Design

Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Volume 2 - Design
STAGE 1
Policies and Principles
STAGE 2
Architecture
STAGE 3
Building Services
STAGE 4
Landscape
3.0 Site Development
The Site Development Standards relate to the spatial
layout of all functional components within the mosque
plot. They ensure the mosque is prominent, visible and
encourages safety through design by considering the
following:
• the relationship of a mosque to its context;
• access to and from the mosque plot; and
• the placement and arrangement of functional
components to each other.
Methodology
i. Use the built form parameters from the Mosque
Planning Summary Sheet, as completed through the
use of Volume 1 - Planning.
ii. Utilise the opportunities and mitigate the constraints
of the site and its surroundings with respect to the
following (but not limited to):
• existing natural systems;
• microclimate;
• pedestrian and vehicular connectivity;
Outcome
i. A spatial layout is created that identifies public,
private and restricted areas that relates to its site and
context.
ii. The progressional relationship of vernacular
components are clearly identified.
iii. Safety considerations are integrated in the spatial
layout.
iv. On-site parking considerations are integrated in the
spatial layout.
• linkages to community facilities; and
Vernacular Components
v
• surrounding built form.
iii. Adapt the specific Mosque Circulation Diagram,
prepared in Section 2.4, to create a spatial layout
that relates to the site and its surrounding context,
based on the Site Development standards.
iv. Ensure the vernacular components are identifiable
and prominently placed in the spatial layout.
v. Meet all minimum standards as per the requirements
of the relevant authorities.
Further to the guidance on Emirati mosque
vernacular architecture provided in Section VI,
the vernacular mosque has a specific spatial
sequence. The worshipper enters the mosque
plot via the portal. Entering through the portal
represents the transition between everyday life
into a spiritual environment. The portal leads to
a defined sahan, followed by the riwaq, into the
prayer hall and finally, the worshipper faces the
mihrab.
These architectural elements, forming the
spine of spatial progression, are the ‘vernacular
components’ of Emirati mosques.
Architecture - Page 19