Al-Masayel, KuwaitThe Mamluki Lancet Mosque (Adlah Mohammed Albahar) in Al-Masayel, Kuwait, seamlessly blends classical Egyptian Mamluki architecture with contemporary design, yielding a spiritual haven within a residential enclave. Anchored by the Moqarnas principle and the symbolism of the Islamic Star, the mosque unfolds as a sequence of five masses. The Qibla-oriented lower mass embodies faith's foundation, while the upper mass, aligned with the site, bridges the mosque's connection to its surroundings. Three intervening masses converge to form an open interior, enabling unobstructed prayer alignment.
Externally, the mosque features five rotating masses that span the gap between Qibla-oriented and site-aligned elements. Cascading squares ascend towards a central half dome, adorned with lancet arch cutouts reminiscent of classical Mamluki architecture. An additional mass tactfully completes the Islamic Star, enhancing visibility from above and signifying alternate entrances.
The entrance stands as an elegant prelude, a grand wooden door serves as the main threshold and its form echoes the mosque's half dome. Adjacent smaller half domes illuminate part of the interior, particularly the women's quarters, echoing the mosque's unity-centered design.
The mosque's material palette reinterprets Mamluki era elements with modern subtlety. Gray stone cladding and white clay plastering, paired with muted grays, whites, and delicate brass accents. Ornate detailing, engraved Quranic calligraphy, and handcrafted metalwork adorn the interior and exterior, seamlessly intertwining past and present.
Inside, stone-clad lower masses represent stability, while upper masses in pristine white evoke lightness. Thuluth-style Quranic inscriptions in modern relief adorn walls, harmoniously illuminated by natural light seeping through the light-wells of the rotating masses.
The mosque's adaptable spatial design discreetly segregates prayer halls, with a sliding partition expanding the women's area during Ramadan, fostering inclusivity while preserving unity.
The Mamluki Lancet Mosque harmoniously unites heritage and modernity, offering worshippers and the community an inviting, spiritually enriching sanctuary.
The Mamluki Lancet Mosque
Babnimnim Design Studio
Bronze
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Benoit FlorençonPhotographer at Benoit Florençon
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Jason ImmarajuCreative Director at NVE Experience Agency
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Location
Designer
Client
Adlah Mohammed Abdulrahman AlBahar
Floor area
1160 ㎡
Completion
2023
Social Media
Lighting
