Excerpt: Zebun Nessa Mosque by Studio Morphogenesis Ltd. is an innovative architecture project that connects water and land to create a spiritual and breathing space within an industrial compound. The mosque, reminiscent of vernacular structures built on Bhiti (mound), features a simple yet effective design with a monolithic mass on a high plinth. Its plan evolves from geometric shapes, creating four enclosed gardens and light courts on each side.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] A monolithic pink concrete mosque finds its location at the edge of an existing waterbody amidst a fast-growing industrial area at the outskirts of Dhaka City. The mosque is designed as a permeable pavilion that establishes a deeper connection between water and land which serves as both spiritual and breathing space within an industrial compound. The owner of the industrial compound wanted to build a mosque for the workers to commemorate the memory of his late mother in the hope of inducing softness within harsh industrial areas. This narrative transforms the mosque into a spiritual-social space enhancing mutual care and trust between owner and the workers.
Amid a congested industrial compound, this mosque incorporates elements that allow for natural light and ventilation, creating a “breathing pavilion”. The mosque features a simple yet effective design, with a monolithic mass situated on a high plinth, reminiscent of the vernacular structures built on Bhiti (mound). The plan of the mosque evolves from very simple geometric shapes, with a square surrounding a circular volume to create four enclosed gardens that serve as light courts on each side. The outer square volume melts into subtle curves in the east and west directions to interact with the site forces. The north-east hanging corner of the curved wall defines the main entry, facing the node of the two main internal roads of the industrial compound. The thick concrete walls are perforated with small rectangular voids. Filtered light seeping through voids resembles hanging lanterns of old mosques.
A shallow thin shell dome levitates over the perforated curve walls, elevating the singular interiority of the prayer hall. The floating dome evokes the structural ingenuity of covering large space without intermediate supports manifested through chronological development of mosque architecture in the Islamic world.
Unlike solid qibla walls in conventional mosques the qibla of this mosque is defined by a wide arched opening on the subtle curved western wall. A reflective waterbody connects the turquoise mosaiced interior through the arched opening to the existing pond, allowing the prayer space to flow seamlessly towards a light-filled infinity. The mosque is devoid of any glass surface except for the translucent glass mihrab which is placed on the shallow water body. The glass mihrab is uniquely handcrafted on site using local glass pieces.
The south-east courtyard of the mosque holds a perforated metal stair connecting to the crescent shaped upper floor preserved for the women workers of the industrial complex. The space is used both as a meeting space and prayer space for the women. A carefully chosen ‘Chhatim’ tree is planted near the stair to make the space filled with fragrance at the time of full bloom. Participating in the mosque activities caters a sense of empowerment and belongingness within the female workers of the industry.
The ablution area is designed to induce a sense of spirituality during the act of purification before performing the prayer. The pink mosaic floor becomes turquoise near the ‘wudu’ area representing tranquility. The turquoise and pink mosaic with carefully laid broken brick pieces reflects the mastery of age-old craftsmanship where the use of these colors connects with the collective memories of the users.
Mono-materiality is expressed through the exposed pigmented concrete structure. The warm hue of the rusted pink concrete form has a cooler turquoise hued mosaic floor. The interior atmosphere remains cooler than exterior temperature as gentle breeze passes through double layered perforated walls, shallow water body, shaded light courts and gardens adorned with fragrant flowering plants. The mosque takes the form of a pavilion for a deltaic landscape that transcends the devotees towards infinite spirituality.
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