This is one of the six largest mosques in the world, accommodating up to 9000 worshippers internally and a further 30,000 in its courtyard and arcades. The central dome (one of 82 altogether) is raised some 45 metres above the floor, its ring beam alone measuring 5 metres deep. The mosque also aims to be global in outlook, reflecting the history of Islamic mosque architecture rather than a specific regional style to provide a place of worship for all Muslims. Its elaborate decorations and rich materials - from striking white marble to semi-precious stone inlays and ornate woodwork - have also been sourced from countries all over the world.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Presentation Panels. Courtesy of Architect. Geneva: Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 2010.
Description
Presentation panels are drawings, images, and text graphically prepared by the architect and submitted to the Aga Khan Award for Architecture during the later round of the Award cycle. The portfolios are kept in the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Library for consultation purposes.