Excerpt: The architecture project Rahma Mosque by AWMA blends traditional features with innovative expressions of mercy found in prayer, community, and spatial design. The mosque is a living testament to AWMA’s dedication to community-centric architecture. It uses local materials and employs loc-tech construction methods to create a space that speaks intimately to the community it serves.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Rahma [Mercy] Mosque is situated in the North Eastern Region of Pakistan, in a small village outside the city of Mardan. Mercy [Rahma رَحمة] is linked to the Arabic word for womb [Rahm رَحم], and resonating with numerous references in the Qur’an, Rahma signifies God’s boundless compassion and mercy towards all creation. In conceiving this architectural marvel, the architects aimed to blend elements of tradition with innovative expressions of mercy found in prayer, community, and spatial design.
The Mercy Mosque’s arched envelope, characterized by a curved, perforated brick formation, pays homage to the enduring legacy of mercy; it further articulates the scheme to denote the direction of prayer, Qibla, aligning worshippers perfectly with their focal point of faith, and also encouraging a state of mindfulness (Khushu), elevating the sense of spiritual presence. This subtle yet profound architectural feature deepens the connection between individuals and their spiritual beliefs, forging a collective unity among the congregation in their collective worship.
The minaret, a pivotal element in Islamic architecture, traditionally facilitates what a person at the top calls community or individual reflection and congregational gatherings. In a departure from convention, the architects reimagined the minaret by conceptually rotating it 180 degrees and positioning it above the entrance.
This shift allows the minaret to be universally accessible at the bottom and creates an immersive entrance experience, offering a visual connection to the heavens above. Drawing inspiration from their previous work, ‘The Hubb,’ in London, as proof of concept, they applied this concept of minaret, where visitors were greeted by the reflective structure that took the traditional concept of a minaret and flipped it, replacing the vocal call with a visual call in bringing a community together. The ground was activated with an opening, inviting people inside the minaret for individual reflection.
The Rahma Mosque in Mardan is more than a physical structure; it is a living testament to AWMA’s dedication to community-centric architecture. It uses local materials and employs loc-tech construction methods to create a space that speaks intimately to the community it serves. Through meticulous attention to cultural resonance, local craftsmanship, and spiritual symbolism, AWMA has crafted a space that transcends bricks and mortar. It is a sanctuary of mercy and unity, where the spirit of the community converges with the vision of the architects.
Rahma mosque is built and operated by the community, and it has only been possible to bring this vision to life by working with Penny Appeal as the delivery partner, whose local knowledge and expertise have been beyond instrumental. Rahma mosque is a great example of people coming together with unifying will and resources towards fulfilling a deeper collective need.
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