DESA1002 'Continuous City' Ilyas Gurbuz

Abstract

The project designed is located in the Old City in Jerusalem. This provided many restrictions in design in terms of materials to use. Being a mosque the project was ‘free’ compared the other buildings in the city as it was a religious space. I took advantage of this and used blue tiles as my main cladding material. Large columns surround the building which is made out of local sandstone. This evokes a sense of safety in a rather chaotic environment. The site is raised 2 metres on each side and stairs lead up to it. This is meant to represent a step closer to heaven, a peaceful destination away from trouble, away from the city. The fountain located centrally is octagonal inspired by the golden Dome of the Rock. Stairs leading to underground toilets are hidden at the top left and away from the crowd. Entry into the Mosque is rather unique as both males and females initially enter through the same door, then separating their paths into the shoe rooms. Females circulate upwards via a staircase which is situated between the sandstone columns, making use of the space. Males are on ground level and pray mainly under the dome which is supported by 4 interior columns. The building was also designed considering the climate of the region. Thick columns and insulation between the tiles and inner wall, allow the building to remain cool at a comfortable temperature.