PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

The Abrahamic Family House is a collection of three religious spaces: a mosque, a synagogue and a church, unified by a shared secular pavilion. Officially inaugurated in February 2023, the house serves as a community for inter-religious dialogue and exchange, nurturing the values of peaceful co-existence and acceptance among different beliefs, nationalities and cultures. Within each house of worship, visitors can observe religious services, listen to holy scripture, and experience sacred rituals. The fourth space—not affiliated with any specific religion— is where the differences connect and people come together with the collective ambition to convene spatially, through courtyards, a central entrance, a library, and exhibition space; and interpersonally, through educational and event-based programming.
The design appears as powerful plutonic forms with a clear geometry of three cubes sitting on a plinth – though not aligned, they each have different orientations. Sunlight serves as the principal design element, creating dynamic interactions with each house throughout the day.
The Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque is oriented toward Makkah, grounding it in Islamic tradition. Its façade is adorned with seven elongated arches on each side, symbolizing the spiritual significance of the number seven in Islam. Over 470 operable mashrabiya panels allow for the circulation of air while controlling light and preserving privacy, reflecting one of Islamic architecture's most admired features. Inside, a grid of four columns creates nine ascending vaults that orient worshippers toward the mihrab, symbolizing stability and order. Ancillary spaces include two external ablution areas—an inverted pyramid for men and an inverted sphere for women—crafted from concrete to evoke reverence during the preparation for prayer.
The St. Francis Church is oriented to the east, welcoming the rising sun as a symbol of divinity. Its façade features a vertical forest of columns, designed to capture morning light while shielding the sanctuary from the midday sun. Inside, the design embodies a “shower of ecstatic redemption” with linear timber battens ascending at the center and descending at the periphery. This vaulted effect is achieved using over 13,000 meters of timber, complemented by minimalist pews and a crucifix, designed to symbolize inclusivity for all Christian denominations. The ancillary spaces include an octagonal baptistry, where sunlight filters through a conical design, creating dynamic light patterns throughout the day.
The Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue faces Jerusalem, in accordance with Jewish tradition. Its façade comprises three layers of V-shaped columns, symbolizing overlapping palm fronds of the sukkah, with seven points touching the ground and eight points touching the soffit—symbols of man and God, respectively. The interior features a suspended bronze mesh tent descending from a central skylight, evoking the sukkah and the original tabernacle while orienting worshippers toward the Torah. Daylight refracting through the colonnade and mesh tent creates a dappled, serene atmosphere, reminiscent of sunlight streaming through palm fronds. Ancillary spaces include the mikveh, constructed as a perfect square with a centralized pool, adhering to Jewish laws while employing modern construction techniques to enhance the spiritual journey.
Together, these spaces form a unified yet distinct expression of faith, fostering peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and shared identity. The garden and Forum serve as communal spaces where diversity converges, embodying the values of connection, civility, and harmony.