Essence of Faith Umzi wokuthandaza (Mosque) by Ahmed Habib

Essence of Faith Umzi wokuthandaza (Mosque) by Ahmed Habib is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweZakhiwo, Isakhiwo kunye neMilo Competition Category.

IbhronziUyilo lweZakhiwo· 2025

Essence of Faith Umzi wokuthandaza (Mosque)

by Ahmed Habib

Client: Mi-Nus

Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award Winner in Uyilo lweZakhiwo Category

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The Design

About Essence of Faith Umzi wokuthandaza (Mosque)

I-Essence of Faith yimosque eyilelwe indawo enomqwebedu wentlabathi eTaif, eSaudi Arabia. Uyilo lumanyanisa iimilo elula neenkcubeko zamasiko obuIslam. Imigca ecocekileyo needawo ezivulekileyo zidala imeko yokuzola, ngeenkanya ezibekwe ngendlela yokungenisa ukukhanya kwendalo ngaphakathi. Iholo eliphambili lokuthandaza likhokelela abakhonzi ngasekwa qibla, kunye neminyango eyahlukeneyo neendawo zokuthandazela amadoda nabasetyhini ngokwahlukeneyo. Iindawo zokuhlambulula, iminaret, igumbi lomfundisi (imam) kunye ne-diwaniya zixhasa imisebenzi yenkolo neyoluntu. Isakhiwo esiphambili sakhiwe ngesamente nesitena, ngokugqibelela ngestucco, umthi, iglasi kunye namatye.

The Recognition

About the Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award

Essence of Faith Umzi wokuthandaza (Mosque) ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo kakhulu okunikwa imiyilo ephawulekayo eyahlukaniswa kukuyila, ubukrelekrele nobukrelekrele. Abaphumeleleyo beBhronzi ziimveliso ezinobuchule obukhulu nezidala ngokumangalisayo ezingqina amava aphangaleleyo, ukucinga nokwazi ukuzenzela kwabayili bazo. Essence of Faith Umzi wokuthandaza (Mosque) iyathenjwa ukuba ibe yimpahla exatyiswa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo enobungcali obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award ubandakanya iindlela ezilungileyo kakhulu kubugcisa, inzululwazi, uyilo kunye nobuchwephesha kwaye ugqwesile ngenxa yokunikela ingqalelo kwiinkcukacha. Essence of Faith Umzi wokuthandaza (Mosque) iyanelisa iimfuno ngokumangalisayo, ichukumisa iinqwenelo, ikhwebela iimvakalelo kwaye itsala umdla.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Essence of Faith Mosque design emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and spiritual focus. The architecture features clean lines and open spaces, fostering a sense of tranquility. The main prayer hall, often adorned with minimal decor, directs worshippers towards the qibla. Natural light floods the space through strategically placed windows, enhancing the serene atmosphere. The use of sustainable materials promotes harmony with the environment, while the overall layout encourages community interaction and reflection, embodying the essence of Islamic values.
Dimensions & Packaging: Plot Area 2250 sqm, Court Area 350 sqm, Built Up Area 885 sqm, Building Height Regulation from Street Level 12 m, Set Backs Regulations 4 m from street side & 2 m from neighbors.
Tags: Architecture, Masjid, Mosque, Design, social, Modern, Landscape, Religion, Saudi
Production Technology: Main Structure: Concrete & Bricks, Main Architectural Finishes: Vintage Stucco, Natural Rustic Wood, Double Glazed Glass, Natural Stone Flooring
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge was balancing traditional Islamic elements with modern minimalism while ensuring functionality and harmony with the environment. Using local, sustainable materials that maintained structural integrity was critical. Managing natural light and acoustics required careful planning to enhance the spiritual experience. Navigating local regulations and budget constraints also shaped the design, ensuring practicality while preserving cultural authenticity.
Research: TYPE, OBJECTIVES & METHODOLOGY 1.Data Collection research, Client needs analysis-Client meetings 2.Cultural research, Project Zoning & Privacy needs, Social Questionnaire 3. Arch. Design Direction research, General mood board, Massing & Materials, Web based research 4. Arch. Technical research, Identify Construction methodology, Subject Matter Experts & Web based Research 5. Environmental research, Natural Ventilation & Sun light, Web based research 6. Landscape research, Hardscape & Softscape design direction-Web based Research.
Inspiration: Inspired by the peaceful beauty of the desert landscape, this minimal multifunctional mosque design harmonizes with its surroundings. The structure features flowing lines & open spaces, inviting natural light to create a warm, peaceful atmosphere. Eco-friendly materials echo the earth tones of the region, while traditional motifs blend seamlessly with modern aesthetics. The design encourages communal gatherings and reflection, embodying a timeless connection between faith, nature & community.
Project Duration: The architecture design process started in Feb 2022 and finished in April 2022, Currently, 8 out of the 25 planned plots in Taif, Saudi Arabia are under construction.
Operation Flow: The mosque is designed for a seamless and intuitive experience, with separate entrances for men and women to ensure privacy and ease of access. The main prayer hall serves as the spiritual core, with distinct prayer areas for men and women. Ablution areas are conveniently placed for preparation. The minaret stands as a spiritual landmark, while the imam’s apartment, diwaniya, and security areas support both religious and community functions, ensuring a harmonious worship environment.