manço architects: conceptual mosque

 
'conceptual mosque' by manco architects
all images courtesy manco architects


istanbul-based firm manco architects has submitted images from their entry into the
'conceptual design competition on mosque architecture', organized by the municipality
of kayseri, turkey. maintaining the principle of a single large volume, the primary component
of a dome was replaced in favor of an alternative iconic form - a slanted cube.

'kaaba', the holiest place of islam towards where all muslims turn during prayer, is symbolized
by a plain cube, illustrating the simplicity and humbleness recommended to muslims.
this starting point of a cubic mass was skewed to result in a rectangular plan for the mosque,
an essential planning principle for the linear order of prayer. the alteration was also influenced
by the bending and prostrating movements of salaat. a sloping prayer area sliced into the podiums
descend towards the kaaba direction.




perspective view from the direction of mecca


the interior sloping treatment extends to the outside, dividing the plot into two courtyards
with different grades. the higher of the two accommodates outdoor friday, eid and funeral prayers
while the lower is sunk 1.5 m under grade and circumscribed by the annex. an ablution area
is located underneath the mosque to enable direct access to the prayer area. the water also aids
in facilitating natural sunlight to enter the mosque, as well as direct cool cross ventilation.



main entrance



interior view



 

schematic diagram



natural daylight and cross ventilation diagram



overall plan



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +2.30



floor plan / level +4.00



section


designboom has received these images from our new 'DIY submissions'  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their
own work for publication.we have already acquired many submissions, so keep on the lookout for more of your projects to be
published in the coming days!