Accessibility and spatial integration evaluation of masjid in Saudi Arabia using space syntax

Abstract

Besides its religious role, the masjid has also played a significant role in Muslim society's social and economic life. That is, Masjids act like a community center surrounded by public spaces and functions. Therefore, the movement around and inside a masjid was and still vital. Due to the recent changes caused by the pandemic COVID-19 conditions, the safety precautions significantly impact our life pattern. Knowing this fact, one may question the compatibility of a Masjid as a building during the safety precautions in terms of circulation, proportions of major spaces, spatial arrangements, and utilization of entrances. This study presents existing case studies findings by evaluating the accessibility and spatial integration of two central masjids located in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using Space Syntax. Space evaluation will be conducted in two typical scenarios: before and after COVID-19. This study considers the pre-COVID-19 scenario with a maximum occupancy of the physical space as opposed to the active-COVID-19 scenario of lower occupancy. Any physical space can be represented as a matrix of connected relationships leading to a matrix of mathematical properties that can be analyzed using computer simulations. It was noted that the existence of a masjid Sahan (court) played a significant role in tying up the Masjid internally (within its function) and externally (within its context) before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.