State Mosque

The fundamental reference point for the State Mosque is, without doubt, Samarra, an example which RBTA choose as the basic model and source of inspiration. By enhancing this beautiful archetype, the team interpreted the principles governing its construction, updating dimensions, techniques and materials. From the technological standpoint there was nothing preventing the introduction of new forms of expression, which were re-interpreted on the basis of history. The team considered, in addition to this concept, the historical social reality in which it was inscribed.

The architectonic reference adopted here, shows a prayer room which is a great hypostyle hall, this defining a very plane morphology for the building, with a small dome over the mihrab. It is a design in which all the essential elements of life are present: light, earth, water and vegetation.

The alternation of sun and shade in the courtyards and roofed space reaches its pinnacle in the 300-columm hall, illuminated by skylights which emphasize the volumes and define the spaces.

The concept of water as an architectural element is fundamental to the project. The water emerges from the minaret, and flows along a central channel which leads the faithful to the central courtyard. There, the water reappears in the form of a symbolic fountain for ablutions, finally running into a lake which serves as a reservoir, situated behind the mihrab.

The design for the open watering systems of the different gardens forms part of the landscaping treatment. Water, the source of life, is an integral part of the project’s concept.

The earth is symbolized by the forceful volumes of the buildings which, with horizontal lines, cut the sky into squares and rectangles, and by the geometrical layout of the gardens. The earth merges with the sky, symbolized by the round dome.

The vegetation which surrounds the scheme, in the form of rustic parterres and of Arabic gardens, expresses the hierarchical spirit found in the passage from the sacred places towards nature.