The international competition of grand mosque of sheikh abdullatif al fozan

The Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture manages the competition, which strives for innovative designs from invited architects worldwide. The mosque will be situated in the heart of Tharwa, a new urban development in Khobar, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Tharwa is one of the most prominent projects in Khobar City, and its location has been meticulously selected to ensure distinctive and luxurious designs. The new mosque is set to become the key architectural and urban landmark in this context.

Tharwa – Key Facts

(1) minute from Khobar Sea Front
(1) minute from Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University
(1) minute from Dhahran Expo
(9) minutes from King Abdul Aziz Seaport
(25) minutes from King Fahad Causeway
(39) minutes from King Fahad International Airport

Design Brief

The complex is envisioned as a large mosque accommodating 1,500 worshippers for all types of prayers, with an additional unique design for the headquarters of the Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture (AFAMA).

Area Dimensions

• Dimensions: 55m x 55m x 85.80m x 98.47m
• Plot Area: 5055.05 sqm

Capacity Requirements

Mosque

• Worshipper capacity (men): 1,200
• Number of male Toilets: 24
• Worshipper capacity (women): 300
• Number of female Toilets: 6
• Open prayer area accommodating 200 worshippers

Residential Areas:

• Imam’s Residence: 180-200 sqm (3 bedrooms, living area, dining area, kitchen, 4 bathrooms)
• Muathen’s Residence: 180-200 sqm (3 bedrooms, living area, dining area, kitchen, 4 bathrooms)

AFAMA Headquarter

• Secretary General’s Area: Office, meeting room, library, guest area (15m x 15m)
• Two consultancy offices (4m x 5m each)
• Workstation for 10 people in the award affairs section
• Financial office (4m x 5m) /li>
• Meeting room for 16 people
• Lounge (4m x 5m)
• Storage
• Restrooms for male and female staff (2 each)
• Main entrance and parking area

Total built-up area: 400 sqm (maximum)

Design Guidelines

• The design should be innovative and bold, establishing the mosque as a cultural and architectural landmark.
• The design should have a unique character, making it the project’s focal point.
• The design should make the most of natural light and ventilation.
• The project should include a comprehensive technical report of the development stages of the architectural concept.
• The mosque’s site plan integration with its surrounding environment should be well studied.
• The design should be feasible, with consideration for energy efficiency and recycled materials.
• The main prayer hall should preferably be rectangular, with a longer edge along the Qibla wall.
• The mosque plaza should be able to accommodate overflow worshippers during Friday prayers.
• The mosque and the AFAMA headquarters must be separate structures.
• The residences of the Imam and Muathen should also be housed in separate buildings.

Jury: To be specified


• An international jury will be announced later, consisting of up to five jurors.

Deliverables

Participants must submit comprehensive materials, including drawings, diagrams, and narratives, to explain their design concepts and innovative approaches. The 3D perspectives should be of the highest quality.

Eligibility

Invited architects officially registered and authorized to work in Saudi Arabia are only eligible to participate.

Time Schedule

The competition opens on April 1, 2022.

Methodology

All eligible designs will be reviewed, and shortlisted participants will present their work to the jurors.

Awards


• 1st Prize: USD 100,000
• 2nd Prize: USD 75,000
• 3rd Prize: USD 50,000
Note: For the winner, the prize will be considered part of the contract value.

Winner

The winning architect will be invited to enter into a contract to deliver the detailed design.

Language

Submissions should be in English or Arabic. The deadline for submissions is 12:00 noon (KSA Time) on August 1, 2022.