We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Kuwait's circular prototype mosque design: a history and comprehensive evaluation.
- Authors
Alajmi, Mohammed N.; Al-Haroun, Yousef; Alshaheen, Rua; Al-Nafisi, Mohammed
- Abstract
Purpose: This study evaluates the architectural status of circular prototype mosques in Kuwait. The argument is that the once dominant and powerful image of mosques is now merely a repetitive reproduction through the prototype scheme. The study focuses on the circular prototype design, which has been constructed in many of Kuwait's recent residential areas. It evaluates qualitatively the worshipers' experiences of these mosques. Design/methodology/approach: The research methodology is qualitative. The main question is how well the circular prototype mosques are received by worshipers and local communities. Various research methods were used, including walk-through survey and group interview with worshipers and semi-structured interview with key informants in Public Authority for Housing Welfare and Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. Purposive sampling was chosen to select for key informants. Time-location sampling was selected for worshipers' group interview. Findings: Circular prototype presents several weaknesses. The community did not receive the circular design well as it deviates from the traditional and modern rectangular mosque design prevalent in Kuwait. This research highlights the importance of considering traditional design principles, community preferences and functional requirements while designing a mosque. It also emphasizes the need for an extensive evaluation of prototype designs to identify potential weaknesses before proceeding with the final design. Social implications: It is recommended that future mosque design projects in Kuwait consider traditional design principles; community preferences; and financial, functional and sustainability requirements. In addition, the findings of this study can be used to inform future mosque design projects in Kuwait and to ensure that they are functional, cost-effective and well received by the community. Originality/value: This research provides an informative and comprehensive analysis of Kuwait's prototype mosque designs from the 1950s to the present day. It focuses on the current circular prototype, critically examining its advantages and disadvantages. This research is the first to evaluate the history and design improvements over the years. As such, this research offers invaluable information to those interested in Kuwait's religious architecture and cultural history.
- Subjects
KUWAIT; MOSQUE design &; construction; PROTOTYPE design &; construction; RESIDENTIAL areas; SUSTAINABILITY; CULTURAL history; RELIGIOUS architecture
- Publication
Open House International (Emerald Publishing Limited), 2024, Vol 49, Issue 3, p609
- ISSN
0168-2601
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1108/OHI-05-2023-0120