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The idea behind the proposal for the Central Mosque of Pristina comes from the first religious needs and the study of the earliest styles of mosque architecture in Kosovo. Designed by Maden GROUP, the concept is to convey tradition through contemporary architecture while combining in the best mode of architecture and religious rules. Therefore, the architects developed in geometric foundations, by combining simple geometrical elements. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Square as a simple and pure form, the perfect form, because what we want to convey is the purity of the faith, for us this form reflects the religion. Even in the earliest mosques the shape of the building based on the square, on a regular form where everything is equal as well as we are equal in front of God.

Tradition is priceless element that we have to use it wisely because the purpose of the Central Mosque of Prishtina is to inherit the old and rich culture that the city was build upon and to pass it through time as a center for Islamic culture in the capital of Kosovo.

Since the Central Mosque of Pristina will take the lead as the main Mosque has to be related with the existing Grand Mosque of Pristina. The connection has to be either through concept or physical elements that create the bridge of heritage. Since the location dedicated for the Central Mosque is in a highly dense urban block, process of design had its own obstacles.

The biggest architecture value is to achieve transmitting elements from predecessor which in this case is the Grand Mosque of Pristina (Sulltan Mehmet Fatih Mosque). By analyzing the typology of this Mosque we developed the concept by using same elements to design the plan pattern. We wanted to create this transfer bridge between the past and the future. Since the Central Mosque of Pristina besides meeting the needs for praying, our initial idea was to make a city landmark which will serve as a central point of orientation.

Volume and architectural touch is the best way to express the importance of this building. We wanted to create orientation elements also in the exterior of the Mosque to be used by people either for religious needs or simple as marking certain directions. Direction of Kibla is the most important point for commencing with religious ceremonies. That is why we started to rearrange the exterior volume of our design to emphasize this strong element.

Using arabesque in our concept was one of our aims to keep the tradition as a part of other design elements of our Mosque. Flower in Islam – Flower patterns complement the symmetry common in Islamic design. Islamic art often integrates the use of symmetrical and geometric designs for decorative purposes. Mathematical concepts as they apply to artistry and design lend themselves well to producing flower motifs. We used this technique to design Mosque`s façade. By generating and combining geometry with flower patterns we reached a custom designed façade to fit with every element used in the fundamental concept of the Mosque design.

To reach the highest number for praying during Islamic holidays we designed the landscape so it can offer extra space for praying. Floor pavement is designed for orientation and also to mark the praying space for one person. Because of the weather conditions in Pristina during winter, we designed a flexible solution to shelter bigger number of people within the perimeter of the Mosque. By using folding panels, in front of the entrance we can create this space.

Also we can transform the interior of the main praying hall into smaller spaces in the time when the Mosque is not full so we can be more energy efficient. This flexibility is done by respecting the rule for not mixing men and women in the process of praying.

Ground floor plan

Passive energy – To fulfill the goal to reduce the bills of electrical energy, to heat during the winter and cool during the summer, it is proposed to use the passive energy which is achieved with air space between double walls and coverage of building. Also, there are proposed those materials, which during the day absorb the sunlight and heat, and released them during the night. Materials – It is proposed to use the local materials and those that are easily find in local trade. Also it is proposed to use the classical technology to build the mosque. These things are really important from economical view, which makes an important sustainable pattern.

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