01: EARTH

Atelier Masoomi | HIKMA, Dadanji, Niger

CONTEXT:
Hikma – A religious and secular complex in Dadanji, Niger, rethinks the interconnec-
tion of knowledge alongside religious practice. The co-existence that the project
yearns to achieve between secular community and the religious community mirrors the
co-existence of the fabric of the old ‘derelict’ mosque with the newly designed.

Earth plays an integral part in the way that one perceives a built structure. Par-
ticularly in HIKMA where the use of compressed earth bricks sourced locally, gives
it the colour that is reminiscent of the inner layers of soil. This also affirms the
dominance of vision and the suspension of the other senses in the perception of the
building. The relationship to earth is demonstrated in the thickened outer layer of
the walls. Meant to invoke a sense of security in its inhabitants and users.

Moreover, the idea of earth in many cultures and civilization closely relates to and
involves the notion of safety, comfort, firmness, reliability and endurance. This
notion is firmly rooted in Hikma where earth becomes a root that binds the building
to the site. This primitive display of earth as a source of protection and solidari-
ty is played upon within our modification towards the new section of the building
via the alterations of gathering and expanding.

PROCESS:

up

Illustration right depicts following path down through the central corridor space
down into the much more enclosed prayer spaces

Second diagram demonstrates the sense of enclosure and protection this alterations
provides. Linking to the idea of security and sturdiness associated with earth.
This alteration also exemplified the spiritual connection one experiences between
earth and sky via this extreme distortion of proportions .

Moreover, the shape of the windows act as filters of light that connects the earth
(prayer space) to the sky (sun). The various ways that light can bounce off and
reflect in different times of the day, give the space diffused lighting.
The perception of the place becomes known by these very filters of light.

AXO/OBLIQUE
Zahra Ebrahimi (z5581505)
|
Jia Liang Huang (z5310478)
 01: EARTH
Atelier Masoomi | HIKMA, Dadanji
ALTERATIONS:
Connection to earth is exemplified through strategic alterations
method of gathering and expanding(see bottom figures). Through gath-
ering of the forms into the central prayer space (also exemplified
through expanding) the space becomes pushed into the earth, below
the datum line. Enhancing the peoples experiential connection to
earth and heaven through prayers (done on the ground pushed into the
earth highlighting the height of the sky.)

Through the expansion of the walls, a deeper connection to earth is

drawn through its highlight and creation of an enclosed earthbound
area. A longer transition space is generated from the external to
internal rooms creating an enclosed environment recessed and sup-
ported by the walls and earth. This enclosed environment resonates
with the primitive notion of safety and protection, a trait highly
associated with earth and stone.

Through these alterations on the build form. The buildings relation-

ship to earth is evidently exaggerated to reinforce the idea of
earth and sense of security plus homeliness it can bring to the
space which is paramount to a prayer setting.

EXPAND
up

GATHER

EXPAND
Zahra Ebrahimi (z5581505)
|
Jia Liang Huang (z5310478)