Religious architecture has always had a unique power to transcend the physical realm, transporting visitors to a spiritual journey. In many belief systems, it serves as a space between the earthly and the universal divine. This designed experience can often be facilitated through different choices, where light, form, materiality, and circulation play essential roles. Furthermore, architecture and design hold the power to have a profound impact on one’s lived spiritual experience.
This exploration of religious architecture in the global south showcases the integration of tradition and contemporary innovation. Whether it’s the Omani Mosque, where heritage and Islamic tradition are honored, or the Abrahamic Family House that features a mosque, a church, and a synagogue in dialogue and coexistence. Form and public access are explored through a design in Brazil, while a monastery in Uganda expands its size to serve guests and novitiate.
Read on to discover contemporary religious architecture in the Global South.
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Kinjonjo, Uganda
Initially established in Kenya in 1952, Our Lady of Victoria Monastery forms a community of monks from the Cistercian Trappist. After relocating to Uganda and needing to expand the monastery’s capacity, Localworks Studio developed this architectural project. The scheme encompasses constructing four new buildings: a Church, a Noviciate, a Guesthouse, and a Gatehouse. These structures are crafted using clay bricks and are arranged around three courtyards. The project's local setting, including its materials, climate, and culture, is thoughtfully taken into account in the design. Above the church, a thin, secondary tropical roof collects rainwater, shades and safeguards the structure, and makes room for solar panels.
Abrahamic Family House / Adjaye Associates
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Abrahamic Family House comprises four secular areas with a Forum and raised garden on top of three religious spaces: a church, a synagogue, and a mosque. The community aims to welcome people of many faiths, countries, and cultures and works to promote peaceful coexistence and interfaith understanding. Every institution of worship welcomes guests who wish to partake in holy ceremonies, hear readings from scripture, and religious services.
Aldeia Temple / NEBR Arquitetura
São Lourenço Da Mata, Brazil
The Aldeia Temple in Brazil uses form to create a spiritual experience. Aiming to capture diverse viewpoints, a column appears from the earth and reaches towards the sky. Designed without doors, its walls and floor are open to all, embracing shadows and truth in harmony with its structure. The sacred space draws attention to our world's scarcity of gentle outlines and edges.
The Mamluki Lancet Mosque / Babnimnim Design Studio
Al Masayel, Kuwait
Blending Egyptian architecture with contemporary design, the mosque in Al Masayel merges tradition and modernity to serve the community. Inspired by the Moqarnas and Islamic Star, the design symbolizes unity and connection to the divine. The mosque consists of five masses, aligning with the five daily prayers. The lower mass signifies faith and orientation towards the Qibla, while the upper mass reflects the mosque's connection to its surroundings. Three intervening masses form a funnel-like interior, enabling unobstructed prayer alignment.
Masjid Bab Al Salam / Altqadum
Muscat, Oman
This mosque aims to honor Omani architecture and evoke a spiritual journey. Combining deep spirituality and Omani heritage with modern functionality, the scheme hopes to infuse life into the surroundings. Moreover, the design is simple, redefining a mosque’s primary functions. Using innovative construction techniques, the material choices play a pivotal role in paying homage to Islamic architecture in a contemporary manner that feels accessible to all visitors.
This article is part of an ArchDaily curated series that focuses on built projects from our database grouped under specific themes related to cities, typologies, materials, or programs. Every month, we will highlight a collection of structures that find a common thread between previously uncommon contexts, unpacking the depths of influence on our built environments. As always, at ArchDaily, we highly appreciate the input of our readers. If you think we should mention specific ideas, please submit your suggestions.
