'On Weaving,' the winning design of the AlMusalla Prize at the Diriyah Biennale, beautifully integrates historical and present-day architectural elements. Positioned at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, this musalla showcases a modular structure crafted from date palm trees, acknowledging a rich local resource usually deemed waste. Designed by EAST Architecture Studio and artist Rayyane Tabet, the musalla features woven-like elements and a central courtyard that fosters communal engagement. The project emphasizes light, materiality, and a profound connection to the surrounding desert landscape while serving as a sustainable structure for prayer and reflection.
The design of the modular musalla offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional Islamic prayer architecture, blending historic and modern influences through innovative use of materials.
By incorporating date palm trees, a staple resource in Saudi Arabia, the musalla exemplifies sustainable building practices, transforming a commonly overlooked material into a structural highlight.
The musalla not only serves as a space for prayer but also as a cultural bridge, reconnecting the community with its Islamic heritage through architectural form.
Designed for reflection and community, the open courtyard promotes social interactions while the intricately woven prayer spaces offer personal, meditative areas.
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