ALWASILA MOSQUE

Concept Design (2021)

A young man, inspired by the historic mosques of Old Cairo, particularly the Sultan Hassan Mosque, aspires to build a landmark mosque in the newly developed desert city of October Gardens City. This focal point mosque aims to serve not only as a place of worship but also as a community hub. However, the limited land area presents a challenge. The design must creatively address this by potentially incorporating a semi-outdoor space for prayer, along with natural ventilation strategies. Architectural elements will guide worshippers through their spiritual journey, while a multi-layered circulation system caters to separate needs of men, women, religious leaders, and service areas. Furthermore, the design will include a welcoming plaza to foster community connections and consider the specific needs of women, including mothers and children. Finally, the call to prayer (azan) will be visually linked to the sun's movement throughout the day.