Texto aclaratorio

`Enclosed space, defined by walls, arcades and moulds is the most important element of Islamic architecture` (Yaqub Zaki)

An open welcoming place
Open to all cardinal directions, the building and its internal arrangement of spaces aim to welcome and host people. It is configured as an all day municipal institution for public, religious, educational and social facilities. The chosen radial liturgy adopts the equipoise of traditional Islamic architecture. Several passageways lead into and through the building. Informal communication and exchange of thoughts happens naturally within various architectural spaces. Differently dimensioned gather and recreation areas give privacy and comfort to small or larger groups. Circulation between these zones is possible and intended along the central main prayer hall.

Identity
Inspired by infinite patterns of the 12th century, craftsmanship and atmosphere it creates both an indigenous and a sensuous architectural impression.

Natural building materials
Rammed Earth
is used for all vertical construction. This traditional low cost material consists of a mix of 70% gravel and 30% clay and should be available directly on site. All walls are designed in a way a mechanised rammed earth construction method can be used, so the process can be accelerated to approximately 2h per m3 per person. Secondary material can be held to minimum with the assignment of climbing formworks. Being surrounded by earth a natural, balanced atmosphere is generated.

Prefabricated concrete
All horizontal components are built in precast concrete. Ceilings and Roof Slabs can be produced time efficient while the walls are erected on site. The advantages of factory made precision can be used for several components of the building
: openings in various shapes
: ornamental surface inlays
: integrated artificial lighting
: recessed connection pads
Precast concrete is an often-used construction material in Dubai (e.g. New Metro).

Tradition and High Tec
Although seminal technologies are used, the building is based on traditional elements of sacral and vernacular Middle East architecture. Technology helps to calculate and optimise traditional functions like the internal air circulation and climate, so only a minimum of service installations is needed in the end. IT-developments in addition to mechanised methods allow a variety of new possibilities for on site construction. It is intended to use these options on site to treat the surface and generate openings into the rammed earth structure (drill, stack, mill and/or cut).

Natural Light
In internal spaces, generated with pure materials earth and concrete only, light is a powerful instrument to create unique atmospheres. Three characters of light are used to give different spirits to each room
: Traditional windows
Rooms connected to both, the internal flow of spaces and the external world. Depending on the sill height of each window (e.g. floor level at women’s room first floor or 4m above ground in the public library), direction and external objects (tress, neighbours) views are guided.
: Roof lights
Traditionally used in the main prayer hall, where no horizontal light enters the room but ornamental openings at roof level connect to the sky above.
: Diaphanous walls
These rooms have an introverted character with no visual connection to their surrounding (e.g. tearoom). Perforated walls with ‘light holes’ generate a bright, breezy and comfortable atmosphere distant to the outside world.

Surface
A simple palette of materials is used for the internal surfaces.
: Walls
In most of the internal spaces rammed earth remains ‘as build’. As a relict of the construction process horizontal reliefs create the patina of each wall. In some rooms earth wall plaster can be used to create a more homelike atmosphere.
: Floor
Most of the areas (main prayer hall, restaurant, entrances) will have a 12cm rammed earth floor. Without any binder this floor can be made joint less with a ´Terrazzo-like´ polished finish. Self-made fired clay tiles are used for high frequented areas.
: Roof
Mud shingles are on top of each outer wall to prevent from erosion. Laid on top of the concrete roof (with a distance of 4cm) they allow an air circulation underneath and prevent from overheating in summertime.

Adaption
Using traditional cooling and isolation techniques the building adapts perfectly to local condition and has an excellent eco-balance. Thick walls ensure excellent insulation and a natural regulation of the internal humidity. Traditional `Air-circulation-chimneys` guarantee a convenient atmosphere at summer time. Energy consumption through the construction process and also to run the building afterwards is minimized. Rammed earth is an air cleaning material, it protects against electro smog and creates good sound insulation and acoustics. The atmosphere in between rammed earth walls is peaceful and quiet.

Expertise
In Europe, Martin Rauch is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern technical and creative applications for traditional adobe construction. With his company ‘lehm ton erde’ he realised projects all over the world. He lectures, develops construction methods within his research program and is consultant for various architects (Snohetta, Herzog de Meuron, etc.) and clients.
Selection of his work
: House Rauch, Schliens, Austria
: Sihlhölzli, Zürich, Switzerland
: Cemetery Batschuns, Austria
: Handmade school, Rudrapur, Bangladesh
: Chapel of Reconciliation, Berlin, Germany
: Living Tebogo, Johannesburg, South Africa
Martin Rauch advised us through the design process and will be our consultant throughout the construction period.

Evaluación por parte del jurado

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