RAD+ar introduces design for bioclimatic community mosque in indonesia

jakarta-based architecture studio RAD+ar introduces the bioclimatic community mosque of pamulang, in indonesia. considering the recent COVID-19 outbreak, along with the high daily visit rates of mosques, the architects aimed to design a place of worship, where people can gather safely, within a healthy, well-ventilated environment. furthermore, the project seeks to perform as more than just a space of faith, taking shape as a community center, a meeting point, and a space of recreation.

all images courtesy of RAD+ar

in the beginning stages of the project, RAD+ar experimented on ideas for a 100% natural stack ventilation system, as well as a 15m breathable wall to envelop the interior space. in the middle of construction, in january 2020, while the coronavirus outbreak happened, RAD+ar chose to replace 95% of the project’s vertical wall elements with a custom made roster comprised of 30.000 bricks. maintaining the interior temperature within 25 to 28 degrees with the minimum wind speed of 1m/s, the design made it possible to create a sheltered ‘outdoor-like’ mosque with a dynamic clay roster facade. 

composed of 30.000 bricks, the mosque is a sculpture and a benchmark of passive design in religious architecture

although the RAD+ar team followed a mainly volumetric approach in the making of the façade, the specific characteristics of the region were also taken into account. located in the middle of an area with harsh sunlight and high humidity, the mosque was formed to be very low maintenance and self-sufficient. bioclimatic design was an obvious choice to adopt, in order to optimize the use of available solar energy and achieve ample cross-ventilation, through a detailed technique. the perforated facade uses clay as its main material, helping maintain a fresh, healthy environment with ideal temperature conditions.

the design replaces the iconic islamic dome with an active green roof plate in order to reduce the enormous urban heat island contributed to the surrounding environment. in this way, the project redefines islamic spaces within a postmodern context, meeting needs based on accustomed necessity. with a capacity to accommodate approximately 1,000 people, the mosque is designed to blend with nature and local culture, bringing order and harmony to the community.

the project escapes conventional cultural rules of mosque design, formed based on functionality and aesthetics

floating volumetric effect

the directional form accentuates movement and the qibla

the mosque serves as a community center

a solemn platform within an assertive form – the internal lighting will create a lantern effect when observed through the exterior facade

the breathable facade maintains full privacy for the visitors

serenity in simplicity, a dialogue between soul and space – users are left to be in silence and emptiness

the custom brick roster facade offers privacy while ensuring 100% natural ventilation – bricks have a low time thermal lag that ensures the facade won’t release heat in the night time

project info:

name: bioclimatic community mosque of pamulang
architecture office: RAD+ar 
lead architects: antonius richard, partogi pandiangan
location: pamulang, banten, indonesia

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom