Al Azizia Mosque

Al Azizia mosque is a majestic Islamic style building of 23,140m2, located just minutes away from Al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is capable of accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers.

The scope of the lighting project included the illumination of the facades, the illumination of the landscaping of the gardens surrounding the mosque and the illumination of the interior space, favouring continuity and dialogue among these three aspects.

Therefore, the concept of the lighting project is based on three strategies, which, as layers, make up the final result:

- Architectural volume and plan wallwashing;
- Accent lighting;
- Light pollution minimisation.

The final result of the exterior lighting design is based on the need to understand that the architectural complex must be visible from two different dimensions: It must be observable from long distances and also from the surroundings, understanding the different requirements this implies.

First of all, it is necessary to correctly understand and illuminate the shapes that form the outer skin of the building, respecting their hierarchy and ensuring the architectural volumes can be recognised in the nighttime, turning the building into an icon within Mecca's nocturnal landscape.

On the other hand, it is important to highlight the texture of the arabesques as well as of the architectural details and other ornaments, so that the experience of those who observe the mosque from the proximity is unique, revealing all the subtlety that emanates from its architectural concept.

The 5 domes, as well as the minarets, are elements that acquire a special focus within the lighting project. The choice of a uniform colour temperature of 3000 K achieves the cohesion of the entire ensemble: On the one hand, it respects the neutrality of the white stone used in the facade and, on the other hand, it favours the perception of the golden brocade yamur that culminates each dome.

The domes are illuminated by projection, combining the Flut models with symmetrical optics and the Mini Flut models with asymmetrical optics, both in 3000 K, achieving a uniform luminous degradation from the base and enhancing its volumetry, while the minarets were punctually enhanced with a spotlight that, due to its minimal dimensions, is fully integrated with the architecture -the Micro Shot model (3000 K and 23º average optics)- while offering great optical versatility to achieve the desired lighting effect.

The columns, of approximately 15-metre high, framing the main entrance are illuminated by the Gap 3000 K uplight model and an 11º concentrated optic that favours the verticality of these elements.

The aim of interior lighting is to generate an atmosphere that transmits the spiritual purpose of the space, surrounding the visitors and offering sufficient levels to perceive and highlight architectural details. Direct and indirect lighting creates different implementation planes and focus points, highlighting the geometric set of the space, which combines double and single heights.

The interior of the domes is illuminated by a dynamic whites system, changing from warm white to cool white and back to warm during the course of the day. Once the prayer is called, the domes change to a soft blue colour, reinforcing the spiritual connection with the visitor.

The Lamp team carried out certain customisations and adaptations to the lighting equipment with the aim of achieving the maximum satisfaction for all the parties to the project, carrying out everything from product changes with special finishes to customisations in the reflectors and adaptations of electronic equipment to the generation of certain specific technical documentation required by the project. In order to do this, it was necessary to establish a close and fluid communication with the lighting designers who allowed Lamp to deliver the desired solution. 'While UMAYA took care of the development of the inspirational part of the work, the Lamp team provided great support, especially when some customisation of the standard product was required,' says Baraa Fawzi, UMAYA Lighting Designer heading this project.