Japanese Architecture Concept
The owner of PT. TRAD Indonesia wanted to remodel a mosque that is daily used by the employees. Because the owner of the company is a Japanese, the architect tried to combine the style of Japanese architecture and contemporary architecture which is finally fitted with the renovation process since the roof cannot be changed. This building is expected to be a relaxing place and create a serene atmosphere to pray and be alone to God.
From the floor, ceiling, lamp details, to decoration, the architect applied a lot of Japanese element. The mosque’s floor is using the pattern and color of Tatami, by applying beige and brown granite tile. The brown tile is used as its border, and indirectly forming rows for prayers. Two light boxes in front of the praying area as a specific direction for Qiblah are also using Japanese style with simple form and brown-beige color.
From the floor, ceiling, lamp details, to decoration, the architect applied a lot of Japanese element. The mosque’s floor is using the pattern and color of Tatami, by applying beige and brown granite tile. The brown tile is used as its border, and indirectly forming rows for prayers. Two light boxes in front of the praying area as a specific direction for Qiblah are also using Japanese style with simple form and brown-beige color.
At this time, green architecture rules must be applied in buildings because of the environmental issue. It is difficult to maximize the light to come into the building since the roof cannot be changed, so a criss-cross of trapezoid shaped wall is built around the building to maximize the wind that enters the mosque but still protect the building’s religious privacy.
The Islamic calligraphy is used as the decoration to strengthen the philosophical element of Islam but in a modern form. Each calligraphy is placed at the corresponding area, for example at the entrance is “Assalamualaikum” which in Islam is used for greetings. In the hallway between men and women there are “Ikhwan” that means man, and “Akhwat” that means woman. And Surah Al-Ikhlas is placed in the mihrab itself.
In this mosque, there are three types of expression created by the lights, each kind of light expression will be used depending to what they need. Two yellow spotlights on the right and left side are the expression of warm light, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere to relieve stress after a long day of work. The white lamp light that is hidden behind mihrab expresses a single light as the orientation of Qiblah. And the light box in the middle of the mosque as a normal expression, indicating a stable atmosphere.