Aman Mosque

Text description provided by the architects. Bengal, a warm, moist delta, complex in nature is home to multiple cultures and religions. Over the course of time, people from different cultural and religious backgrounds along with their unique philosophies, beliefs and techniques came to survive on this earth and merged with the existing culture and people resulting in a rich and diverse culture. Climate is also very complex and unique ​​ of its kind due to its geographical location. Both of these factors may significantly govern the structure of this region. The adaptation of new ideas and technologies was also unique.

People adapted new ideologies, technologies, cultures, and rituals and blended them with existing ones. They accepted new forms but changed their characters. Its climate makes them behave like this nature. Controlled daylighting and provision of cross ventilation are two very important factors guiding space planning and form characteristics. The semi-exterior peripheral spaces ensure that daylight is diffused into the interior spaces which reduces glare from the sun and also provides scope for large openings in the façades enabling air to pass through the interior spaces. These are the primary factors, along with the influence of culture and heritage indicative of the architecture of this region.

Mosque - a sacred place for daily prayer, carrying in itself distinct characteristics and identity. The place is serene and spiritual, a space where the individual approaches the divine entity, in a form that has its own identity and transcendence. The process of designing the mosque started with the idea of embodying spirituality by creating a calm and serene environment. A pure form is chosen as the main block in order to adhere to simplicity and uniqueness, and at the same time try to explore beyond the boundaries that come with it.

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The single geometric shape depicts the intention to be pure in design approach and formal expression. One volume of space created by the model accommodates the prayer hall, which is significant in its size and character. This massive form is structurally supported by two intersecting arches that helped create the intended single volume of space without interrupting the continuity of space. The cross formation creates the impression of an invisible dome over the prayer hall, symbolizing mosque architecture.

The facades of the built form are solid, homogeneous, and strong that reduce the noise of the surrounding industries as well as the glare of the sun. Ornate triangular openings in the facades allow sunlight to penetrate inside with more mysticism that makes the whole place more spiritual and sublime. This triangular pattern is a repeat of the traditional façade in detail in a simpler but significant form.

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The building block is surrounded by a circular semi-outdoor space. This space open to the sky is the source of light and air within the main hall. The lower part of the building block is transparent, connecting the interior with the perimeter. Operable glass doors allow air to pass through the interior keeping the space cool and calm. The circular semi-outdoor space is surrounded by a high wall to block out the nuances of the noisy outdoors of heavy industry. The landscaping around the semi-exterior area is gradually sloped so as to blend the building mass with its surroundings. This elevated landscape creates the essence of a sunken courtyard where the building mass is located. The courtyard helps maintain a calm and peaceful environment within the hustle and bustle of industrial buildings. In general, the built form gives a new image or develops a new language for the mosque, which is more transformative, simple yet unique and bold but at the same time blends in with the surrounding environment.