How can architecture reflect the purity of faith and the warmth of community?
SEDRA MOSQUE IN RIYADH
#architecture, #re-use, #urbanplanning, #ksa
Information
SEDRA MOSQUE IN RIYADH
Placing a building within a nature inherently divides the environment into interior and exterior, above and below, left and right. However, in Saudi culture, social life is not confined to the inside or outside of buildings but unfolds in the interstitial spaces—the rich in-between zones.
For example, traditional marketplaces consist of simple, shaded passageways formed by fabric stretched over a few wooden posts in front of shops, creating an intermediate space where interactions occur. Similarly, mosques are designed not only for indoor worship but also for communal gatherings in external prayer areas, emphasizing the blurred boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
Our holistic design approach that embraces these transitional spaces weaves together spirituality, symbolism, and functionality, creating a mosque that serves not only as a place of worship but also as a space for community and contemplation, embodying the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Saudi Arabia.
Client
ROSHN
Location
Riyadh, KSA
Size
650 sqm
Program
Masterplan, Urban Design, Commerical District, Mosque, Education, Neighborhood Park
Status
In Progress
Collaborators
Sacit Arda KARAATLI
Lebriz ATAN KARAATLI
Ömer AKMAN
Ecem TORUN
Ehab Al Amri (Urban Planner)
Abdarrouf Alamri
Saif Diab
Being In-Between, Inside and Outside
The design draws inspiration from key elements of Saudi and Islamic architectural traditions, focusing on the concept of being in-between—neither fully inside nor entirely outside.
Drawing from the external gathering spaces of mosques, such as the sahn (courtyard) and last prayer area, where worship and community life extend beyond the mosque’s interior, our design reinforces the importance of open-air communal spaces.
The design incorporates an arcade and a courtyard to provide generous gathering spaces, fostering community interaction both inside and outside the building.
Our design focuses on creating a tefekkur (contemplation) space where visitors transition from the material world into a realm of spirituality.
At the heart of the mosque is a courtyard framed by an arcade, forming a semi-open, colonnaded space. Visitors must pass through this arcade as they approach the mosque from the plaza, symbolically leaving behind the material world and stepping into a space of reflection and serenity. The sky above and the mosque ahead guide this contemplative journey, evoking a profound sense of spiritual awareness.
Instead of a singular, enclosed building, the mosque embraces an integrated design that flows seamlessly with its outdoor surroundings, reflecting its role as a communal gathering space. The courtyard typology, present since the earliest days of Islam, remains a key element of mosque architecture. It enhances the spiritual experience while providing a public space for communal events, such as Eid celebrations and funeral prayers, reinforcing the mosque’s function as a central social hub for the neighborhood.
The courtyard also includes a minaret and a library. Although not part of the original program, the library was added as a quiet space for reading and reflection, enriching the mosque’s serene atmosphere.
The women’s entrance is situated on the lower level, with a dedicated stairway leading to the mezzanine prayer area. This ensures privacy while maintaining a peaceful and inclusive worship environment.
A Journey from Material to Divine
The experience is shaped by a series of carefully designed spatial sequences:
A. A TRESHOLD BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WORLDS
Visitors pass through an arcade that serves as a symbolic threshold, marking the transition from the outer world to a space of reflection and serenity.
B. AN OPEN AIR TEFEKKUR SPACE, A GATHERING AREA FOR THE COMMUNITY
The courtyard provides a serene, open-air space for contemplation and serves as a communal gathering area for events such as celebrations and prayers.
C. LAST PRAYER HALL
A semi-open area where congregants can perform their prayers without entering the mosque, reinforcing the connection between the mosque and its outdoor surroundings.
D. MOSQUE A PLACE TO BE PEACEFUL
The interior of the mosque is designed to foster a sense of peace and humility, with simple yet profound architectural elements that emphasize light and space.
E. QIBLE WALL WHERE SUN LIGHT WASHES DOWN THE WALL
The qibla wall is intentionally designed to allow sunlight to wash over its surface, symbolizing purity and divine guidance, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the prayer space.
Mosques are very much a part of daily life in Saudi Arabia
Materialization and Numerology
The mosque is clad in white marble—a material chosen to symbolize divine purity, reflecting the principle that a place of worship must remain immaculately clean.
The interior of the mosque is further enriched by the use of timber, a material chosen for its warmth, texture, and connection to nature. The timber complements the purity of the white marble, offering a grounding contrast while maintaining the serene atmosphere of the space. The wooden elements evoke a sense of harmony with the natural world, reminding visitors of Allah’s creation.
The mosque’s four façades form a crescent shape in plan, composed of 99 triangular-cut marble blocks. The crescent represents Islam, while the number 99 symbolizes the Asma-ul-Husna—the 99 names of Allah. The four façades, oriented toward the cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west—symbolize Allah’s sovereignty over all realms.
This holistic design approach weaves together spirituality, symbolism, and functionality, creating a mosque that serves not only as a place of worship but also as a space for community and contemplation, embodying the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Saudi Arabia.
The interior features a multi-column layout, a typology seen across many cultures and regions. This arrangement creates a rhythm that fosters a sense of continuity and connection, ensuring the space feels alive and welcoming, even when not fully occupied. The presence of the columns subtly conveys the feeling that the house of Allah is never empty, instilling a sense of belonging and sacred presence.
Upon entering the mosque, visitors are greeted by an interior defined solely by nature and light. There is no additional ornamentation—only streams of daylight filtering in, serving as the mosque’s sole adornment, reinforcing the purity and simplicity of worship.
Architecture of Light, Peace, and Harmony
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