Focus: Meaning, symbols , from, functional aspects, relations with people and the city , changing perceptions
Research paper Title
Contemporary Lighting Techniques for Symbolic Expression in Mosque Architecture
Personal Biography
Nader Mohamed Ghareeb Mohamed holds a PhD in Sustainable Environmental Architecture (2010) from the Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University. His thesis was titled "Sustainable Environmental Architecture: Application of Life Cycle Assessment to Siwan Housing". He is the Head of the Department of Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport - Port Said Branch since September 2015 to present. He was honored to work for 7 years as an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia. From December 2003 to March 2005, he served as the Executive Director of the Forum for the Preservation of Archaeological and Architectural Heritage in Alexandria, Rashid, and Siwa governorates, affiliated with the Friends of the Environment Association and funded by the U.S. Government's Center for Non-Governmental Organization Services. He was a member of the Architectural Heritage Documentation Committee in Alexandria Governorate, affiliated with the Urban Coordination Agency in 2007. He participated in numerous local and international conferences with research related to Egyptian urbanism and contributed several publications, including a booklet titled "Archaeological Heritage as an Approach to Sustainable Development in Rashid City" in 2004. He has won first place in several international competitions in the field of architectural design.
Paper Abstract
Light plays a vital role in the design of mosque architecture. Since the inception of the mosque, light has been used to place humans in the presence of God, where natural light represents a tangible element to achieve the meaning of connection that describes the concept of prayer. The use of natural light has always been a catalyst for simplicity in form, which is one of the main principles of design. The daily and seasonal changes in light lead to significant visual diversity in the formative features of the mosque, thus affecting the recipient and resulting in physical and moral reactions. This study sheds light on the pattern of mosque building units and the importance of natural light and its symbolism in mosque design. It focuses on identifying contemporary methods of employing natural light and using solar light tubes and optical fibers to provide natural lighting to areas that were difficult to reach within prayer spaces in the mosque through traditional openings, and contributes to concentrating light on a specific element in the interior space to convey a moral value. Through analyzing different examples of mosques and explaining how light contributes to simplifying the formation of interior space, the research reveals innovative approaches to mosque illumination.
Focusing the light beam on something while darkening the rest of the visual scene elements in the mosque's interior space highlights the formative and thus moral value. Using dim light during prayer contributes to an atmosphere of reverence as a result of not being distracted by details. Allah, glory be to Him, removes the distortion made by humans within the scene with His creative power of context; shadows add dynamism that renews interaction and contemplation for worshippers.
The study explores the role of architectural illumination in mosque design, examining how it affects the spiritual experience of worshippers. It investigates the strategic use of light in facilitating a holistic engagement of body, mind, and spirit within the prayer space. The research analyzes how the daily cycle of natural light, mirroring the prescribed times of prayer, can be harnessed in mosque architecture. By examining the interplay between light and architectural elements, this study elucidates how contemporary mosque design can enhance the spiritual atmosphere, creating a sanctuary that resonates with both celestial movements and human spirituality.
The findings suggest that thoughtful integration of natural and artificial light in mosque design can significantly impact the worshipper's experience. The study demonstrates how innovative lighting techniques can transform traditionally dark areas of mosques, enhancing both functionality and spiritual ambiance. Furthermore, it reveals how focused illumination can guide attention to specific architectural elements, reinforcing symbolic meanings and facilitating a deeper connection to the divine. These insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of light's role in modern mosque architecture, offering valuable perspectives for architects, designers, and religious scholars alike.
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