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Green Mosque, reflecting the pure and simple relationship between humans and God

Mental Design Works

Public Space  /  Future
Mental Design Works

The Green Mosque was developed with the idea of harmonizing with nature and reflecting the pure and simple relationship between humans and God. Located in a forested area surrounded by centuries-old trees, the site carries the serene and spiritual atmosphere unique to nature.

The core design concept is for the structure to blend into the natural environment, appearing as part of the landscape and uniting with the nature created by God. The roof, shaped like an inverted dome, symbolizes unity among people and their orientation toward God. The dramatic transition between underground and above ground is emphasized through this inverted dome, adding both philosophical and emotional depth to the space.

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Green Mosque

This project is shaped around a philosophy of establishing a dynamic relationship with its surrounding landscape, aiming to integrate with nature and become a part of it. Situated in the heart of a forest surrounded by century-old trees, the mosque aspires to lose itself within nature, rising like a rocky hill. The form of the structure and the natural materials used harmonize with the surrounding environment, complementing it rather than competing with it.

Green Mosque

Green Mosque has been designed in line with the principles of sustainability and harmony with nature. During the placement of the structure, the century-old trees on the site were carefully preserved, and no harm was done to the natural environment. Local and natural materials such as stone, wood, and raw concrete were used to create an architectural language that integrates with its surroundings.
The form of the building has been shaped to align with the natural topography, making it feel like an organic part of the forest. Passive design strategies were employed to maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing energy consumption. Additionally, a large front courtyard allows for outdoor prayer during favorable weather conditions.

Green Mosque

The Project area is in the middle of the forest which is surrounded by century-old trees. The site is located at the west side of Bolu,13 km far away from the city center.

The temple aims to disappear and get lost in the nature created by God.
The curvilinear form of the roof emerges from an inverted dome that brings people together with the god who gathers them together. It was designed to make the contrast between the underground and the top of the ground felt dramatically with its inverted dome. Our approach can be explained as integrating with nature, being a part of nature.

The philosophy of religion and the gathering power of the mosque connect humanity to its creator with purity and humility. Based on this view, it has been interpreted that the masjid is simple with natural materials. While the temple accompanies the journey to a person's inner world, this simplicity adds a dramatic atmosphere to the prayers and leaves them alone with God.

There is a prismatic vertical concrete minaret that defines the mosque in the forest. The fact that the mosque's path is located in the dense forest is ensured by this vertical movement of the minaret.
There is also a large front courtyard that allows people to pray in the forest when the weather is suitable.

Green Mosque
When this project was first conceived, imagining a place of worship within such a pristine and ancient forest was incredibly exciting for us. In the west of Bolu, only 13 kilometers from the city center, yet in a forest that feels completely detached from the world. A structure rising silently among centuries-old trees. This is exactly the feeling we were seeking: a mosque that blends with nature, free from ostentation, yet deeply touching the soul.

Credits

 Bolu
 Turchia
 Elmalık Forest Area
 Religious Building
 12/2027
 1963 m2
  934.761.00 $
 Salih Cikman
 Salih Cikman, Orhan Aydilek, Cansu Aydilek
 Elmalık Forest Area
 Elmalık Forest Area
 Orhan Aydilek

Bio

Architect Salih Cıkman graduated from Uludağ University and worked as a design director at leading architecture firms in Turkey, contributing to many award-winning projects. In 2010, he founded Mental Design Works, an office that reflects his innovative and original approach to architecture. Under his leadership, the firm views architecture as not just design, but also a social, environmental, and cultural responsibility. His work is guided by principles of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. He also teaches in university studios, serves on juries, and shares his experience with young architects.

http://www.mentaldesignworks.c...

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#Winner #Adobe  #Vetro  #Edificio - Complesso religioso  #Rivestimento in vetro  #Tetto verde  #Turchia  #Copertura in cemento  #laterocemento  #Mental Design Works 

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