Critical Regionalism Approach for Djami Mosque Design Towards the Aesthetics of Sustainability

Abstract

Sustainable architecture seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, development space and the ecosystem at large. It adopts a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in designing the built environment. This conscious process involves the embodiment of phenomenology as embedded in the critical regionalism approach that explains 'human experiences as being' in the built environment. In this sense, the aesthetics of sustainable architecture may be accomplished when three factors (the visual perception of space, spatial, experiential perceptions, and the cognition of the natural environment) are incorporated together. This paper aims to identify and unveil how the critical regionalism approach contributes to sustainable architectural design based upon five determinants - placemaking, genius loci, the phenomenology of senses, climatic and environment responsiveness, and communal and humanity tectonic. In Malaysia, the critical regionalism approach is not widely explored and defined due to a lack of value application and awareness amongst local designers in public building design. Hence, it resulted in public building design like Mosque that emphasizes only superficial aesthetics, which lacks importance on the user's needs. The study used the hermeneutic method through the interpretivism paradigm to understand this. As a case study, the two indicators of architectural elements, form making and spatial elements of mosque buildings, are analyzed to document the value of critical Regionalism that embraces adaptability, reinterpretation and realization of reality. This study will benefit many parties in providing recommendations for mosque design, referring to the critical regionalism approach toward sustainable architecture. This critical regionalism approach can foster the formation of a national identity architecture that can contribute to the unity of society and strengthen the sentiment of nationalism in the present Muslim and multi-racial society. In addition, by having a better-quality design, the built form can readily be accepted and adopted in terms of functions for the benefit of the entire community.

Using the golden ratio in detecting the aesthetics of Mosque facades: The case of contemporary Mosques in Erbil city

“…The mosque is a building that has a strategic role in Muslims' lives [20] Mosque serves as a gathering place for Muslims to pray, either individually or in groups [21]. These prayers may be performed by large or small groups of members if they are carried out during the prescribed times [22,23] The English word mosque comes from the Arabic word "masjid", which means "a place for prostration" [23,24]. The mosque acts as a landmark or becomes a point of reference for Muslim people [25].…”

The Presence of Critical Regionalism in Contemporary Mosques in Indonesia

“…Like supporting mosque research on a similar topic in Malaysia, injecting regional elements into a building also encourages architecture that is more responsive to the environment. Conditions where the building uses natural ventilation and lighting and understands the surrounding environment can support several activities [18].…”

Regional Architecture Building Identity: The Mediating Role of Authentic Pride

“…Existing research indicates that regional architecture reflects the cultural values and social customs of their regions. Integrating local traditions, cultural significance, and unique features into architecture helps form a distinctive identity [5]. Specifically, the regions of Huizhou and Minnan, represented by Hui-style and Min-style architectures, respectively, carry their unique cultural traditions and social histories.…”

“…This study delved into the differences in the impact of Hui-style and Min-style architectures on residents' identities, revealing that these are not only material manifestations of cultural heritage but also potent forces in shaping the personal and social identities of the people living within them [2,3]. With hundreds of years of history, these traditional regional architectures encapsulate the philosophical foundations of social-cultural evolution, economic development, and the spirit of the times within their structure and aesthetics [4,5]. The narratives contained within the walls, roofs, and spaces of these buildings present a reflection on community values, desires, and collective memories over lengthy periods.…”