Ministry of Works - Bahrain Convention Center and Mosque Design Competition
Client: Ministry of Works
Location: Bahrain
Services Provided: Design Competition
Total Site Area: 67,000 m²
Total Built-up Area: 22,500 m²
Construction Cost: $73,000,000
Start Date: 2010
Completion Date: 2010
Challenge
The Ministry of Works sought a design for a convention center and mosque that would honor Bahrain’s cultural heritage while embodying the spiritual and social significance of both structures. The challenge was to design a space that harmonizes religious symbolism with modern functionality, creating an environment where architecture fosters connection, community, and reflection. The concept needed to reflect Islamic values while integrating with the surrounding urban context, all while ensuring the functionality required for both the convention center and mosque.
Approach
The design vision was rooted in Bahrain’s architectural heritage and sought to marry tradition with contemporary needs:
Cultural Integration: The design draws inspiration from Bahrain’s urban fabric, incorporating the overlapping aspects of daily life while weaving in Islamic values of knowledge and spirituality.
Dual Conceptual Framework: The convention center is oriented parallel to the main street, symbolizing the physical and active aspects of life, while the mosque, directed towards Al-Qibleh, emphasizes the spiritual and religious dimension of the project.
Dynamic Spatial Planning: The design incorporates multiple configuration systems, ensuring a seamless integration of various functions while maintaining a strong connection to Bahrain’s architectural identity and urban context.
Impact
The proposed design offers a functional and symbolic solution that reflects Bahrain’s cultural richness while fostering a sense of unity and spirituality. The convention center serves as a hub for events and gatherings, while the mosque stands as a timeless spiritual anchor for the community. Through this design, the project aims to honor Bahrain’s heritage while ensuring the future growth of its social and religious spaces, reinforcing the country’s vision of modernity rooted in tradition.
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