The design of the
Msheireb Mosque fuses Modernist ideas with an historically familiar
arrangement of Islamic volumes, spaces and thresholds. The scheme uses local
stone, craft techniques and interpretive details. The concept has evolved from
the traditional Qatari mosque and follows the principles of simplicity,
functionality and spirituality, combined with a modern interpretation of
materiality and order. A key challenge of the design was ensuring that the
entrances to the Mosque and the interior spaces once inside, were able to be
accessed separately by men and women, in accordance with Islamic customs.

The project’s
scope of work consist of a mosque located in Msheireb Downtown, Doha, the newly
unveiled mosque, and house dedicated prayer halls for both men and women. It
also has a dedicated parking area and lifts from the basement. Msheireb mosque
incorporates a specifically tailored daylight and sunlight design, to create
dynamic sun patches inspired by Qatari motifs within the main hall during
prayer hours, and needs no artificial lighting during daylight hours. Embracing
key principles of Islamic art, geometric patterns and designs.

Abdulla
Hassan Al Mehshadi, CEO, Msheireb Properties, said, “The mosque is a major
milestone in this new, dynamic area. “Our aim was to develop a sanctuary for
worshippers that embrace the key principles of Islamic art and architecture. “In
line with our commitment to preserve Qatar’s heritage and religious traditions,
it will offer worshippers a comfortable and calm environment to pray. “We look
forward to giving the community an opportunity to experience the new mosque.”

Close to the original Doha
coastline, the area, and its immediate surroundings have always been the anchor
of religious and political power serving the local population. We have sought a
fusion of highly elegant Modernism with a historically familiar arrangement of
volumes, spaces, and thresholds whose strong sense of presence is made even
more resonant by the use of specifically Qatari materials and architectural
details. We have rejected pastiche. Our design concept is about a meeting of
architectural cultures in which contemporary design is inflected with resonant
marks of locality, and deeper Islamic history. The perfect cube building
consists of white stone. Metal Islamic patterned gates enclose the entrance
pavilion and support spaces including accommodation for the Imam. Within the
prayer hall a perforated, patterned roof allows dappled natural light to enter
the prayer hall providing a contemplative space for prayer. A colonnade of
stone wraps the courtyard on both sides, framing a perfect courtyard square. In
its centre, a pond gives a sense of calmness and contemplation before the
entrance to the Prayer Hall. Design Approach The form and configuration of the
building is based on that of traditional Qatari mosques, which have for
centuries used orientation, shading, natural ventilation and water to create
comfortable environments for prayer. The design reflects the key principles of
Islamic.