Client: Al-Mabar Aqaba
Location: Aqaba, Jordan
Services Provided: Architectural, Engineering, and Landscape Design & Supervision
Total Built-up Area: 3,803 m²
Construction Cost: US $8,300,000
Starting Date: 2010
Completion Date: 2012
Challenge:
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Aqaba was envisioned as a spiritual and architectural landmark that would capture the essence of Islamic heritage while responding to the contemporary needs of the community. The challenge was to create a design that respected the traditional forms and principles of mosque architecture while ensuring a seamless integration with Aqaba’s urban and environmental context. Additionally, the mosque needed to accommodate a large number of worshippers efficiently, provide spaces for religious learning and communal activities, and incorporate landscape elements that enhance the overall spiritual experience.
Approach:
Designed by Dar Al Omran - Rasem Badran (DAO-Badran), the mosque was conceived as a harmonious interplay of traditional Islamic aesthetics and functional modernity.
The rectangular layout was carefully organized to maximize spatial efficiency, with three levels: a ground floor, a mezzanine, and a basement, ensuring a clear division between prayer areas, service spaces, and residential quarters for the Imam and Mo’athen.
The central courtyard (Sahn), a defining element in classical mosque design, was wrapped by a shaded arcade, reinforcing a sense of openness and serenity. At its heart, a fountain was introduced, symbolizing purity and tranquility, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the space.
The architectural vocabulary was deeply rooted in local tradition, with geometric Islamic patterns, earthy tones, and intricate ornamentation evoking the richness of Islamic cultural heritage.
The main men’s and women’s prayer halls, alongside an extended prayer hall, ablution areas, and a library, were designed to ensure functionality and accessibility, allowing for a seamless worship experience while fostering a sense of learning and community gathering.
The landscape design complemented the architectural composition, integrating gardens and shaded walkways, reinforcing a spiritual retreat within the urban fabric of Aqaba.
Impact:
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands as a timeless representation of Islamic architecture, seamlessly blending cultural authenticity with contemporary needs. Through its carefully orchestrated spatial composition, environmental adaptability, and dedication to craftsmanship, the mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also as a center for knowledge, reflection, and communal engagement. By embracing heritage while embracing modern urban demands, the project ensures that spirituality and architecture coexist in harmony, offering a lasting sanctuary for generations to come.
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