History / Architectural Design Concept
The Competition winning Ghazi Al Gosaibi Mosque in honour of the distinguished poet and chairman of SABIC. The mosque located at Jubail provides a landmark waterfront mosque as part of the new Jubail City district. The scheme is based on the idea of a sea shell inspired by the proximity of the mosque to the Sea and the pearl diving tradition on the eastern coast of The Kingdom. The 5 minarets make the mosque visible from the surrounding area and also represent the 5 pillars of Islam.
Urban and Architectural / Building and Urban Context
The scheme is located in the newly developed part of Jubail with few buildings other than the new SABIC Headquarters. The scheme located on the waters edge therefore creates its own urban context and public realm, merging soon to be built landscape of Exhibition Park. The use of Islamic Design principles and recognizable elements such as the Dome, Minarets, Water, Landscaping and the use of Calligraphy will help define an urban context and contribute to place-making and orientation. Inspired by traditional pearl diving in the Jubail area and taking its shape from seashells, the Masjid will be a focal point along the seafront helping to complete Exhibition Park.
More Information / Environmental Concept
The designed with LEED Silver principles is integrated with Exhibition Park along Jubail’s new waterfront area and this helps to create a microclimate around the building and its entrance areas. The massing comprising of an exterior ablution area and overhanging roof helps to self-shade the entrance courtyard keeping worshipers cool. The placement of windows with overhangs and screens also limits solar heat gain whilst providing natural cool light conducive the activities of prayer and contemplation. Openings in the ribbed shell-like roof also provide high level celestial light reducing dependency on power for artificial lighting. The high-performance cladding also minimized solar heat gain to ensure the prayer hall remains cool. The turquoise- blue carpet is suggestive of the sea but the colour was also chosen as a psychological cue for worshipers to feel cool and calm.