Concept:
Praying namaaz five times a day is one of the important tenets of Islam. The design of Masjid-e-Haji Abdur Rauf at Malegaon, Maharashtra, by NBZ Architectural Consultants, intends to reinforce this vital tenet to take believers from tangible to intangible state of mind by the serene quality of spaces both inside and outside. The mosque seeks to fulfil the traditional role as a place of spirituality and also to become an occasion for the congregation. Conceptually and spatially the theme of light as a physical component and a spiritual element is integrated in the design.
Design:
The design incorporates essential elements of a masjid to create a new form and articulation for a typology that goes back a millennium and a half. The result is a series of cuboids of different sizes paired to create a monolithic composition externally accentuated by a minar to form a well-balanced skyline and varying volumes internally with changing functions. Emphasis on indirect natural light through south-west and north-west corners of the west wall and a diffused light from the dome in the main prayer hall create an ethereal sense of candour.
The journey for the devout to offer prayers from the muezzin’s call to obligation is made transcendental by the simplicity of the structure finished in exposed brickwork laid to follow fine lines with precise junctions reflecting the spirituality of the form. The provision of an indirect light source through the morphology of the structure is maintained to create serenity in the space and enhance the process of offering prayers. Intensely worked-out roof-light detail above the main prayer hall further integrates with the pious offering of “namaaz”.
Planning and construction :
The plan follows the axis defined by the direction of “qibla, with reference to the location of kaaba” integrating the main prayer hall and the secondary prayer area (sehan) with open-to-sky semi-circular water body and plantation court flanked by areas for ablution and related facilities.
The Masjid is characterized by a complex plan which is aligned to minor roads on the north and south and aligned to the qibla direction on the west where the major road lies. The skew thus created between street directions and that of qibla is used to house ablution facilities, offices and stores on the north-east and south-east sides.
Entrances to the masjid from the north and south sides create a movement axis that does not disturb the main prayer hall even with a large attendance of people. The north side entrance connects to a stair which leads to the prayer hall on the mezzanine floor with separate ablution facilities. This upper-level prayer hall is reserved for women whenever required. The south-east side of the mezzanine floor is for the use of the imam of the masjid and visitors.
The design of the structure addresses the harsh climate of Malegaon which is hot-dry summers and cold dry winters. The main envelope of the structure is wrapped in double-skin masonry cavity walls and hollow clay block insulation for the roof. Controlled openings and the use of indirect light from the façade as well as the roof provide the human comfort level desired in such a climate.
Conclusion:
The design of the masjid is an attempt to create one more vocabulary in the development of “masjid design” simple in form but vibrant in character, reflecting the ethos of the 21st century. It makes a definitive architectural statement in a different direction, pointing to the contemporary, to a desire to live in spaces that reflect the universal values of the present day.
Gallery:
Drawings:
Project Details:
Name: Masjid_e_haji Abdur Rauf
Location: Malegaon, Maharashtra, India
Typology: Religious Architecture – Mosque
Status: Built (2016)
Built-up: 900 sq. m.
Designed by: NBZ Architectural Consultants
Photographs: Ashfaq Aboojiwala and Hasnain Zafar, courtesy NBZ Architectural Consultants
