2024 - Radiant Harmony: Integrating Daylight for Sustainable Community Well-being

Radiant Harmony: Integrating Daylight for Sustainable Community Well-being
The concept of daylight in architecture transcends mere illumination. It intertwines with the essence of human experience, enhancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. In the context of the “Light of Tomorrow” theme, our mosque design project, “Radiant Harmony,” seeks to explore how daylight can be harnessed innovatively to foster social, economic, and environmental well-being amidst the current biodiversity crisis and climate emergency.

Context and Concept
Located in Uthal, Balochistan, the mosque serves as a beacon of hope and community resilience. Uthal’s unique cultural and environmental landscape provided a rich context for designing a structure that is both deeply rooted in tradition and forward-thinking in its approach to sustainability. The mosque’s design aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by implementing a neo-vernacular approach that emphasizes openness, inclusivity, and a deep connection with nature.
The project’s core concept revolves around integrating natural light to create a multifunctional, inclusive space that enhances social cohesion and environmental stewardship. By leveraging the physical properties of light and innovative architectural techniques, the mosque becomes a dynamic space that adapts to the needs of its users while mitigating its environmental impact.

Design Principles and Features
Openness and Connection with Nature
One of the primary design principles is openness, which fosters a seamless connection between the mosque and its natural surroundings. The mosque features large, strategically placed openings and skylights that allow natural light to flood the interior spaces. This design not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also creates a serene, uplifting environment that promotes mental and spiritual well-being.

Inclusivity and Social Cohesion
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the mosque’s design. The prayer halls are designed as step-like amphitheaters, providing a flexible space that can accommodate various activities beyond prayer, such as community gatherings, educational programs, and cultural events. The design ensures accessibility for all community members, with ramps leading to the women’s prayer area and other key spaces.
Safety features, such as eye-keeping mechanisms, enhance the overall well-being and security of the mosque and its surroundings. These elements ensure that the mosque is a welcoming and secure space for everyone.

Sustainable Construction Techniques
Sustainability is deeply embedded in the mosque’s design. The bamboo mesh tower, a prominent feature of the mosque, serves as a rainwater harvesting system. The sloped roof of the prayer hall is designed to collect rainwater efficiently, which is then stored and used for various purposes, reducing the mosque’s reliance on external water sources.
The construction details also include Venetian wells for rainwater harvesting, wall structures that enhance thermal efficiency, and step farming techniques that integrate green spaces within the mosque’s premises. These features demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of sustainable building practices that are both environmentally friendly and culturally sensitive.

Multifunctional Programs and Community Impact
The mosque’s multifunctional program is a testament to its role as a community hub. Beyond serving as a place of worship, the mosque accommodates a diverse range of activities. Bazaars, community programs, kitchen spaces for events, and facilities such as a mortuary and Qurbani area make the mosque a versatile space that meets various community needs.
This multifunctionality extends to the mosque’s economic sustainability. The kitchen operations and water collection initiatives generate revenue, supporting the mosque’s maintenance and community activities. This model ensures that the mosque remains a vibrant and self-sustaining entity within the community.

Daylight as a Catalyst for Well-being
Daylight plays a crucial role in the mosque’s design, influencing both the aesthetics and functionality of the space. The use of natural light creates a dynamic environment that changes throughout the day and seasons, enhancing the spiritual experience of the users. The abundant natural light also promotes health and well-being by providing a connection to the natural rhythms of the day, which is essential for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm.
The illustrated sections in the design highlight how natural light penetrates deep into the building, illuminating spaces that are typically hard to light. This innovative use of daylight reduces the mosque’s energy consumption and creates a more sustainable built environment.

Conclusion
“Radiant Harmony” is more than just a mosque; it is a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and community. By harnessing the power of daylight, the design creates a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and environmentally responsible. The project addresses the challenges of the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency by promoting sustainable living and social cohesion.
In line with the “Light of Tomorrow” theme, this project challenges the boundaries of how daylight can be integrated into architecture to create healthier, more sustainable living environments. Through its innovative design and multifunctional program, the mosque stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future architectural endeavors.