DFC Mosque & Cultural Center

We have approached the design of the DFC Mosque by way of responding to contextual variables. The approach allows the program-rich building to sit comfortably on site while serving the purpose of being both iconic as well as welcoming. For one, the pedestrian access and approach for worshipers and visitors alike have been thoroughly investigated and treated as a natural continuation of the cityscape.

The proposed mosque acts as a beacon to city, an icon of the region which sensitively responds to its immediate and wider context. The mosque complex situates itself within the plot boundry but creating an open public space. The prrayer hall itself is oreintated towards the Qibla. To the north, pedestrians from Festival City are welcomed by the building and encouraged to move through it as they navigate to the prayer halls and Visitor Centre. The south, also replicates this experience by opening itself up to street-level access by provision of an engaging architectural program. The initial response to the site lead to fragmentation of the mosque complex into a series of buildings. A welcoming approach leads worshipers into the mosque, and visitors into the courtyard as well as welcome center. 
 
The hierarchy is such that all are welcome, and attention is paid to passive cooling over running water and framed courtyards that reveal themselves as entrances into the (female) prayer hall. Selective use of natural materials as well as intelligent orientation renders this mosque unique and iconic in its function. The hierarchy is such that all are welcome, and attention is paid to passive cooling over running water and framed courtyards that reveal themselves as entrances into the (female) prayer hall. Selective use of natural materials as well as intelligent orientation renders this mosque unique and iconic in its function.