Musholla
Pangandaran , Indonesia

Musholla is an Islamic sacred building, an example of a "musholla" ("musalla" (Arabic: مصلى), which is used for the five daily prayers and recitation of the Koran. Musholla can take two forms. Either in the form of a separate room inside the buildings. For example, in public institutions, airports, family houses and the like, or as a separate building. The difference between a mosque and a musholla is in size, with the mosque being able to accommodate large communal prayers. Mosques usually have a minbar (pulpit), whereas a musholla generally won't. The musholla plays a very important role within a community as, in addition to being a place for prayer, it becomes the cultural center of the area, in which various community activities take place. Especially in densely populated localities, this building plays a very important role with diverse support activities. In Indonesia today, the construction of a musholla is mandatory for communities above a certain size, and it is such structures must be included in the design of new communities.


Musholla is located in Pangandaran, a picturesque seaside town on the southwest coast of Java, known for its beautiful beaches, azure seas and lush jungles. It was designed by Erik Petrus, a Czech architect who works to create architecturally elegant, iconic buildings with an atmosphere that evokes strong emotions. His goal is the creation of unique and impressive structures that combine innovation with a sensitive approach to space and the inhabitants thereof. Musholla is one of many projects Petrus has designed in Indonesia that combine modern architecture with local culture and the natural environment in this tropical nation. The goal is to create aesthetically appealing structures with an appealing atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.


The Musholla building is located next to the residential complex De Residence Pangandaran, which the architect had previously designed. The intent was to express gratitude to God and the local residents for the successful completion of the neighboring residential complex. The building is to serve as a community center where residents can come together to pray or participate in other social activities. The local residents have enthusiastically received it, reporting that it is fulfilling its purpose as a spiritual and social center of the locality.


The mass of the building itself is based on a trapezoidal plot and is divided into two parts - the chapel and the background. Around the inner prayer space, the chapel has an outdoor covered walkway where people can gather. It is clad in perforated bricks that protect the space from direct sunlight while also creating a constantly varying interplay of light and shadow in the interior. The inner prayer space is elevated and topped by a cylindrical dome with a tall, narrow cut-out window through which light enters the interior from above, symbolizing the light from heaven and the presence of God, reinforcing the notion that the worshipper is speaking directly to God. A narrow window-like slit in the dome also serves as a qibla indicating the direction of Mecca to which prayer should be directed. The second volume of the building is the background of the neighboring residential complex De Residence Pangandaran, which adjoins the chapel from the back. It is a two-story building containing a laundry and staff facilities.


Source:

Erik Petrus

Location

Pangandaran , Indonesia

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Completion Year: 2023

Dimensions

87,70 m²; 52,10 m²

Variant Names

Musholla Al-Jihad
Alternate

Site Types

religious
religious

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