The 950 square yards site for the mosque is located in the densely residential fabric of Dariyapur Pole in the walled city of Ahmedabad. This project aims to integrate the urban context of the pole area and the public nature of this religious structure.

   The final design evolved around a series of studies relating to a small mosque located within a similar fabric. The design intends to balance the need for well-lighted and ventilated large prayer halls, in order to accommodate approximately 2700 people, well-defined movement area and public spaces. The layout is designed around two central themes: the central prayer hall (square grid layout in cardinal directions) and the peripheral wall (tapering with height) that encompasses the grid. The plan establishes a strong physical and visual link with the surrounding streets. The design of the prayer hall emphasizesThe shape and nature of the open terraces overlooking the streets of three sides. The wall, that is the basic architectural element in Islam, is used as a bold and essential urban gesture in the context. The prominence of this religious structure and its functions within the dense fabric is heightened by the powerful design of tapering masonry masses and walls along the external facades of the mosque. Another key aspect of Islamic architecture, that is centrality, has also been addressed by the use of a central open-to-sky court through which light penetrates deep inside the design.

   In the interpretation of a mosque, we developed a programme of large halls at different levels, a central cut-out reminiscent of the courtyard and major towering elements that emphasize hierarchy in functions. Ventilation and lighting has been provided through full height openings on three sides of the prayer hall. The double-height volume accommodateing the ‘Hauj’ is located towards the rear end of the mosque, and links the main entrance to the rear with a bridge over it. The main entrance, a triple height volume with an overlooking balcony is highlighted by an arch spanning 20 feet across the entrance and a dome above. Service areas like the toilet and the stairs are also ideally located and easily approachable. Rest rooms, kitchen and dormitories have also been accommodated at various floor levels.

   This design of the mosque is simple in style, strong in imagery with excellent response to the context. The design communicates an institutional presence and scale rather than just a religious structure.+