Location: Dubai, UAE
Architect(s): RUX
Website: www.ruxdesign.net
Born from the busy city of New York, the brand design studio RUX, has taken the world by a storm. Their latest and first major project, has earned them the winners of the 'design as reform' competition hosted by traffic, a Dubai based art and design collective. The architecture category of this competition had been looking for a design which represented a reinterpretation of the traditional Muslim mosque. RUX's 'Vanishing Mosque', offers the idea of a mosque incorporated in the city of Dubai, linking the business and tourism world to the religious and cultural world.
This lovely building features a 5000 meters squared urban plaza, created in a shape which forges a forced perspective view in the direction of Mecca. The combined effect of it's intricately shaped facades and the triangular shape of the praying podium, makes it seem as if the plaza is vanishing into the horizon. Talk about an optical illusion! Underneath the podium, is a small ablution bath allowing for the people to care out their ritual washing.
Another special feature of the 'Vanishing Mosque', is the excellent light forms. The contrast of the white marble and the facades, create a gradient of shadows from both artificial and natural lighting. Included, is retractable cloth awnings, which acts as prevention against the harsh, scorching sun of the Middle East during prayers.
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