Assyafaah Mosque, Singapore

Views of the minaret made of modular rusted metal plates in receding layers rising towards the sky, that marks the entrance of the mosque: (left) the minaret at the forecourt against the front facade in aluminium arabesque screens (right) the stainless steel crescent star at the top.

Drawing of the minaret [opens in pop-up window - 32KB image]

The finish of the minaret (which would develop a coat of rust over a period of time) is intended to minimize the need for maintenance as well as allude to a natural colour. The arches are intended to present a raw feel to contrast with the generally stark and well finished interiors.

The column free prayer hall framed by its ribbed and arched fairfaced concrete structure rising from the floor and opening upwards towards the quadruple volume in front of the mihrab wall (on the right).

Drawing of the arched concrete superstructure [opens in pop-up window - 27KB image]

The three-dimensional arches, which serve the purpose of transferring the structural loads of the upper three storeys help provide a column free span in the lower prayer space. At the same time, they serve to guide the eye of the user towards the four-storey high marble clad mihrab wall, bathed in natural light.

Views of the toplit four-storey high volume in front of the marble-clad inclined mihrab wall: (left) when not in use and (right) with prayers in session led by the Imam.

Longitudinal section - along main axis, with the inclined mihrab wall on the right. [opens in pop-up window - 32KB image]

Elevation of the mihrab wall - with recessed central panel. [opens in pop-up window - 12KB image]

The main prayer hall as well as the women's gallery is naturally ventilated. The ground floor is raised above the existing ground level to facilitate better wind flow to the prayer hall which is open on three sides. Even the basement is designed with a 25% natural ventilation that exempts it from mechanical means of ventilation as well a sprinkler system. This results in capital savings as well as reduction in energy usage over the long run.

Transverse section - drawing showing the main prayer hall open on three sides. [opens in pop-up window - 27KB image]

In the words of the architects, "the modern face of the mosque allows its members to 'distance themselves from Islamic terrorism' since modernity is the enemy of fundamentalist Muslims". The modern design invites everyone, including non-Muslims to visit and thereby plays down the boundaries between people of all races and religions.

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