can be resting area for family. While serambi which also known as courtyard are often used as a meeting area for family or can be a place for religion and cultural purposes. Datuk Baharuddin wanted the national mosque to be a friendly place where everyone are welcome to visit, so he thought of using the front part of malay house as a main spaces in mosque so that the environment become a very welcoming space. Even some of malaysia’s mosque have this similar features
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4.3 Malay Architecture Malaysia’s climate are always hot and humid, if we look at malay architecture, the house are often emphasize on the ventilation within the house, they have elevated floor plan (the pillar in malay house is called ‘wakaf’) which not just to avoid flood and attack from animals, but also to maximise the ventilation.
Diagram 4.3(b) above show typical elevation of malay house and the ventilation flow
In physic concept, when a building is elevated, the wind will pass through underneath and create cross ventilation, forcing more cold air to come inside and push out the hot air which will help in decreasing temperature of the house. The main area for user activity like prayer hall, open walkway are all located at first floor due to lower temperature there. National Mosque is very particular in terms of comfort of user, every corner of the building are open, surrounded by pillars and every space became a suitable space for user to rest, it feels like you are resting under the malay house.
Diagram 4.3(c) above show air-flow in National Mosque
Figure 4.3 showing view in open walkway, courtyard
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4.4 Design concept and planning
Diagram 4.4 about showing design process of the form of National Mosque, reference from Building Merdeka: independence Architecture in Kuala Lumpur, 2007
National Mosque still stand as a unique mosque architecture to represent the identity of national architecture. The whole form of National Mosque does not reflect any usual dome copied from other countries ,however the architects turn the form into an important feature to convey his message. In order to use the local and modern language of architecture, he used form of parasol to represent the unity of people in Malaya despite of races and religions. The open parasol signified sheltered and embrace under the protection of god. The important feature that reflect characteristic of modernism is the asymmetrical massing which is uncommon during that time. As the intention is to emphasize on the language of friendliness, the building itself contrast to the strict symmetry feature from Islamic Architecture. Thus it will not make user feel the strong essence of islamic architecture.
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4.4 Design concept and planning
Figure 4.4 above showing the landscape view from veranda with view of fenestration for ventilation
In terms of local climate, Datuk Baharuddin included tropical landscape planning, enrich the values of nature environment in the surrounding. This is to remind about humanity of the world that god created. Beside it also blend in the site as the neighbourhood of National Mosque are initially reserved forest for future use. The National Mosque designed to minimise heat gain by maximise the ventilation. They applied terrazzo grillwork at almost every exterior wall not just for aesthetic lighting purposes but for the ventilation all around the building. (MASSA Masjid Negara,2007) The building itself surrounded by beautiful pools and water features. This is to allow cooling effect around the mosque area and provide a peaceful environment for worshippers. It is not only for environment friendly factor but it also emphasize on sustainable design.
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5.0 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION BY: NATASHA LABITORIA
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5.0 Building Construction
The mosque is divided into two types of construction, micro and macro construction. Macro construction is referring to the main and prominent structures such as the roof, verandah and the minaret. While micro construction focusses more on the details of the mosque such as the fenestrations and the columns. MACRO CONSTRUCTION WALLS Walls of the mosque are built using reinforced concrete. Reinforced concrete is stronger than normal concrete because it has reinforcing steel embedded in the concrete. This steel absorbs the tensile, shear and compressive stresses in a concrete structure.
Diagram 5.1 Reinforced concrete
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ROOF(PARASOL) The folded plate roof structure is constructed using concrete and reinforced steel to withstand the weather in Malaysia. In reference to the roof being shaped as a semi-opened umbrella, the other reason is also to achieve larger spans required in the main gathering hall. The roof is then finished with blue and green tiles. Blue and green tiles
Reinforcement bar
Diagram 5.2
ROOF (COURTYARD) The ceiling is made out of reinforced concrete and is designed in a grid structure. In between each square grid is a glass panel that allows light to shine through the gaps. This will create a heavenly ambiance for the people inside the courtyard. Glass panel
Figure 5.1
Diagram 5.3 (Section)
ROOF (VERANDAH)
The ceiling is constructed with waffle slabs. This goes along with the grid concept of the mosque. As seen in the picture below, the tiles of the verandah are in grids, hence the roof being in a grid pattern as well.
Figure 5.2 (Verandah)
Diagram 5.4 (Waffle slabs)
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MINARET The minaret consist of three parts the base, the shaft and a gallery. Inside the shaft lies a spiral staircase, counter-clockwise fashion which provides necessary structural support for the elongated shaft. The gallery is a balcony that encircles the upper-section from which the muezzin gives the call for prayer. All 4 sides of the minaret is covered in concrete grills and rectangular-shaped terrazzo slates.
Terrazzo slates
Diagram 5.5 (Minaret)
MICRO CONSTRUCTION COLUMNS/PILLARS
The columns in the mosque serve as a drainage system whenever the roof gets flooded. Hidden in the columns are rain water drain pipes. The reason being that it is a flat roof, so this allows rainwater to flow from the roof through the pipes and into the drains. There are three different columns in the National Mosque: a) Cylindrical columns in the main prayer hall. White detailed plaster muqarnas covered with glazed ceramic tiles arranged in a geometric pattern. b) Cuboid columns in the verandah - Faced with unglazed black mosaic tiles with strips of anodized gold coloured aluminium at the top and the base. c) Cuboid columns at the courtyard - Faced with unglazed white mosaic tiles - Supports the roof(parasol) structure
Black unglazed mosaic
Diagram 5.8 (Vearandah)
White plaster muqarnas
Ceramic tiles
Diagram 5.6 (Main prayer hall) Plaster coat
Unglazed white mosaic
Diagram 5.7 (Courtyard)
RWDP, RiBAR Gold aluminum
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FENESTRATION This screening wall is faced with geometricshaped terrazzo slates. Natural light enters and illuminates the atmosphere while the holes in between the slates promote good ventilation for the people praying inside. Besides that, the fenestration also acts as a blockage for when the sun shines too bright as it rises from the East side of the building. This prevents the bright sun from fully entering the mosque. Instead, it creates a heavenly ambiance when the rays of sun pass through the gaps of the terrazzo slates.
Diagram 5.9
Precast terrazzo slates Step 1. The shape of the terrazzo is made by molding it into container.
Step 2. Reinforced steel bars are placed into the container.
Step 3. Concrete terrazzo is then poured into the container and is left to set.
Step 4. The hardened terrazzo slate is joined together to create and screening wall.
37 Figure 5.3 (terrazzo slates)
Similarities with a modern building
Fallingwater, Pennsylvania
National Mosque, Malaysia
REINFORCED CONCRETE Reinforced concrete was commonly used for modern architecture as it was the latest technology during that period. Both of the buildings uses reinforced concrete for the overall structure.
COLUMNS Concrete beams were used or structural support in Wright’s Fallingwater. This also reflects with the National Mosque’s columns where it is used for support and also as a rainwater draining system. Besides that, Wright designed his house with cantilevered floors just like how the mosque is designed with cantilevered roofs.
Figure 5.4 (Fallingwater cantilever design)
Figure 5.5. (National mosque cantilevered roof and columns with RWDP))
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WAFFLE SLABS Waffle slabs were used in both the buildings especially for the foundation in the Fallingwater. These waffle slabs are able to carry heavier loads and spans longer than a normal slab as it is lighter in weight. These slabs were used in the mosque’s verandah.
Figure 5.6 (waffle slabs used in the roof of the courtyard)
Diagram 5.10 (Waffle slabs used for Falling water)
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE NATIONAL MOSQUE AND FALLINGWATER
The overall finishing for the mosque is in the white color. This is because in religion, the color white represents pureness. As for Fallingwater, it is finished with a color that blends in with nature.
Figure 5.8 (Fallingwater is full Beige)
Figure 5.9 (National mosque is in full white
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6.0 ARCHITECTURE ELEMENT BY: NATACIA MARCELLA GINOLA
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6.0 Architectural Element
Figure 6.1 Roof of National Mosque
ROOF The roof structure of National Mosque consists of 16folded plates which are made of concrete and is cladded with blue and green tiles. It represents the 16 states that Tunku Abdul Rahman unite including Singapore and Borneo. The roof shelters the tombs of the former Prime Ministers, Deputy Ministers of Malaysia as well as symbolizing the aspiration of an independent nation.The design was inspired from the shape of a semi-opened umbrella.
Diagram 6.1 .2 Semi-opened umbrella
Diagram 6.1 .1 top view of the roof
Diagram 6.1 .3
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MINARET The minaret is placed within a water feature in the courtyard surrounded by the veranda. It was said to be an essential elements that is to be built together with the mosque. Electrical speaker is installed to ensure that the Azan read can be heard at a maximum radius and serves as a reminder to the worshippers to answer the calling of God. The wall of the minaret is decorated by fenestration composing of islamic patterns. The top of the minaret is capped with a closed umbrella concrete roof and a star with a crescent at its peak.
Figure 6.2 Minaret
Diagram 6.2.2 A folded umbrella
Diagram 6.2.1 Plan view showing where the Minaret is located
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PRAYER HALL
Figure 6.3 The interior of the prayer hall
The prayer hall is where Muslims gather to perform their prayers. Worshippers are commanded by Allah to pray facing the Qiblah which is the direction of Ka’bah in Mecca. A common direction during prayer signifies that Islam is the religion of Unity: One God, One Final Prophet Muhammad, one Revealed Guidance and One Ummah. The prayer hall can accommodate 3000 people and covers a floor area of 23,409 sq. The interior of the hall is beautifully decorated with triangular fanlight windows with blue stained glass at the edge of the parasol shaped roof to evoke a calm and serene atmosphere.Three sides of the hall are each fitted with 9 wide and decorative sliding doors. The exterior wall of the Prayer Hall is of reinforced concrete and finished with Italian marble in cream colour. The gallery in the prayer hall is adorned with aluminium grill, designed with Sarasin pattern which is similar to those in the Taj Mahal Mausoleum and the Fatehphur Sikri Mosque in India.
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MIHRAB The mihrab is located inside the prayer hall. The mihrab is a niche indicating the direction of Makkah in which Kaabah is located. The niche is located on the wall and is framed with blue mosaic tiles and printed with sacred verses from the AlQuran. It is heavily decorated with patterns which reflects as an adaptation of the Middle Eastern design.
Figure 6.4 The mihrab inside the prayer hall
MIMBAR The mimbar is a pulpit where the Khatib, the Muslim spiritual leader, delivers his sermon to the worshippers during a religious gathering. It is located in the prayer hall, right next to the mihrab. It is an intricately carved cantilevered timber structure.
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Figure 6.5 The mimbar located on the right side of the mihrab
VERANDA The veranda surrounds the Prayer Hall. It acts as a walkway connecting all other spaces in the National Mosque. The veranda consist of concrete pillars arranged uniformly and is covered with concrete roof shaped in inverted pyramids. The veranda allows a large amount of daylight to penetrate in the building.
Figure 6.6 A walkway leading to other areas in the mosque
STAIRCASES The type of staircases found in National Mosque are straight staircase. They are built to be wide in order to allow for the huge flow of human circulation especially on Friday, where a lot of worshippers come to pray.
Figure 6.7 A staircase leading to the second floor
Diagram 6.7.1 A straight staircase
Diagram 6.7.2
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SERAMBI
Figure 6.8 The serambi located across the prayer hall
The serambi is located opposite to the main entrance of the prayer hall. It has 48 white pillars supporting the building, those pillars represents a forest of coconut trees. Where back in the olden days, fisherman used to pray under a coconut tree for shades. The gaps between each concrete parasols allows light to penetrate through the building.
Diagram 6.8.2 a forest of coconut trees
Diagram 6.8.1 Showing where the serambi is located
46 Diagram 6.8.3
MAUSOLEUM
Figure 6.9.1 interior of the mausoleum
The Mausoleum located at the west end of the mosque is the area where a circular cemetery is built. These tombs belong to the former Prime Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Malaysia. The Mausoleum is designed to look like a lotus flower surrounded by a circular pond.The roof has a shape of a 7 pointed star which touches the ground and also acts as a wall. The 7 pointed star represent our 7 soldiers that sacrifice for the country. The white roof surfaces and marble flooring creates an atmosphere of purity and solemnity. Figure 6.9.2
Diagram 6.9.1 The 7 soldiers
Diagram 6.9.2 7 pointed star
Diagram 6.9.3 The roof shape of mausoleum
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Figure 6.10.1 geometric screen wall
Figure 6.10.2 exterior facade of the mosque
FENESTRATION he National Mosque has a geometric shape of screen walls which can be found in almost all sides of the buildings. The screening allows huge amount of light to penetrate into the building as well as allowing wind to pass through, providing ventilation.
Diagram 6.10.1
Allows an adequate amount of sunlight to penetrate through the building
Diagram 6.10.2
Winds are able to blow through the building, providing a good air ventilation
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7.0 CONCLUSION The National Mosque is considered to be one of Malaysia’s symbolic modern architecture. The architecture embodies the spirit and inspiration of national and multi-racial society that reflects the universal values of humanity. The design of Masjid Negara is unique compared to other Mosques, it shows the architect’s intention to use local and modern languages of architecture to convey his message. Using the form of parasol to signify the unity of people in Malaysia which comes from different races and religions and the use of reinforced concrete throughout the structure of the building signifies a bold and modern approach to a newly independence Malaysia. The National Mosque portrays as a masterpiece in today’s modern architecture as it shows a mix of modern elements combined with Islamic patterns
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8.0 References List 1) Hussain, L. Y. (2015). Masjid Negara, The National Mosque. MASSA Monographs. Masjid Negara. 2) Kien, L. C. (2007). Building Merdeka: Independence Architecture in Kuala Lumpur 1957 _ 1966. 3) Rasdi, m. T. (2003). Crisis in Islamic Architecture. The Kalam paper. 4) Chan, C. Y. (2009). Post- Merdeka Architecture: Malaysia 1957- 1987. Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia, 1987. 5) D.K.Ching. (2014). Building construction illustrated. Wiley. 6) Frampton, K. (2007). A critical history of modern architecture. Thames & hudson. 7) Kalam, M. (2003). Traditional Muslim Architecture . 8) Chen, V.F. (1998). The Encyclopedia of Malaysia: Architecture. Singapore: Archipelago Press 9) Malaysia architecture: Crisis within. (2005).Kuala Lumpur: Utusan Publications & Distributors. 10) Yeang, K. (1992). The Architecture of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Pepin Press. 11) Petruccioli, Attilo, and Khalil K. Pirani.(2003) Understanding Islamic Architecture, Taylor and Francis. 12) Colquhoun, Alan. (2002). Modern Architecture, Oxford University Press, 2002. 13) Ismail,S. (2008, September). The influence of Islamic Political Ideology on the Design of Stata Mosque in West Malaysia (1957-2003). Retrieved from http://eprints.qut.edu.au/19371/1/AliceIsmailThesis.pdf 14) Lim, J. Y. (n.d.). The traditional Malay house. Retrieved from http://unossc1.undp.org?GSSBAcademy/SIE/Doc/Vol4/Malayhouse.pdf 15) Masjid Negara( National Mosque) – Islamic Tourism Centre of Malaysia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.itc.gov.my/masjid-negara-national-mosque/ 16) National Mosque of Malaysia. (2017). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Mosque_of_Malaysia
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The End
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