The Salman Mosque: The Pioneer of the Mosque Design Idea, the Driving Force Behind the Coinage of the Term ‘Campus Mosque’ in Indonesia

Abstract

This article is a part of a journey to understand the existential meaning of the Salman Mosque. One of the topics to be raised is the knowledge that the Salman mosque is capable of becoming a reformer in various fields. The focus of discussion is on the design idea and the Salman Mosque as the pioneer for coinage of the term ‘campus mosque’ in Indonesia. The design of the Salman Mosque that brought about a radical change in its beginning, established the Salman mosque as reformer. Through the qualitative approach conducted between 2011 until 2015, information was obtained through explorative interviews with the mosque architects: Achmad Noeman and those involved with the daily activities of the mosque such as: management, members of mosque units and divisions, residents of the mosque dormitory and prominent figures of society. This assessment is expected to be able to provide knowledge on the Salman mosque especially as it is associated with the term ‘campus mosque’.

Architecture Mosque in Indonesia: The Typical Pattern and Its Shifting Form from The Period of The Kingdom to The Emergence of The YAMP Mosque Phenomenon

“…Its design aimed to challenge the prevailing architectural norms. According to Dewiyanti (2015), it adopted the principles of modernization championed by architects like Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius, Mies Van de Rohe, Oscar Niemeyer, and others. The architect, Ahmad Noeman, embraced the philosophy of modernity rooted in simplicity.…”

“…The design of this mosque attempted to break free from tradition and reinterpret the essence of architectural locality. It emphasized simplicity, and functionality, minimized ornamentation, showcased the honesty of materials (Dewiyanti & Budi, 2015), and explored aspects of function and meaning based on modern ideologies and spirits (Astrina & Indrarani, 2022).…”

“…Several modern architectural forms can be observed in the Salman Mosque. Dewiyanti & Budi (2015) explain in more detail in the table: (Table 2) The Salman Mosque emerged as a generator of modernism in several aspects: it was the first mosque that differed from its predecessors, its structural design employed computer technology, and the opinions of the mosque's architect, Achmad Noe'man, indicated that modern architecture represented Islam moving towards modernization (Dewiyanti & Budi, 2016). However, the expected influence of modernization envisioned by the architect (Achmad Noe'man) did not significantly impact mosque architecture in Indonesia, partly due to the limited scope (in terms of function, form, and meaning) of the principles applied (Astrina & Indrarani, 2022).…”

The dynamics of meaning in mosque architecture: A case study of old and modern mosques in West Java Indonesia

“…The second object is the Salman Mosque located on Jalan Ganesha, Bandung City, West Java, and widely known as the pioneer of mosques with new architectural styles as well as the pioneer of campus mosques in Indonesia (Dewiyanti and Budi 2016). Its shape that is not dominated by the domed roof is believed to be the embodiment of the modern architectural movement in Indonesia.…”

Islamic and Western Hybrid Symbols in Contemporary Mosque Architecture in Indonesia's Reform Era

“…In Indonesia, starting from the work of architect A. Norman, the Salman Mosque ITB Bandung in 1972, which was designed without a dome, started using simple, and uncomplicated architecture. Now more and more architects have begun removing the dome and arch elements traditionally in mosques, but they still appear Islamic and functional [5].…”