Modular mobile Mosque (3M) prototype as socio-cultural incubator

Abstract

This study explores an under researched part of contemporary Islamic architecture. It presents a new approach to design Mosques allowing a multi-facetted space that brings people together to enable prayer, unity, community collaboration, innovation and social connections. It may serve any groups giving particular attention to people impacted from environmental disasters, displaced from wars, and other unforeseen events. The Mosque becomes a place of worship, of hope, in transition as people reflect from the world around them. The method employed for this study is ‘research through design’, which is a process of design that allows new insights, knowledge, practices and final product to come into being. The proposed 3M (Modular Mobile Mosque) prototype design is a simple rectangle with a small-subdivided courtyard spaces. It is inspired by the Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) Mosque in AlMadinah that allows for multiple spatial variations. Customized modular container like units are placed together like a puzzle. It is a self-sustaining entity that employs every element with a sustainable function such as a solar minaret uses solar panels for energy and an inverse tent structure collects rainwater. Moreover, local attributes are assimilated into the design as needed to reflect regional identity and foster social relationships and community bonds. This research contributes to knowledge by advancing the current state of Mosque designs for various relief areas and stands as a prospective model for universal applications to elevate the quality of places of worship where they need it most.