stacked volumes & half domes shape babnimnim’s kuwait mosque
CategoriesArchitecture

stacked volumes & half domes shape babnimnim’s kuwait mosque

babnimnim studio unveils mamluki lancet mosque

 

A contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Egyptian architecture, the Mamluki Lancet Mosque by Babnimnim Design Studio poses a spiritual sanctuary for the local community in Al-Masayel, Kuwait. The architects draw on classic Islamic motifs, including calligraphy relief, intricate geometric ornamentation, archways, and the Moqarnas typology to balance a large half dome over the rectilinear space. The mosque unfolds as a sequence of five stone masses, stacked and rotating, each resonating with the five daily prayers and symbolizing the foundation of faith, alignment to the Qibla (prayer direction towards Makkah), and connection to the surroundings. Meanwhile, three intervening masses dynamically coalesce to form a funnel-like configuration, creating an unobstructed interior devoid of columns, facilitating unhindered alignment for prayers.

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque by babnimnim
Mamluki Lancet Mosque | image by Mohammed Ashkanani

 

 

a contemporary expression of historic islamic architecture

 

The five progressively rotating masses ascend toward the central half dome which is marked by the symbolic Islamic moon, engraved in intricate metalwork that is echoed in the minaret to signify unity and connection to the divine. A strategically positioned additional mass completes the Islamic Star plan when viewed from above, enhancing the mosque’s identity and visibility in the neighborhood while demarcating alternative side entrances. Babnimnim Design Studio punctuates the facade with minimalist lancet cutouts — motifs and proportions found in classical Mamluki mosques — that frame windows and structural elements at various levels. A grand wooden door invites worshippers into the sacred space, echoing the half dome that defines the mosque’s core by an elongated form to envelop and house the primary lobby gateway towards the main interior.

 

The Kuwaiti architects have arranged adjacent smaller half domes in a stepped configuration to serve as luminous wells, infusing natural light within and marking an inviting prelude to the women’s quarters. A stately minaret stands tall and aligns with the central axis, descending within to mark the indoor Mihrab area. It unites the exterior and interior elements, inviting worshippers to focus their devotion towards the Qibla.

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque by babnimnim
sited within a residential neighborhood in Kuwait | image by Mohammed Ashkanani

 

 

stone masses and islamic engravings bridge past and present

 

Stepping inside the Mamluk Lancet Mosque, a dynamic interplay of masses and finishes marked with juxtaposing ornamentation and simplicity define the space. Lower masses are enveloped in stone for stability while upper masses rendered in pure white evoke lightness and movement. Thuluth-style Quranic inscriptions adorn walls and partitions in calligraphic strokes in a modern relief effect, illuminated by ethereal rays penetrating through rotating volumes. An adaptable sliding partition separates the male prayer hall from the women’s area for daily use, expanding during Ramadan to support larger congregations to maintain inclusivity and unity.

 

Inspired by the historic era of the Mamluk Empire, the mosque embraces a modern material palette through gray stone cladding and white clay plastering for a subdued yet genuine reinterpretation. The harmonious cool grays and whites, complemented by subtle brass accents, enrobe both the interior and exterior and bridge the gap between past and present, lending a graceful air of timelessness to the architecture.

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque by babnimnim
a series of half arches create a harmonious flow of imagery | image by Mohammed Ashkanani

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque by babnimnim
a grand wooden door invites worshippers into the sacred space | image by Mohammed Ashkanani

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque by babnimnim
the architects draw on classic Islamic motifs in contemporary expressions | image by Mohammed Ashkanani

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque by babnimnim
geometric ornamentation | image by Mohammed Alsaad, Nasser Alomairi

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque by babnimnim
image by Mohammed Alsaad, Nasser Alomairi

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque
image by Mohammed Alsaad, Nasser Alomairi

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque
image by Mohammed Alsaad, Nasser Alomairi

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque
image by Mohammed Alsaad, Nasser Alomairi

rhythmically stacked, rotating volumes and half domes compose kuwaiti mosque
image by Mohammed Alsaad, Nasser Alomairi

Reference

TAEP/AAP tops BBT Hilltop restaurant in Kuwait with stepped roof
CategoriesArchitecture

TAEP/AAP tops BBT Hilltop restaurant in Kuwait with stepped roof

An oversized stepped roof that doubles as an “amphitheatre for the city” tops BBT Hilltop, a burger restaurant in Kuwait City designed by architecture studio TAEP/AAP.

Named after its client, Best Burger in Town (BBT), the restaurant in the Sharq district is elevated on a bright red plinth that doubles as an outdoor seating area for customers.

Above, the overhanging roof provides additional seating as well as a flexible events space that TAEP/AAP designed to be used for outdoor cinemas, parties and concerts.

Aerial view of BBT Hilltop restaurant in Kuwait City by TAEP/AAP
TAEP/AAP has created the BBT Hilltop restaurant in Kuwait City

According to the studio, the aim is to “create opportunity for certain activities to take place, that otherwise would be less likely to happen in the business centre”.

“A building such as this does not merely occupy its plot, it gives something back,” TAEP/AAP told Dezeen.

“It can host all sorts of parties and concerts, artistic-related events, expositions and so forth. The possibilities are limitless.”

Drive-through restaurant with stepped roof
BBT Hilltop is topped by a stepped rooftop

On the ground floor, an indoor seating area sits alongside the kitchens and logistical spaces. Glass hatches for ordering and picking up food are sheltered by the roof, the underside of which has also been finished in a bold shade of red.

An opening on the southern side of BBT Hilltop leads customers directly to a red spiral staircase that winds up onto the roof terrace.

Tower and neighbouring restaurant in Kuwait City
The roof features seating and a slide

On the roof, a group of red shipping containers contain a pop-up store selling the restaurant’s merchandise. There is also a series of wide steps leading to seating areas sheltered beneath umbrellas and a yellow slide on the eastern edge.

The roof has been designed to be able to support additional pop-up structures in the future depending on its use.

“On top, a ludic contemplation area was developed to enjoy the views while eating, or simply resting,” explained TAEP/AAP.

“A stand was created to be used as a sitting area and playground, with the addition of a slide that interacts with the inclination of the canopy,” it added.

Red staircase to roof of BBT Hilltop restaurant in Kuwait City by TAEP/AAP
The use of red is informed by the restaurant company’s branding

The use of red throughout BBT Hilltop is informed by BBT’s branding and has been incorporated throughout the interiors in fixtures and fittings, as well as in the barriers for the drive-through area.

Other burger restaurants featured on Dezeen include an interior by Sapid Studio in Geneva informed by a Japanese patchwork technique and a restaurant in Turin by Masquespacio with brightly coloured tiles.

The photography is by Fernando Guerra.

Reference