102 quarter-spherical concrete domes adorn punchbowl mosque by candalepas associates

A new
architectural western
sydney landmark, the punchbowl mosque by
australian firm candalepas associates reinterprets traditional islamic
architecture elements through a contemporary, unassuming and, at times,
brutalist lense. built for the australian islamic mission (AIM), the
mosque incorporates a sculptural concrete ceiling of 102 quarter-spherical
‘muqarnas’, a reference to traditional ornamental vaulting.
candalepas associates has developed a complex of buildings for
the punchbowl mosque, including learning and religious worship facilities for
the local muslim community. constructed during phase one, the mosque
itself can be accessed through the first of the two courtyards of the development
and can accommodate approximately 300 worshipers. upon entrance, men and women
separate, with male worshipers moving to the main prayer hall through the
compressed entry awning and the triangular form of the male ablutions area.
women move to the opposite direction, under the minaret and into the female
ablutions area, ending up at the prayer galleries on level one and two of the
mosques, which extend under the timber dome and oculus into the main prayer
space below.
each of the 102 concrete ‘muqarnas’ of the mosque’s
sculptural ceiling is pierced with a 30mm diameter hole at its center,
illuminating the main prayer space with rays of natural light. devoid of
any ornamentation or colors, the building combines splayed off-form concrete,
with wood and stone details.

community
buildings of the punchbowl mosque are arranged around a quadrangle that creates
two adjoining but separate courtyards. the first is a more public space,
accessed directly from the street and leading towards the mosque. the second
courtyard, surrounded by the administration building and classrooms, is more
private, but can be opened up to the mosque to host large religious festivals
and events.