Jordan university

contemporary architecture in the Islamic context

college of engineering
department of architecture

MED EXAM REPORT

By :
Rogayah otoom

ID :
8210762
1- PROJECT NAME : Da Chang Muslim Cultural Center

Fig (1): Da Chang Muslim Cultural Center

Name of the project : Da Chang Muslim Cultural Center
Architect /Company :  Hejingtang Studio

Primary function : culture

About : “ the project is supposed by the local government to be an

iconic design, introducing Dachang’s particular culture and enhancing the soft power of the
city.The national palace is thus endowed with multiple functions, serving not only as the
recreation center of the city, but the essential cultural site for the introduction of local religion
and history as well , Dachang country is Muslim enclave near Beijing. To revive the Islamic
culture and improve the quality of culture life, it’s a complex integrating the functions of theater,
exhibition, convention and community center. Based on a traditional mosque with new
materials and technologies. “
In the design of the project, Academician He Jingtang has also carried out his concept of “2
Views” and “3 Characters”, with the starting point of holistic view and sustainable development
concept, fully considering regionalism,cultural, and epochal character of the architecture,
therefore presents us anexcellent design.The built structure combines traditional Islamic
architectural features withmodern construction methods and materials and energy-saving
technologies,creating an elegant, contemplative space to serve the needs of the community.
the dome sees the translation and abstraction of Islamic symbols rather than simple mimicking
We constitute the dome with petaloid shells and creatively transform the interior space into a
semi-exterior roof garden flooded with the sunshine, fresh air, and vegetation.
 Fig (2): Da Chang Muslim Cultural Center shots

2- Phenotype & Genotype analysis :

 Pheno type
a. Space :
The architecture space elements of the Da Chung Muslim Culture Center project refer to
the design and layout of the physical spaces within the building, including their size,
organization, and relationship to one another.

The architecture space elements of the Da Chung Muslim Culture Center project reflect a
careful consideration of the needs of the local Muslim community, with a focus on
creating functional, comfortable, and welcoming spaces for prayer, ritual, and community
activities. for example prayer halls themselves. These spaces are typically large and open,
with high ceilings and minimal ornamentation.

The spatial organization of the Da Chung Muslim Culture Center project also includes the
provision of spaces for social interaction and community gatherings. These spaces also
are designed to be welcoming and comfortable, with seating areas and other amenities
that encourage people to come together and connect.
To evaluate Spaces characterstics in the case study see the tabel below .tebel (1):

Criteria of evaluation
Mixing different spaces with different Inside & outside relationship / form and Conclusion
purposes space relationship
1- Lighting effect toward the space . see The spaces acquired
Mixing different type of spaces : fig (3) their identity in the
- Religion spaces : building according to
(prayer rooms ) the influence of the
- Recreation spaces & others : Islamic elements on
(plaza,exhibitions,auditorium) them (content ). The
architect control the
quality of spaces
(lighting and hieght )by
fig (3) : light and space /interior these elments .
2- dome effect in forming some
Provision of new spaces : spaces .see fig (4)
-inner garden below the dome (roof
garden ) . See fig ()

Score of three :
fig (4) : dome and space
2/3

tebel (1): space factor measurment to case study

 B. Content :
The architectural content elements of the Da Chung Muslim Culture Center project include the
integration of Islamic architectural elements and materials as well as Islamic sustainable
features , referring to the concept wich state that the design will base on islamic fetures from
traditional mosque so da chung muslim culture center uses islamic elments such as arches and
dome with spacefic material and environmental treatment .see tebel (2)
the building also incorporates sustainable features such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and
energy-efficient systems to minimize its environmental impact.
Evaluation of content characterstics in the case study see the tabel below .tebel (2):

Criteria of evaluation
Islamic architecture elment provision Counstruction Green Sustainability & environmental
material treatments Conclusion
Arches : the building Roof thermal comfort of the Dome Detail : The islamic content
In this project the architects used the arches subtly interprets graden ( transferring the
for thermal purposes, inspired by the old the spatial below Islamic elements in
Islamic architecture. structure of the the dome their forms and
* the arcades represent an external envelope mosque with functions) has
new material appeared as a control
and technology. over the design
(Glass ,plaster process and the basic
and cement ). criteria for delivering
the main concept
fig (5) : Arches
fig (8) : dome and thermal behaviour
Dome : Arches and path design with double
* the dome Used as a top cover to ensure façade :
thermal and lighting ambience.

fig (6) : dome form

Decoration :
the use of decoration parameticlly inside and
outside the building :

Score of three :
3/3
fig (7) : decoration (geometrical shape )
 tebel (2) : content factor measurment in the case study
C. Context :
The architectural context of this project takes into consideration various factors related to the site
and the cultural context in which it is situated. One important context element is the need to
create a space that is respectful of Islamic traditions and customs. This requires attention to
details such as the orientation of the building, the provision of prayer rooms, and to integrate the
building with the surrounding urban fabric.
Overall, the architectural context of the Da Chung Muslim Culture Center project is shaped by a
desire to create a functional, culturally sensitive, and sustainable space that meets the needs of
the local Muslim community while also contributing to the broader urban environment of Taipei.

Evaluation of context characterstics in the case study see the tabel below .tebel (3):

Criteria of evaluation
Response to urban History & culture Ethnic interaction Conclusion
fabric
It is said that the The center is located in The context did not
Its design differs from shape of the dome is Muslim district in china seem to influence the
other building in china inspired by the design
and was not affected by chinese lantern
it SCORE :
1/3

tebel (3) : context factor measurment in the case study

 Genotype :
A. Structure :
The architecture structure element of the Da Chung Muslim Culture Center project refers to the
building's underlying structural system and the ways in which it supports the functional and
aesthetic requirements of the project.
Evaluation of Structure characterstics in the case study see the tabel below .tebel (4):

Criteria of evaluation
System level of visibility and influence Conclusion
column - beam + dome Mostly Unvisible Structure did not
play an important
role in this case

SCORE :
1/3

tebel (4) : Structure factor measurment in the case study

B. Function :
The primary function of the Da Chung Muslim Culture Center is to provide religious activities
for the local Muslim community. To accommodate this function, the building includes religious
spaces such as a separate prayer halls for men and women, with each space designed to be large
and open, with high ceilings and minimal ornamentation. In addition to prayer spaces, it is also
includes other areas designed to accommodate the needs of the community, such as ablution
areas for ritual cleansing, social spaces for community gatherings, and educational spaces for
religious instruction ,and social and recreational spaces auch as exibition ,auditorium and other
activities. This mix of function and uses can see below in fig () .
Overall, the architecture function element of the Da Chung Muslim Culture Center project
reflects a careful consideration of the needs of the local Muslim community, with a focus on
providing functional, accessible, and sustainable spaces for prayer, ritual, education, and
community activities.
The interior spaces of the building also reflect the traditional Islamic architectural style, with a
focus on symmetry, simplicity, and the use of natural light. The design of the interior spaces is
organized around the central dome, with the prayer halls located on either side and other areas
such as the ablution areas and social spaces located around the perimeter.

Evaluation of finction characterstics in the case study see the tabel below .tebel (5):

Criteria of evaluation
Types of function in Cieculation and ease Waste Services Conclusion
the building of movement space
1- Relegious Clear circular path Most of Available The Function was the
around the center the spaces most important factor
under the dome ( look are here to achieve the
like traditional exploited goal of the project and
mosque plan ) and there to highlight the
are none Islamic culture by
2- Social waste integrating several
space social, religious and
recreational functional
space and linking
them clearly on
SCORE :
several floors,
3/3
while
emphasizing the
 3- Recreation importance of the
Islamic elements that
helped to organized
these functional
spaces

fig (10) : circular path

around the center
tebel (5) : Function factor measurment in the case study

C. Form :
The architecture form element of the Da Chung Muslim Culture Center project refers to the
building's physical shape, massing, and overall aesthetic expression. The project is designed to
reflect the traditional mosque, with a central dome. dome is an important architectural feature in
Islamic culture, symbolizing the sky and heaven, and its central location in the building emphasizes
the importance of prayer in the Muslim faith.
Evaluation of Form characterstics in the case study see the tabel below .tebel (6):

Criteria of evaluation
Over all shape : Visual Inertia Conclusion
Size and mass : Cube an dome in the center -Stabel
-Symmetrical the building appear like
and repeated a traditional Islamic
in arches like mosque but really it’s
old mosque not a mosque indeed
but it looks
fig (11) : Cube an dome in the center contemporary design
because of using
Exterior envelope : double skin using geometrical parametric algorithms
pattern and rythem so the result is
parametric Islamic
SCORE :
building. 2/3
 fig (12) : arches pattern

tebel (6) : Form factor measurment in the case study

Although the use of algorithms and parametric methods has been shown in the outer shell
of the building, we cannot be certain that this has affected on the form it self so after
abstraction it can be seen the regular form which consist only of simple cube and dome.

3-Charts : After analyzing the phenotype and genotype of the building, each factor
was evaluated and given score , with Score 1 being the weakest and lowest, and Score 3
being the strongest and most prominent. Returning to the architectural idea of the design,
and after analyzing the building, it was found that more focus was placed on the content
and function .

 Chart one :
4 SCORE :
Content Weak Strong
3 1 2 3

Structure Context
2
Space

1
 Function
Form
3
2

 Chart two :
Phenotype
Oneness
Value Gen
SMART Concept

Objective Whole

Intelligent System

Component
Subjective

Insight2
Context
3

Part
Eclectic

Knowledge Content

Element
Selective
Object
Informal
Procurer
Unit

Matter

Piece Tool Device Machine Technology Application

 Collective

Data
1

1 The design concept focus more in phenotype Content score 3/3 include :

Islamic elements
Arches Dome Decoration Sustainable and Islamic
environmental treatment
Using these elements it looks Islamic but it designed by using parametric algorithms like the dome
it contain opening like old one, repeated arcades and the arch started from the ground to the other
point in one line not like the old one and the inside garden and transferring the Islamic motifs to
parametric Islamic motifs.

2 The design concept did not focus on genotype like phenotype but it give consideration to the function
score 3/3 while creating the diversity of spaces to deliver specific meaning and improving the quality
of culture life . so it is insight (subjective ) .
3 The building give a feel consist of two parts ( dome + building body) play complement role together
functionally and compositionality . so it is context (Multi parts ) .
Chart three :

Activities
Change

Hybrid coincidence
Re v o l u ti o n

Genotype

Progress E v o l u ti o n
By Adaption By Natural Selection
Environmental Disaster
Mutation
 Phenotype

Da chung muslim culture center / parametric

If we assume the modernity movement locate in (0,0) the parametric style evolute by natural
selection the project have the Phenotype (content) stronger than genotype (function ) . example it
can be (4,2)

Adjust the inclination of the line so that it becomes closer to the X-axis and has a faster evolution in
phenotype with time than revolution in genotype