Iconic Mosque
Dubai, 2018—2018

Our interest in the Iconic Mosque lies in an appropriate response to Dubai’s rich culture and extreme environment. Our research in daylight and sunlight in architecture comes from an understanding that form and organisation can be generated by a response to natural systems; these also relate strongly to prayer. An overhead undulating lattice of beams controls and distributes natural and artificial lighting during the day and night, helping to create a sense of passing time and connection to nature. Organised in a simple and logical way, the mosque aligns with the Creek Tower and Linear Park axis but ‘twists’ to face Mecca. This shift in orientation creates a large landscaped plaza on the Creek Tower side that allows for any excess capacity of worshippers required, and the surrounding landscape integrates the mosque in the park environment creating a soothing and contemplative space for worshippers and visitors alike.