AKTC / © Sandro di Carlo Darsa
The Bait Ur Rouf Mosque in Bangladesh is a stunning example of modern Islamic architecture designed by Marina Tabassum and completed in 2012. The mosque, located in the residential area of Dhaka, stands out with its unique use of natural ventilation and light, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity. The building is made of natural materials, including bricks, timber, and stone, and features a series of courtyards and terraces that allow the worshipers to connect with nature. The mosque’s design has received numerous accolades, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016, and has become a symbol of contemporary Islamic architecture.
Bait Ur Rouf Mosque Technical Information
- Architects: Marina Tabassum
- Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Typology: Religious Architecture / Mosque
- Client: Sufia Khatun
- Material: Brick
- Size: 754m²
- Completed: 2012
- Source: Aga Khan Award for Architecture
- Photographs: AKTC / © Sandro di Carlo Darsa
The quality of space and architecture in this project proves that with the use of local materials and dedicated craftsmen, and an attempt towards spirituality through light can span the distance between here and infinity, between today and eternity.
Bait Ur Rouf Mosque Photographs
AKTC / © Sandro di Carlo Darsa
AKTC / © Sandro di Carlo Darsa
AKTC / © Sandro di Carlo Darsa
Bait Ur Rouf Mosque description by AKTC
After a difficult life and the loss of her husband and near relatives, the client donated a part of her land for a mosque to be built. A temporary structure was erected. After her death, her granddaughter, an architect, acted on her behalf as a fundraiser, designer, client, and builder to bring the project to completion. In an increasingly dense neighborhood of Dhaka, the Mosque was raised on a plinth on a site axis creating a 13-degree angle with the qibla direction, which called for innovation in the layout.
Built in brick using traditional methods, this mosque is an attempt to create a language of architecture that takes essence from the glorious legacy of mosque architecture in Bengal during the Sultanate period, while maintaining a contemporary expression
To solve the 13-degree angle created by the existing site with the Qibla axis, a cylindrical volume was inserted into the square envelope to facilitate the rotation of the prayer hall towards Qibla simultaneously formulating light courts on four sides. This cylindrical volume facilitated a rotation of the prayer hall and forming light courts on four sides. The hall is a space raised on eight peripheral columns.
Column free prayer hall is raised on eight peripheral columns, in addition to four light courts, random circular roof openings allow daylight into the prayer hall creating an ornate pattern on the floor enhancing spirituality through light
Ancillary functions are located in spaces created by the outer square and the cylinder. The plinth remains vibrant throughout the day with children playing and elderly men chatting and waiting for the call to prayer.
Funded and used by locals, and inspired by Sultanate mosque architecture, it breathes through porous brick walls, keeping the prayer hall ventilated and cool. Natural light brought in through a skylight is ample for the daytime.
The quality of space and architecture in this project proves that with the use of local materials and dedicated craftsmen, an attempt towards spirituality through light can span the distance between here and infinity, between today and eternity.
