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Symposium
on
Mosque
Architecture
Sponsored by
The Ministry of Higher Education
Represented by
The College of Architecture and Planning
King Saud University
In Collaboration with
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs,
Endowment, Da’wa and Guidance
To be held at
King Saud University
in
Shawal 1419H
February 1999G
Riyadh
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Table of Contents
Introduction
Goals of the Symposium
Themes and Topics of the Symposium
The Symposium Activities
Papers
Lectures
The Exhibition
The Symposium’s Prizes
The Sponsoring Organizations
Introduction
Throughout history, the human community has defined the features of the urban environment by developing many buildings that have served its daily needs such as homes, schools, hospitals, and market places. These buildings have received their fair share of investigation, scientific studies and symposiums at both local and international levels. However, it is noticeable that the Mosque, which is considered the most important public building in the Muslim community, has not received appropriate levels of studies and scientific research to reflect its vital status in the life of all Muslims. This limited amount of scientific study about the Mosque has not been enough to reveal its distinguished urban and architectural characteristics. This is more important at this time when some dramatic changes resulting from using the modern technologies in structural, mechanical, and environmental systems are being seen. On the other hand, the study of mosques and their evolution will enable us to understand Muslim towns in terms of their growth pattern, and therefore provide a reliable planning and regulatory tool which will assist in defining the neighborhood boundaries, densities, and needs.
The impact of mosques, and specially the two Holy Mosques and the Aqsa Mosque, on the urbanism of the Islamic city requires further study and documentation. Therefore, this refereed scientific symposium comes in response to the increasing need to highlight mosque architecture in general and that of the two Holy Mosques in particular. The symposium will be accompanied by an exhibition which will highlight the new expansions of the two Holy Mosques, in addition to the architecture of mosques and major Islamic centers in the world, and will feature the use of new technologies in the design of these facilities. This symposium is sponsored by the College of Architecture and Planning at King Saud University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Da’wa, and Guidance.
Goals of the Symposium
The symposium aims to accomplish the following goals:
- To highlight the urban and architectural aspects of the expansions of the two Holy Mosques.
- To encourage and enrich scientific research and studies on mosque architecture.
- To trace and identify the historic developments of mosque architecture.
Themes and Topics of the Symposium
The symposium will be open to participants from Saudi Arabia and abroad. Original papers are invited in Arabic, English, or French, on one or more of the following topics:
1) The expansions of the Two Holy Mosques:
a. The historic development of the architecture of the two Holy Mosques.
b. The architectural and aesthetic features of the expansions of the two Holy Mosques.
c. The technical and environmental aspects of the expansions of the two Holy Mosques.
d. The impact of the expansions on the surrounding urban environment.
2) The historic and urban development of mosques:
a. The urban history of mosques.
b. The historic development of mosque architecture.
3) The urban and architectural design of mosques:
a. The relationship between mosques and the urban environment.
b. The architectural patterns and styles of mosques.
c. The effects of using typical prototype designs.
4) The planning and design criteria of mosque architecture:
a. The functional and behavioral aspects.
b. The environmental control (such as ventilation, lighting, and acoustics).
c. Standardization of mosque elements.
d. Supporting facilities and services.
5) Documentary studies about mosque architecture.
6) The Islamic jurisprudence about mosque architecture.
7) The construction, maintenance, and restoration of mosques:
a. Construction methods of mosques.
b. Restoration of mosques.
c. Maintenance of mosques.
A number of researchers from outside Saudi Arabia, whose papers are accepted for publication, will be hosted by the symposium. All travel and accommodation expenses will be covered.
The Symposium Activities
The symposium activities include:
1) Presenting research papers in accordance with the symptom’s themes and topics.
2) Delivering lectures and discussions related to the themes of the symposium.
3) Holding an exhibition of mosque models and documentation.
4) Awarding prizes for distinguished urban and architectural works.
Papers:
Scientific papers related to the themes and topics of the symposium will be accepted in Arabic, English, or French. All papers will be refereed. Papers must be original, not published or submitted for publication elsewhere. All photographs, figures, and tables must be clear for reproduction purposes. The scientific committee is not obligated to return any submitted materials in the case of the papers not being accepted.
Abstracts, written in any of the three languages, and not exceeding 300 words, are to be sent to the address mentioned at the end of this booklet.
Lectures:
The symposium will contain a series of lectures, including the opening keynote speeches to be delivered by distinguished and internationally recognized scholars, together with scientific lectures and discussions related to the themes and papers of the symposium. Simultaneous translation to the three languages will be provided.
The Exhibition:
The exhibition plays an important role in introducing the great achievements of the expansions of the two Holy Mosques, in addition to the architecture of the prominent mosques and Islamic centers throughout the world. The exhibition will also feature the latest innovations related to mosque architecture in terms of design, construction methods, and environmental control.
The exhibition will contain the following sections:
- The Holy Mosque in Makkah Al-Mokarramah.
- The Holy Mosque in Al-Madinah Al-Monawarrah.
- The Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds.
- The mosques and Islamic centers in the world.
- Governmental agencies and Islamic organizations.
- Architectural and engineering consulting firms.
- Construction and mosque services companies.
- Works submitted for the symposium’s prizes.
- Research, publications, and scripts.
The Symposium’s Prizes
Muslims have given the mosque their utmost attention since the dawn of Islam. In order to recognize the great efforts in mosque architecture, the symposium has allocated four prizes, fifty thousand Saudi Riyals each, plus the costs of travel and accommodation, to be awarded for distinguished works related to the design, documentation, renovation, and maintenance of mosques.
The Prize Objectives:
1) To highlight and recognize distinguished works on mosque architecture.
2) To encourage innovative ideas in the design of mosques and the application of new technologies in their construction.
3) To encourage studies and documentation of historic mosques in the world.
4) To encourage the preservation, renovation, and maintenance of historic mosques.
Categories of the Prize:
1) The Urban Design Award for projects which emphasize the mosque’s role in the urban environment.
2) The Architectural Design Award. The utilization of modern technologies in mosque architecture will also be considered.
3) The Documentary Studies Award for historic mosques in the world.
4) The Preservation and Restoration Works Award for mosques carrying significant historical and architectural values.
Rules of the Prize:
1) Individuals and organizations may enter one or more works.
2) All applicants must specify the prize category for the nominated work.
3) A brief report on the wok must be submitted outlining its concept, goals, location, the sponsoring agency, and the method of finance.
The Jury:
The nominated works will be evaluated by an experienced and specialized panel of jurors selected by the organizing committees.
For further information, please contact the Prize Committee.
The Sponsoring Organizations
The symposium is organized by the College of Architecture and Planning at King Saud University, representing the Ministry of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Da’wa, and Guidance.
1) The College of Architecture and Planning:
Architectural education at King Saud University started in 1387H (1967G), when it was offered by the Department of Architecture under the umbrella of the College of Engineering. This was the first Department to teach architecture in Saudi Arabia. Due to the vast urban development experienced by Saudi Arabia, and the pressing need for architects and planners, this department was expanded in 1403H (1983G) to become the present College of Architecture and Planning.
At present, the college has two departments: the Department of Architecture and Building Sciences, and the Department of Urban Planning. In the near future, two new departments, one for landscape architecture and the other for interior design will be established, Allah willing. In addition to its undergraduate programs, the college has two graduate programs, offering Master of Architecture and mast of Urban Design and Planning degrees. The students body in the college has reached around 600 this academic year. The number of faculty members, holding doctorate degrees, is around 60, in addition to a number of lecturers, teaching assistants, and research assistants. In addition to the academic and scientific research activities, some faculty members participate in providing professional consultations to governmental agencies and private organizations.
The College of Architecture and Planning contains a number of well equipped laboratories which include the computer aided design lab, the environmental lab, the structure lab, the lighting and acoustics lab, and the photography lab. In addition, there is a reading room, a video and slides library, a center for educational aids, and a workshop for architectural model making.
In parallel with its teaching duties, the college places a heavy emphasis on research and professional activities through a number of specialized units such as:
- The Research Center, which encourages and supports the faculty members’ research activities, and assists in financing and publishing their works.
- The Housing Studies Unit, which supports the scientific, consulting, and research activities related to housing.
- The Consultation and Design Unit, which offers professional services to both public and private sectors.
- The Architectural Presentations Unit, which offers assistance in architectural presentation and rendering.
2) The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Da’wa, and
Guidance:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in its efforts to spread the faith of Islam and to care for Muslims, has established a number of specialized organizations to serve this function. One of the most important of these is the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Da’wa, and Guidance. The principal responsibilities of the Ministry are:
1. Printing the Holy Quran, translating its meanings, and distributing it worldwide.
2. Supporting and supervising the charitable societies for memorizing the Holy Quran.
3. Organizing local and international competitions for memorization, recitation, and interpretation of the Holy Quran, and the Sunna.
4. Designing, constructing and maintaining mosques in addition to preparing the Holy sites to receive the pilgrims.
5. Selecting competent preachers, and delegating them to da’wa centers inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
6. Organizing Islamic conferences and symposiums, and coordinating with Islamic organizations.
7. Highlighting the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting the Islamic organizations.
8. Encouraging Muslims to hold to their faith, and calling non-Muslims to Islam.
9. Refuting misconceptions about Islam, opposing destructive movements and protecting Muslims from their dangers.
10. Inquiring about the conditions of Muslim minorities, Islamic societies, centers and schools abroad.
11. Surveying, registering, and managing the endowments inside Saudi Arabia.
12. Supervising, developing, and looking after the endowed libraries, religious schools, and residences for the needy in Saudi Arabia.
13. Conducting studies and research in various Islamic domains, and the publishing of the “Islamic Book.”
The ministry accomplishes these tasks through a number of deputy-ministries and departments which include:
- The Deputy Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
- The Deputy Ministry of Endowment Affairs.
- The Deputy Ministry of Mosques, Da’wa, and Guidance Affairs.
- The Deputy Ministry of Literature and Publications.
- The Deputy Ministry of Planning, Development and Programs.
- King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran.
- The General Secretariat of Charitable Societies for Memorizing the Holy Quran.
- The General Secretariat for the Local and International Competitions of the Holy Quran.
- The Institute for Imams “prayer leaders” and Preachers.
In addition to the above departments, the ministry has thirteen branches in the Kingdom’s regions, and twenty two offices for da’wa abroad.
The number of mosques in Saudi Arabia has reached 38,820 and the production of King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran has totaled about 117 million copies since its establishment in 1405H (1985G). The Holy Quran’s meanings are translated into seventeen languages.
The Symposium Committees
A number of committees participated in the preparations for this symposium. These committees are constituted from the staff of the College of Architecture and Planning, King Saud University, assisted by members from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Da’wa, and Guidance. These committees are:
- The Organizing Committee.
- The Steering Committee.
- The Scientific Committee, which is composed of the following subcommittees.
- The Research Committee.
- The Lectures Committee.
- The Prizes Committee.
- The Administrative Committee.
- The Art-Work Committee.
- The Exhibition Committee.
- The Financial Committee.
- The Information and Public Relations Committee.
- The Social Affairs Committee.
Services Provided by the Symposium
The symposium offers a number of services to participants, including:
- Obtaining entry visas to Saudi Arabia.
- Providing airline and hotel discounts.
- Arranging for participants to perform Omra “visit to Makkah Al-Mokarramah,” and to visit the Prophets Mosque in Al-Madinah Al-Monawarrah.
Date and Place of the Symposium:
The Symposium will be held -Allah Willing- at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in Shawal 1416H, corresponding to February 1999G. The exact date will be determined later.
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