Religious – Abu Dhabi – UAE
Al Dar
4,500 sqm
2012
Yas Mall Mosque: A Contemporary Interpretation of Spiritual Space
Yas Mall Mosque marked one of our earliest explorations into modern massing and contemporary mosque design. Set within a highly modern commercial context, the client’s brief called for a modest yet distinctive place of worship—one that would resonate with the surrounding community while maintaining spiritual purity and clarity.
Our design approach centered on simplicity and symbolism. The prayer space was envisioned as a pure, unobstructed volume—free from internal divisions, anchored by four primary structural pillars that support a dome-like ceiling, evoking the vastness of the sky and a sense of openness beneath it.
All enclosing walls were intentionally left solid and closed, allowing no natural light to enter—except from one carefully composed gesture: the Qibla wall facing Mecca. This wall was vertically fractured, allowing a subtle, indirect shaft of light to penetrate the space. The result is a powerful spiritual moment, where light becomes a symbol of divine presence, guiding worshippers in both orientation and reflection.
The outcome is a mosque that balances modesty with meaning, simplicity with depth—a serene, contemplative space that stands quietly yet confidently within a bustling urban environment. It reflects our continued pursuit of reimagining traditional Islamic architecture through a modern lens, while honoring its core essence.
