N A T I O N A LM O S Q U E

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

BSC (HONS) IN ARCHITECTURE | MARCH 2017CULTURE & HISTORY ll ARC60203 | PROJECT 2: REPORT

BUILDING: NATIONAL MOSQUE TUTOR: MR. KOH JING HAO

C O N T E N T

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Introductiona. Fast Facts of the Buildingb. History of Buildingc. The Architect

Site Context Analysisby Iman Jezdmeen

Architectural Layout of Buildingby Ng Pui Yan

Architecture Style Analysisby Nurul Atiqah

Building Construction, Structure and Material Analysisby Nur Farahiyah

Architecture Elements /Component Analysisby Ng Lek Yuen

Conclusion

References

I N T R O D U C T I O N• Fast Facts National Mosque• History of National Mosque• The Architects

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The National Mosque ofMalaysiaalso known as Masjid Negara in it’s national language is a mosque located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It has a capacity to house 15,000 individ-uals and is arranged within 13 acres of beautiful gardens. The original structure was designed by a three-person team consisting of architect Howard Ashley, and Malaysian architects, Hisham Al-bakri and Baharuddin Kassim. (Masjid Negara, 2017) The mosque was built in 1965 on the site of a church, the Venning Road Brethren Gospel Hall, which had stood there since 1922 but was demol-ished by the Malaysian government. The mosque is an intense and present day approach in strengthened concrete, typical of the desires of a then recently free Malaysia. Its key components are a 73-meter-high minaret and a 16-pointed star solid pri-mary rooftop. (“Masjid Negara: 50 Years National Mosque Exhibition | IAMM”, 2015) The umbrella, synonymous with the tropics, is included obviously – the primary rooftop is reminiscent of an open umbrella, the minaret’s top a collapsed one. The collapsed plates of the solid primary rooftop are an inno-vative answer for accomplishing the bigger traverses required in the principle gathering lobby. Reflecting pools and wellsprings spread all through the com-pound.

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Fast FactsBuilding: National Mosque of Malaysia

Location:Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Architects:Howard Ashley, Hisham Albakri and Dato Baharuddin Abu Kassim (Public Works Department)

Architecture Style: Modern Islamic

Construction finished: Year 1965

Description:A mosque that contain a capacity for 15,000 people and is situates among 13 acres of beautiful gardens. Also, the main feature is the 73-metre-high minaret and a 16-pointed star concrete main roof. (National Mosque of Malaysia, 2017)

Function:Primary purpose is serve as a place where Muslims can come together for prayer. Also, it serve as a tourist attrac-tion due to the symbolism of our newly independent country, Malaysia.

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HistoryThis building is a symbol of national legacy. It was built between 1963- 1965 (Wikipedia, 2017). The original structure was designed by 3 architects: UK architect Howard Ashley and Malaysian architect Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim.On 30th July 1957, the Federal Executive Council brought up an idea on building a national mosque to represent Malaysia’s independence. (Wikipedia, 2017). A year later in March 5, 1958, a proposal was made by Chief Ministers of all eleven states, to name the mosque after the coun-try’s first Prime Minister: Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al – Haj (Wikipedia, 2017). However, Tunku declined and suggested it to be names as Masjid Negara to symbolize the country’s unity and multicultural harmony, as well as a way to thank Allah for achieving a peaceful independence in the country (Wikipedia, 2017). And this is because it was achieved without any violence or deaths involved. During the time it was being constructed, Tunku Abdul Rahman requested a mausoleum for Malaysian statesmen: The Makan Pahlawan. It is located within the ground of the National Mosque (Wikipedia, 2017). And in 1973, Tun Dr. Ismail was the first Malaysian leader laid to rest there (Wikipedia, 2017). The disadvantage in the past was the limited construction materials available. They only had concrete at the time and that was the only material they could work with (SunDaily, 2015). So basically everything from the basic structure to the roof is made out of concrete. They had the color pink decorated the tiles, roof and walls, but later on changed it to blue and green-hued tiles in 1987 (SunDaily, 2015).

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The ArchitectsThe National Mosque’s original structure was designed by a three-person team from the Public Works Department. Supervised under a british architect, Howard Ashley and Malaysian architects; Hisham Albakri and Baharudin Kassim. The trio was selected to design the national mosque, an idea mooted by then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, to commemorate the country’s independence. Although three architects were incharge with the designs, the head architect of the structure was Baharuddin Kassim. He had specifically studied and researched on mosques from India, Pakistan, Iran, Tur-key, Saudi Arabia, The United Republic and Spain. Datuk Baharuddin came from humble beginnings, born in Kuala Selangor and attended the prestigious Malay Collge Kuala Kangasr (MCKK). Being in the boarding school helped him to get a stronger education being all disciplined and regiminted. To further his studies he had always had an eye in pursuing medicine but to his surprise he was offered the opportunity to study architecture in England. Datuk Baharuddin studied at the University of Manchester in 1958 with a theses on designing mosques. (Kenny, M., 2015).

Dato’ Baharuddin Abu Kassim Dato’ Dr Ikmal Hisham Albakri

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S I T E C O N T E X TA N A L Y S I S• Building accessibility• Relationship of building to surroundings• Response to climate

by Iman Jezdmeen

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Site LocationThe National Mosque is located at the West of central Kuala Lumpur. Surrounding it are iconic buildings such as National Planetarium, Islamic Art Museum, Old Railway Station Kuala Lumpur, and also the Daya Bumi Complex.

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Building AccessibilityTRANSPORTATION

The National Mosque is located at a strategic location in Kuala Lumpur. It is also located right opposite the central railway station. The mosque is also connectef to major roads such as Jalan Damansara and Jalan Kinaba-lu. Not to mention, the mosque is accessible by public transport and also a 5 minute walsk to the Old Railway Station. Reaching the station you are able to access towards the railway station at Pasar Seni from a link bridge built from the Old Railway Station. Besides that, the LRT sttation also acts as a bus hub for city buses. Usually, on Fridays when prayers are going on people opt to public transport as on this day specifically, the roads are jammed due to heavytraffic and the lack of parking spaces.

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RELATIONSHIP OF BUILDINGS TO SURROUNDINGS

Mix of colonial and modern era buildings are surrounded by the mosque and each of them shows how the city is progressed. Mostly the buildings surrounding the mosque has a influences of Islamic motives and styles. Furthermore, the mosque symbolises the status of Islamicity.

Acess to site for pedestrian and publicCourtyardCompound wallCarpark

Legend:

OLD RAILWAY STATIONKUALA LUMPUR

Built in 1906 and completed 4 years later, this station is used as a main terminusforintercity train. The railway station is a mixture if western and Mughal similar to Moorish revival. Hence, the mosque and the railway station shares the same architecture style. (“Architectural master-pieces of KL : The Railway Station, 2011)

DAYABUMI COMPLEX

Completed in 1984 and designed by MAA & BEP Architect , it was commissionedby the Urban Development Authority (UDA) as part of its strategy to creating jointventures with the government and the private sector as well as to restructure Bumiputra interest in urban areas.

The tower layout and external facade bears strong connection to Islamic architecture. Thelayout of the tower resembles a combination of overlapping polygons and the Rub elHizb, a 8 point star commonly seen in Islamic geometry. Islamic symbols and geometric motifs are also represented within the metal sunshades surrounding the building and pointed arches. (Alamy. N.p., n.d.)

Surrounding Buildings

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ISLAMIC ART MUSEUM

Completed in 1998 and designed by Kumpulan Akitek Sdn Bhd, it is locatedwithin the Perdana Lake Gardens and opposite the National Mosque. (Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, 2015) It was built to display artIfacts, artworks, crafts,manuscripts and collections from the Islamic world. The arabic caligraphy drawn on the columns and structure is the same with the national mosque, islamic architecture.

NATIONAL PLANETARIUM

The National Planetarium is located inside the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur. First opened to public in 1993, it has designed and structured mimicing a mosque with a blue dome. Somewhat similar to the National Mosque itself but with round dome. (Rappler. N.p., n.d.)

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Response To ClimateThe mosque was designed to suit its local tropical climate. With the concrete roof designed like an open umbrella it creates a large gathering hall. Not to mention the triangular openings between the folds of the building’s roof is used to capture wind. Therefore, the mosque has a better ventilation thus making the building interact with its climate. Not to forget, the large open veranda also contributes to the good ventilation. Fellow prayers are able to pray in a shaded place and even in the rain it is protected and shield. Thus, this helps to keep the mosque in a comfortable temperature throughout their stay.(Malaysia Architecture, n.d.)

Concrete Roof for Large Span

Open Walkway for Ventilation and Shade from Sunlight and Rain

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A R C H I T E C T U R A LL A Y O U T OF B U I L D I N G • Plan to section or elevation analysis• Circulation to use-space• Organization analysis

by Ng Pui Yan

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In terms of architecture, an architectural plan serves design and planning for a building. A proper architecture layout and plan consists of the following, architectural drawings, specifications of design, accurate calculations and dimensions, time process planning of the building, etc. Furthermore, an architectural plan provides further understandings of the building itself in terms of drawings as well as communicating ideas and concepts, to convince clients of the merits of a design, to enable a building contractor to construct it, as a record of the completed work, and to make a record of a building that already exists.

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Site Plan

Floor Plan

Side Elevation 15

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Building Layout

Main entrance of the National Mosque.

The main entrance shown in the elevation diagram leads to the main prayer hall as well as the women prayer hall through an open walkway. The user will also pass by the water feature located pass the entrance as they walk into their prayer halls.

Outside view from Main Entrance

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Balance is achieved through the structural plan of this mosque in terms of golden ratio, proportion and spatial sequences. As shown in the diagram, the form of this building is basically quite simple and basic where it is almost symmetrical to each site of the plan as well as the elevation. The structural plan is a sequence shaped, hypostyle mosque, meaning it has a flat roof supported by columns.

Floor Plan

Side Elevation

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The diagram and the legend below shows the areas in the National Mosque.

1. Main Prayer Hall2. Women Prayer Hall3. Library, Imam’s room, administration office4. Verandah 5. Conference Hall6. Mausoleum 7. Rectangular water feature where the miner at stands 8. Open walkway

Legend:

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CirculationThe diagram above shows the circulation of the National Mosque. The bolder arrows are mainly where people would often walk by. Meanwhile the lesser bold arrows are where peo-ple would often not walk by.

The configuration of path from entrance to the Warrior’s tomb is flexible. However, the location of the spaces establish that path, which is the Warriors’ tomb.The path-space relationship is used to approach and enter functionally or symbolically important spaces.

The linear pathway leads the user to the Warriors’ tomb. As the user walks through the linear path, the user will also pass by a minaret which is located on top of the rectangular water feature.

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Mausoleum – Warriors’ TombThe Makam Pahlawan also known as the Warriors’ Tomb, was built in 1965 within the National Mosque as a mausoleum for head of the state in Malaysia. It was one of the earliest post-independent modernist landmarks in Kuala lumpur.

It was built with 2 architectural elements which are the circular plinth that provides shelter which also incorporates the overall design of the columns and walls.

The Mausoleum is a large, open, pavilion-like structure designed to create a well-defined space to shelter the tombs within. A part from that, security for the tombs are provided as well as the well-wishers who come to offer prayers.

The triangular openings between the folds are large enough to allow breeze to flow through the structure, at the same time allowing an uninterrupted outside view. The feeling of being ‘inside of an outside space’ is thus cleverly achieved. The whiteness of the concrete roof and the colour, texture and coolness of the marble further enhances the spatial quality and light of the interior space.

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A R C H I T E C T U R A LS T Y L E A N A L Y S I S • The specific style adopted• The characteristics of the style• Modern / Local influence

by Nurul Atiqah

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The National Mosque has a very unique modern approach where almost everything is built in reinforced concrete. From the uses of reinforced concrete, it gives off this bold appearance. The mosque got their inspiration from mosques in India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Spain, which are mainly influenced from Mughal Architecture style. (Islamic Arts MuseumMalaysia, 2015) However, National Mosque does not imitate thetraditional masonry construction from the past where it involved with arches and domes. Instead it has acontemporary expression of traditional Islamic art calligraphy andornamentation and the rest is. There are two architecture styles that the National Mosque follows: modern interpretation of traditional Malay architecture (Malay Kampong House) and Islamic Architecture.

Modern ofMalayTraditionalArchitectureThe architect’s purpose was to present Malaysia’s unity and growth during the years of getting their independence. (Islamic Tourism Centre of Malay-sia, 2017) They show it by appreciating the beauty of Malaysia Traditional Architecture or Malay Kampong House. They incorporated many characteristics that make the mosque have an atmos-phere of being in a kampong house.Characteristics: The two striking features in the mosque take part in making it look sleek and modern: 73-meter high minaret(folded umbrella) and 18 pointconcrete dome (open umbrella).(Islamic Tourism Centre of Malaysia, 2017) The dome wasdesigned to look like an umbrella that is already opened up. Because it was made out of concrete, the architect designed it in straight lines, which then result to this idea of payung kertas. These features were mainly inspired by traditional Malay architecture’s motifs and themes.

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The multi-fold-umbrella-like roof associates with 2 different symbolisms, both of which have to do with Malaysia. The architect Baharuddin was inspired by how the Royals would always be escorted outside with an umbrella. (SunDaily, 2015) It rep-resents how in Malaysian culture, they are good in giving shelter and protection to others. It also symbolizes the aspirations of the independent nation and signifies the unity that people in Malaysia have despite it being a multiethnicity country with dif-ference race and religion. (SunDaily, 2015) There are 18 points on the dome, 13 of the point represent the 13 state of Malaysia and the other 5 points represent the 5 pillars of Islam. (SunDaily, 2015)

An interesting point about the roof that relates to the Malay Traditional style is how it is an overhang and pitch roof. (Mr. Word Press, 2011) Due to Malaysia’s weather of always raining throughout the day, they need to make sure that the rain would chan-nel its way to the ground instead of going into the building. Constructing a pitch and overhang roof is the best solution for this problem because the rain would flow down and outwards from the building as well as giving plentiful of shades for the users.

Elevation View of National Mosque

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Malay Kampong House also influenced the ventilation around the mosque. In Ma-lay traditional houses, ventilations or openings are designed so that fresh air, wind and natural light can pass through and not make the users inside feel hot. (Mr. Word Press, 2011) Since Malaysia’s climate is very humid and hot, the ventilation would provide cooling breeze for the people inside the building. So the architects took that important element and design the structure with no enclosed walls, but instead with pattern structures that has a void in between so that cool breeze can pass through. The ventilation structure still maintains it modernist style by using reinforcedconcrete and geometrical shapes.

Close up view of the structure

The design of the column and ceiling create this sleek and stylish look to the whole interior of the mosque. It is not like any other traditional mosque that you go to because it is much more simple in designing the form. It has an emphasis on geometrical shapes, linear elements and rectangular forms. The column is designed with clean lines and rec-tangular form. And the ceiling is designed with geometrical forms going down to meet the top of the column.

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Overview of columns and ceilings

The design of the main prayer hall relates back to the concept of Malay traditional house, whereas the roof space has to be properly ventilated (Mr. Word Press, 2011). The National Mosque does not have ceiling panels to assure that air going in and out is not block. This helps cool the space and avoid users feeling stuffed or claustropho-bic. The ceiling consists of geometric form where Malay traditional houses are based on. The linear elements are emphasized on the ceiling and thus create this geometric form. The windows are triangular shape and are blue colored glass to reduce the sun intensity from going in. This makes the interior much more cooler and make people comfortable when they perform their prayers.

Ceiling of the main prayer hall Interior of the main prayer hall

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Traditional Malay carving influenced the carvings on the walls, columns and some part of the ceiling. The carvings were carved beautiful with different patterns and so many details. This adds on to the cultural and local context, enhancing the traditional concept but design in a modern way.

Carving on the column Zoom in of the carvings on the ceiling

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Islamic Architecture This mosque also has a great influence of Islamic architecture style. There are many verses of Quran engraved on the structure, and this was inspired from the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Islamic architecture has some characteristics that unite all Islamic buildings, as well as the 7 Unifying Principles of Islamic Architecture (Nicanor, 2009). These principles make the style unique, interesting and important. It’s a way to show the relationship between Muslims, their beliefs and how it is shown in everyday architecture. Islam is a religion where it represents culture and act as a force among ethnically and culturally diverse people.

Characteristics: All mosques are required to have a niche in the interior (Mckenzie, 2017). There is a niche on the wall called the mihrab and it faces Makkah, the direction Muslims pray. The minaret is another important characteristic of a mosque (Mckenzie, 2017). The minaret is a tower where the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer, which is known as Azan. Islamic architecture decorates their structure with Islamic calligraphy or verses form the Quran (Nicanor, 2009). The National Mosque has verses of Quran on the roof, as well as in the main prayer hall on the wall.

Top Picture:Quran verses on the roof

Bottom Right Picture:Quran verses on the window and

along the top of the walls

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Islamic architecture involves with a lot of repetitive geometric shapes (Nicanor, 2009). National Mosque has a lot of repetition on their structure such as the air wells, windows, columns and the carvings. These elements are repeated throughout the mosque and it gives off this harmony and unity atmosphere. There are also repeated uses of colorful tiling (Mckenzie, E. (2017). Colorful tiles are one of the characteristics that make up an Islamic architecture. There are tiles on the wall and columns being used repeatedly to create more harmony.

An interesting characteristic from Islamic style is the private screens (A2 Modern, 2012). The private screens keep the inside private from the outside, which symbolizes how Mus-lim’s dignity and perseverance. It shows how modesty is important in Islam. This was shown through the ventilation structure throughout the whole mosque.

Colorful tiles on the wall Repetition of columns

View of the concrete screens fromoutside

View of the concrete screens frominside 31

1. TAWHID (UNITY AND UNIQUITY OF ALLAH)

The focus of the building have to be on strengthening the bond between Muslims within conformity of Allah’s will (Wong, 2014). The buildings have to show that Muslims have a strong belief towards their one God. The Qibla, the one direction that Muslims pray, can represent this, which is towards the Kaabah in Makkah. It unites all Muslims to pray in one direction towards their God, Allah (Hilmi, 2014). In this case, the National Mosque is ori-ented to the North West facing the Qibla.

2. IHTIRAM (RESPECT)

The building should show the respect and obedience that Muslims have towards Allah, as well as towards his other creations (living or nonliving) and towards one (Wong, 2014). Most mosques are designed based on geomet-rical shapes so it has become a symbolism and concept for respect (Hilmi, 2014). Further-more, Muslims can recreate the patterns and shapes so that it gives of a religious message.

Qibla Prayer Hall

7 Principles of Islamic Architecture

Floor Plan of National Mosque

Geometry patterns found atstaircase railings

Geometry patterns found atconcrete screens32

3. IKHLAS (SINCERITY)

The architects should keep in mind that their designs have to express sincerity purity, and meet the rules and regulation in Islam (Wong, 2014). Few characteristics that they followed were avoiding the absence of human or im-aginary idols, enclosed gardens with flowing waters, and having a hierarchy arrangement in the spaces (Hilmi, 2014). Another impor-tant element is that they design with geometry proportion because it provides harmony and balance (Hilmi, 2014)

4. PURSUIT OF ILM (KNOWLEDGE)

The building should celebrate the imporThe building should celebrate the importance of knowledge through calligraphy from the Quran and uses light as a symbolism of knowledge (Wong, 2014). The Islamic calligraphy is very important because it has the power to express and portrays the messages that are presented in the Quran (Hilmi, 2014). It helps spread the vast knowledge to other Muslims around the world. Furthermore, the messages and calligraphy can be revealed through illuminating effects such a the sunlight or moonlight or just lighting inside the mosque. National Mosque has small chandeliers in the main prayer to provide lighting inside but when its daylight, lots of sun goes in and brighten up the space more. Knowledge is actually referred as light in Islam (Hilmi, 2014). So having a good light inside the mosque is believed to support the learning process.

Water fountain at the courtyard of National Mosque

Calligraphy shown in the niche at main prayer hall

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Small chandeliers around the main prayer hall

5. IQTISAD (BALANCE)

The building’s functional and spiritual elements should have some kind of harmony between each other (Wong, 2014). The balance can be shown in the shape, form and spatial layout of the building (Hilmi, 2014). Symmetry is con-sidered as one of the elements that demonstrate balance. We can see this at the spatial layout of the mosque, where the symmetry lines connect to each spaces and still maintains that balance and harmony.

6. HAYA’ (MODESTY)

The building should be modest and protect the dignity of its owner and users (Wong, 2014). This can be shown through the private screens that are provided throughout the mosque (Hilmi, 2014). It protects the users inside by not showing or exposing themselves to the people outside. Modesty is also shown in the main prayer hall where the space is separate by a partition for female users to give privacy and respect.

Symmetry in Spatial Layout

Symmetry in Elevation

Patterned private screens

Main Prayer Hall

Female users space

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7. DIKR (REMEMBRANCE)

The building should be able to support and an encouragement to remember Allah (Wong, 2014). It is shown through Arabic calligraphy and repeated throughout the whole mosque (Hilmi, 2014). It is also represented by repetitive use of ornaments, pillars and arches. Na-tional Mosque shows this concept by having Arabic calligraphy on the glass window of the main prayer hall, repeating the carving ornaments on the ceilings, walls and columns. And by repeating uses of column structure located outside the main prayer hall.

Sunlight illuminating through the calligraphy on the glass window

Repetition of ornamentsthroughout the walls and ceilings

Repetition uses of columns

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B U I L D I N GC O N S T R U C T I O N,S T R U C T U R E &M A T E R I A L A N A L Y S I S • The specific material• The construction method• Similarities or Differences with other modern buildings in the west

by Nur Farahiyah

Building Construction A council of architects from Jabatan Kerja Raya had gathered and exam-ined as well as compared the design of famous mosques in all Islamic countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been requested to contact United Arab Emir-ates to assist them by giving suggestion and design for the proposed mosque. The design of the mosques from the United Arab Emirates was sent to Kuala Lumpur to be examined. The architects also went to Brunei to examine the design of the mosques in Brunei. The task to design the mosque was given to the young archi-tect during that time known as Mr. Baharuddin bin Abu Kassim, who had specific knowledge in mosque. He had visited India, Pakistan, Turkey, Spain, Arab coun-tries including Iran and the United Arab Emirates and had meticulous examina-tion on design of all well-known mosques in Malaysia. His proposal was approved by Mosque Committee in June 1960. (“Masjid Negara”, 1965).

The first stage of the construction was the site preparation. The preparation in-cluded demolishing the old buildings and clearing the site, earthworks, piling and piping. The contractor for this project was a local contractor, Messrs K. C. Boon and Cheah which took two years for them to complete. The Qiblat orientation and determination ceremony was performed by Yang Teramat Mulia Perdana Menteri, Tuanku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on 29th September 1961. The next stage was the construction of the mosque. By August 1962, the proposal had been received and found to be costly and they decided to reduce the expenses by two million Ringgit by changing the materials that would be used for the building. The laying of foundation stone ceremony was held on 27th February 1963 by Yang di-Pertu-an Agong. (“Masjid Negara”, 1965).

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Construction of National MosqueKuala Lumpur on 28th August 1964

Structure Generally, the structural system of National Mosque is post and beam concrete structure. The structural elements, columns and beams, does not only function as the support system of the main roof, it also divides and differentiates the internal spaces within the mosque. Other than that, the columns and beams act as indicators of volume of the spaces in the mosque. The columns of 4 meters high and a diameter of about 0.9 meters represent a relevant scale of the internal spaces in the main prayer hall, verandah and administrative office. The pavilion area has taller columns of about 14 meters high and 0.9 meters wide which act as the support system of the concrete parasol roof as well as to allow the natural light to pass through into the verandah area.

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Another structural element is the minaret (Figure 1.2). The size of the minaret is about 13 square meters. The minaret functions as the lookout tower of the mosque and to call for prayer.

Columns at the pavilion area

The minaret

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Material1. MAIN PRAYER HALL

The most important part of the mosque is the main prayer hall. The main materials used for the main prayer hall is reinforced concrete. The material used for the exterior walls of the main prayer hall is reinforced concrete covered with Italian marble (Figure 1.1) while the finishes for the interior walls are the combination of Italian marbles at the top part of the wall and glazed ceramic tiles (Figure 1.2) with geometrical patterns at the bottom part of the interior walls.

There are openings on the three sides of the wall of the main prayer hall and the mate-rials used for these 9 sliding doors are transparent glass panel with aluminum frames (Figure 1.3)

Figure 1.1 The exterior wall with Italian marbles

Figure 1.2 The interior wall with Italian marbles and

glazed ceramic tiles

Figure 1.3 The aluminium sliding door of the main

prayer hall

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The main prayer hall is covered with “folded-plate” dome made up of concrete with mosaic tiles (Figure 1.4) as the outer finishes. The diameter of the dome is about 200 feet and the height of the roof is 84 feet above ground level, supported by 16 columns, each has diameter of 3 feet. The centerpiece of the dome is made up of aluminum rosette (Figure 1.5), the original replica found beneath the dome of well-known Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul.

A series of Quran verses located along the wall at the four sides of the main prayer hall, located 2 feet above the ground, on blue Italian mosaic tiles (Figure 1.6).

Figure 1.4 The concrete roof with mosaic tiles

Figure 1.5 5 The centerpiece of the dome made up of

aluminium rosette

Figure 1.6 The series of verses from Quran along the

internal wall

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Stained glass (Figure 1.7) was used for triangle windows at the top part of the main prayer hall to give the sense of calm and tranquil by enhancing the natural light passing through the main prayer hall.

The main prayer hall consists of 16 concrete columns of about 4 meters high with white plastered of details of muqarnas at the top part of the columns and glazed ceramic tiles with diamond patterns at the bottom part of the columns (Figure 1.8).

Figure 1.7 Stained glass to bring natural light in

Figure 1.8 The columns with white plastered details of muqarnas and glazed ceramic tiles

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2. PAVILION

The pavilion is located at the east side of the main prayer hall. The pavilion consists of 48 square-shaped concrete columns with unglazed white mosaic tiles and smallportions of anodized gold at both top and bottom parts of the columns to support the parasol roof structure. The pavilion is screened with concrete geometrical patterns walls (Figure 2.1)

Figure 2.1 The pavilion which consists of square-shaped concrete columns with unglazed white mosaic tiles and small portions of anodized gold at both top and bottom parts of the columns surrounded by concrete geometrical patterns wall screens

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Figure 3.1 The columns at verandah area with unglazed

black mosaic tiles finished and a small portion of

anodized gold mosaic tiles at both top and bottom part of

the columns.

3. VERANDAH

The verandah is covered by concrete roof which are supported by 154 square-shaped reinforced concrete columns and unglazed black mosaic tiles finished and smallportions of anodized gold mosaic tiles at both top and bottom part of the columns(Figure 3.1). The material used for the floor finishes at the verandah area is terrazzo (Figure 3.2). The space of the verandah can accommodate up to 5000 occupants.

Figure 3.2 Terrazzo flooring

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4. MINARET

The minaret (Figure 4.1) functions as the lookout tower and to call for prayer, with a height of 235 feet from the ground level up to the top part of the minaret, an obvious height difference in comparison to the height of the horizontal complex components of the mosque. Two opposite sides of the minaret are finished with concrete geometrical patterns grills and the other two opposite sides are finished with rectangular-shaped terrazzo slates (Figure 4.2).

Figure 4.1 The Minaret Figure 4.2 The concrete geometrical patterns grills and rectangular-shaped terrazzo slates

of the minaret.

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A R C H I T E C T U R A LE L E M E N T /C O M P O N E N TA N A L Y S I S• Identify, explain and analyse the significant component / element of the building

by Ng Lek Yuen

Blue Roof The 16-point concrete roof that looks like a half opened

umbrella is a well-known symbolised as the protection from God, Allah to his followers. (Mah,K , 2015) A normal mosque usually has

round dome but National Mosque is very different from the other mosques because of the unique and outstanding feature of the not

dome-shaped roof.

Courtyard Garden A 53,000m² courtyard garden is also a reason that attracted

240,000 visitors annually. (National Mosque of Malaysia, 2017) The big open spaces with water feature decoration such as pools and

fountains create a relaxing and peaceful environment for the prayers and the visitors.

Entrance: Portal The entrance of this mosque is quite unique as the walls

are tiled in marbles and can be accessed from 3 different direction through 9 glass doors, uniting the prayers into one space. A little

view of the mosque interior from the outside brings excitement to allow people continue discover the building interior. Once visitor

enter to the building, natural light penetrate thru the stained glass and fill up the space with positive and spiritual feels.

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MinaretThe 73 meter high minaret (National Mosque of Malaysia, 2017) is the most obvious elements among the mosque architecture. It is located attached to the Grand Prayer Hall and rising from the reflecting pool. The purpose of minarets in traditional architecture is serve as a ventilation system forbuilding. However, with theinventions of better air ventilationsystem, the minaret changed to serve as a speaker where the Azan can be read to notify all the Muslims around and to be inform that it is time to carry out their prayers. Also, because of the height and unique design, it can be easily recognise by the passer by.

View of minaret from far away

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Building DetailsEven thou the outer of the National Mosque is designed with modern feature, many small minor details are still maintain in the traditional patterns, motives and forms to represent the original islamic design.

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VarendahThe verandah acts as a secondary prayer space when the occasion requires. The space is created by uniformly-arranged concrete pillars and mostly transparent which it is covered by geometric patterned masyrabiah. For spatial design, it separates the busy public space from the quiet and peaceful main prayer hall to avoid anydisturbance to the prayers.

StaircaseStaircases in National Mosque are built wider for the convenience of the huge flow of human circulation especially for prayers during every Friday. Also, in terms of safety, it is also suitable for people to escape or allowing medical bed rack to carry patient down in case of emergency.

ScreeningIn Islam, light symbolizes God. The Qur’an states, “God is the light of the heavens and the earth.” Light in Islamic architecture is used to symbolically represent God’s presence in a space. (Light in Islamic Architecture, 2017) Hence, the design of the facade in geometric patterned masyrabiah screening allows huge amount of light pen-etrating into the building and also create shadows or shades. The repetition of pattern create a calm and ambience atmosphere in this religious space. Besides that, it is also design out of necessity in the Malaysia hot climate weather to filter harsh sunlight.

The National Mosque is appreciated as the symbol of nationalism and multi-racial society. The concept of the National Mosque shows modern architecture philosophy that highlight the spirit of time and place. The National Mosque is highly remarkable among the other mosques without resembling significance similarity to Middle Eastern architecture style that is not similar to Malaysian culture and context of Malaysia. It exhibits thearchitectural language that represents the sense of nationalism through modern architectural style. As a conclusion, the National Mosque is a building of modern architecture that represent the Islamic architecture at the same time. The design of the mosque is an example of the everlasting modern architecture style as every single element of the mosque is unique.

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N A T I O N A LM O S Q U E

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

NG LEK YUEN 0324010NG PUI YAN 0324785

IMAN JEDZMEEN 0325440NURUH ATIQAH 0325630

NUR FARAHIYAH 0324416