National mosque

built in August 1965 as a symbol
of united Malaysia and a newly
independent.
NATIONAL
MOSQUE
ARCHITECTURE
CULTURE &
HISTORY 2
(ARC60203)
August 2016
PROJECT 2 : REPORT
Tutor : Ms. Patmaselvi Paramarajah
TAN YAN JIE 0323906 | TANG FU HONG 0323092
TANG YING JIEN 0322357 | TAY SIEW WEN 0322879
TEH WEI HONG 0323743 | TENGKU SYAKIRA 0323079

Content Page Number
Introduc2on 1- 3
1. Site Context Analysis
(TAY SIEW WEN 0322879)
4 - 17
2. Architectural Layout of the Building
(TAN YAN JIE 0323906)
18 - 29
3. Architectural Style Analysis
(TEH WEI HONG 0323743)
30 - 44
4. Building Construc2on, Structure & Material Analysis
(TANG FU HONG 0323092)
45 - 61
5. Architectural Elements/ Components Analysis
(TENGKU SYAKIRA 0323079)
(TANG YING JIEN 0322357)
62 - 70
71 - 82
Conclusion 83
References List 84
TABLE CONTENT

Introduction
The na2onal mosque was built in August 1965 as a symbol of united Malaysia and a newly independent.
The architectural style of na2onal mosque are the mixture of Islamic and Modernist. The na2onal
mosque is originally designed by a three architect which were Howard Ashley, Hisham Albakri and
Baharuddin Kassim. The na2onal mosque is located at Jalan Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Key Plan

History
Aèr Malaysia had gained independence from the Bri2sh in 1957, there was a boom in the architecture
world to portray a successful democracy. Hence on 30 July 1957, the Federal Execu2ve Council propose
to build a na2onal mosque as a symbol of Malaysia's independence.
The Masjid Negara in Kuala Lumpur is heavily influenced by the early Modernism in Malaysian
architecture. The architects wanted to imitate the "free plan" design of Le Corbusier, they were the first
to ignore strict symmetry of earlier tradi2onal Mosque. As form is more exclusive than func2onality, the
principal func2ons of a mosque follows the internal space and shape. Results in a 2 level grand prayer hall
that accommodate 5000 worshippers.The most radical design that defies the tradi2onal mosque design,
is the umbrella shaped roof which act as a symbolic heads of state for the Muslim. It was a genius
combina2on of Middle Eastern and Mogul architecture which inspired the 360° folded plate structure.

TAY SIEW WEN 0322879 Page 3
SITE CONTEXT ANALYSIS
01

BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY
• The Na2onal Mosque is placed in a category of the government administra2on enclave in Kuala
Lumpur.
• Even though the loca2on of the site is far from Muslim residen2al areas, it is nearer to major
landmarks such as the Railway sta2on, Merdeka Stadium, Na2onal Stadium, Parliament and other
government oﬃces.
Figure 1: Loca2on plan

• It is located crosswise opposite Central Railway Sta2on on 13 acre of low, ﬂat land
along Sultan Hishamuddin Road at the East, Cenderasari Road at the North and
Lembah Venning Road at the South boundary.
Figure 2: Site plan
Sultan Hishamuddin Road
Lembah Venning Road
Cenderasari Road

• Underground walkway is connected from the mosque to the railway sta2on.
• Public facili2es like schools and other marked buildings such as the General Post
Oﬃce Headquarters and recrea2onal places are located there.
Public facilities
National Mosque
Residential area
Figure 3: Site plan

• The site of the mosque is not limited by compound wall
except for the South-West and North-East side area.
• There is no proper gateway.
• Two low iron grill gates were found at the South-West and
North-East side of the mosque for public and mosque
authori2es that direct to an open car park.
• People are able to enter from the South-East, North-West
and North-East side of the mosque from an open
courtyard, that is located beside the 3 main roads.
• Visitors had to pass through some of the open courtyards,
where the man-made pools and water fountains will be
found there, before entering the building.
Figure 4: Access and compound wall of Na2onal Mosque

National Mosque
Figure 5: Location of surrounding buildings

Relationship of Building to the Surroundings
Name of Building Dayabumi Na2onal Mosque
Similari1es Inspired by Moorish
Islamic buildings, covered
with fretwork reﬁned
palerned with the eight
point stars of the Islamic
mo2fs and painted white
to show the purity of
Islam.
These elements are also
found in the Na2onal
Mosque.
Dayabumi

Name of Building Sultan Abdul Samad
Building
Na2onal Mosque
Similari1es Has various styles of
arches, horseshoe arches
and point arches
Has various arches found
in the building as well.
Diﬀerences Has narrow veranda Has large and wide
veranda
Sultan Abdul Samad

Name of Building The Old Railway Sta2on Na2onal Mosque
Similari1es Mixture of western and
Mughal (similar to Moorish
revival architecture)
Na2onal Mosque and The
Old Railway Sta2on shared
the same architectural
style
The Old Railway Station

Name of Building The Islamic Art Museum Na2onal Mosque
Similari1es • It is one of the
landmarks in Kuala
Lumpur.
• Islamic architecture
style.
• Arabic calligraphy
drawn on columns
and other places on
the structure.
Na2onal Mosque and The
Islamic Art Museum are of
the same Islamic
architecture style.
The Islamic Art Museum

Respond to Climate
The Na2onal Mosque is the best example of the mixture of a modernis2c reinterpreta2on of
tradi2onal Malay Architecture with a folded plate ‘dome’ with a metaphor of a royal
umbrella.

A
The roof of the main prayer hall is made
of folded concrete plate that represents
the Malay royal canopy. The diameter of
the roof is 61m and supported by 16
main columns. The external part of the
roof is covered with layers of green and
blue tiles. The interior part of the roof is
painted in plain white with no design on
its surface.
B
Three sides of the main prayer hall is
surrounded by an open veranda area.
RooJing structure at the veranda area is
made of concrete slab that is covered by
series of small concrete domes that are
in blue tiles. These domes are placed at
proper layoff.
C
Underneath the folded plate roof that
covers the main prayer hall is a series of
coloured glass window to allow natural
light to pass through.
D
At the peak of the folded plate roof is a
decorative design that resembles the
dome centre piece of Sultan Ahmet
mosque in Istanbul.

A
Folded plates of the
concrete main roof were to
achieve the large spans
required in the main
gathering hall.
B
The purposes of the
concrete grilles are for
privacy from the main
road. Also, these grilles are
for ventilation and allow
natural lighting to enter
the veranda area.
C
A ‘serambi' or veranda space
with light courts and air
wells to provide ample day
ligh2ng and passive cooling
to the building. It will block
out direct sunlight and
provides shade for prayers
and keeps the mosque in a
comfortable temperature.

The pools and fountains there were spread throughout the compound as it can cool down
the temperature of the surrounding.

TAN YAN JIE 0323906 Page 17
ARCHITECTURAL LAYOUT OF
THE BUILDING
02

DRAWINGS
Floor Plan
Elevation

The diagram below shows the interior design of the na2onal mosque with the legend.
Building Layout
LEGEND OF NATIONAL MOSQUE ( Ground and 1st Floor)
1. Main Prayer Hall
2. The Woman Prayer Hall
3. Library, imam’s room, Administra2on oﬃce
4. Verandah
5. Conference Hall
6. Mausoleum
7. Rectangular pool where the minerat stands
8. Open walkway

-An unique contribu2on to the idea of mosque architecture as well as a monument to the strife for a
na2onal architecture iden2ty which is the na2onal mosque that is located in KL.
-The design of the Na2onal Mosque, Kuala Lumpur is a combina2on of contemporary architecture and
the Islamic tradi2onal arts.
-The mosque is comprise of two floors. The first floor consists of main prayer hall, administra2ve office,
library, royal antechamber, imam’s room, verandah area, conference hall, mausoleum and rectangular
pool.
PLAN TO SECTION ANALYSIS

CIRCULATION TO USE SPACE
The diagram shows the circula2on of the na2onal mosque. The bold part is mainly more people will pass
by and it is also react as the main pathway.

As walk through the linear path, it will pass by a minerat which located at the rectangular
pool beside the pathway.
Linear path: The path that lead to the Worriors’tomb is linear.

Pass by spaces is the rela2onship between spaces and pathway. The conﬁgura2on of the path
from entrance to Warriors’ tomb is ﬂexible. But the loca2on of the space establishes that
path, which is the Warriors’ tomb. The path-space rela2onship is used to approach and enter
func2onally or symbolically important spaces.

MAUSOLEUM : WARRIORS’ TOMB
The mausoleums contains two types of architectural elements which is: a circular plinth which provide
shelter but need walls and column to support it.
Mausoleums are buildings which are large, open and stately one where it is for the shelter of the tombs.
Beside that, the well-wishers who oﬀer prayers or visitors who come to visit is protected by the shelter.

The opening of the mausoleums which looks like a triangular shape that folds which are large enough to
allow an uninterrupted view from outside and but at the same 2me it allow breeze to ﬂow through the
structure. It gives us the feeling of being ‘inside of an outside space’.
It was built in 1965 and the combina2on of Islamic and Modernist design principles were used in building
Warriors’ Tomb, Na2onal Mosque. The colour, texture and coolness of the marble and the whiteness of
the roof are to enhance the quality of space and light in the interior of the mausoleum.

ORGANIZATION SPACES
Balance is achieved through the structural plan of this mosque in terms of propor2on and spa2al
sequences. As the form of this building is basically quite simple and basic where it is almost symmetrical
to each site of the plan as well as the eleva2on.
The structural plan is a sequence shaped, hypostyle mosque, meaning it is a ﬂat roof supported by
columns. As for the eleva2on the weight of every building is almost the same because of the size and the
height.
Symmetry and Balance

Symmetrical Balance through plan- the shape of the two roof shows the balance of the building.
Symmetrical Balance through eleva2on- the size and height of the building shows the balance between
each building.

A grid organiza2on consists of forms and spaces whose posi2ons in space and rela2onship
with one another are regulated by a three-dimensional grid palern or ﬁeld. The
arrangement of the pillars in that area is perpendicular sets of parallel lines that establish a
regular palern of points at their intersec2ons.
Grid Organization

The na2onal mosque doesn’t show quite much of the hierarchy because from the plan it
show balance whereas on eleva2on, each building have their own speciﬁc shape and sizes.
Hierarchy

TEH WEI HONG 0323743 Page 29
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
ANALYSIS
03

INTRODUCTION
to Na2onal Mosque architecture style
Architecture style is one of the important factors which makes the building so significant and historically
notable. Elements like the unique method to construct, the forms, func2on of the building, or even the
building materials could affect the architecture style of the building.
First of all, the idea to build a Na2onal Mosque is to commemorate as a symbol of a newly independent
and united Malaysia aèr Malaysia independent which is 1957. The Na2onal Mosque was constructed in
1965 and it was designed by a team of Bri2sh and Malaysian architects which creates a combina2on of
cusng-edge modernist design and Islamic architecture can bee seen in the building. This causes Na2onal
Mosque influenced by western style, and it consists some of western features for example, landscaped
gardens, fountains, pools and a decorated courtyard.

Na2onal mosque consists of two main structure which is a main prayer hall and a Mausoleum.
Main prayer hall
Mausoleum
Minaret
On the other hand, the
minaret was inspired by the
shape of a folded umbrella to
create a contrast between
them.
For the exterior bright blue folded
plates of the main dome and it
represents an opened umbrella,

Inside the main prayer hall is a vast
space with intricately palerned walls,
colour-glass windows and elaborate
chandeliers.
A Mausoleum or a ceremonial area is connected
to the main prayer hall which landscaped with
ornamental pools and is used for formal
ceremonies and houses the bodies of key
Malaysian poli2cal ﬁgures.
Pools and pathways to go in represents a moat
and bridges.
As a conclusion for this, the forms of na2onal mosque follows the func2on needed and most of the
elements or style are adapted from local, Islamic architecture, post-independence architecture and some
western inﬂuence.

The Royal Umbrella
Besides the folded plate dome represented an
umbrella to gets rid from the hot and humid
tropical climate, it also resemble of a royal umbrella
which signifying the importance of the building as a
na2onal monument.
The Royal Umbrella
The architectural expression in Na2onal mosque is quite
unique, because it reﬂect to the site context in Malaysia and
some of the forms was inspired by the culture or local
produc2on. All these reﬂects a modern interpreta2on of
tradi2onal Malay architecture and Islamic architecture.
LOCAL ADAPTATIONS OF MODERNISM

This precast concrete panel provides
a sense of rhythm, scale, form and
texture to the façade.
Skin of Pineapple
The precast concrete panelling part with numerous well
ornamental details of the building that envelope the 18-storey
tower block is the most expressive, and func2onalist.
Importantly it is inspired by a pineapple’s skin for
atheis2c purpose that allow natural lights to
penetrate in and at the same 2me provides an
opening for ven2la2on to prevent the hot climate in
Malaysia.
To overcome local hot and humid climate
The architect designed an extensive set of serambi or
verandah space with light courts and air wells in Na2onal
Mosque to provide suﬃcient daylight and passive cooling
to the building with large fenestra2on for ven2la2on.
As it can be clearly seen that the whole mosque are
surrounded by the concrete panel through ﬁgure on the
le`.
Local Adaptations of Modernism

Horse Shoe Arch
Mosque is a place for Muslim to worship Gods, which Islamic architecture is one of the essen2al
requirements to be applied in that building.
By comparing to typical mosque, mihrab is the most
important structure to own by each mosque to
shows the uniqueness of a mosque, but minbar is
not that important as it can be applied or not to be.
ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
Figure le` shows the varia2on of horse shoe arches, which applied in
the design of mihrab in Na2onal Mosque.

Moreover, the technology and the materials used in Na2onal mosque makes Islam a progressive and
dynamic religion as it respect the spirit of the age in .For example, the tradi2onal 2mber mosques of
Malaysia were built according to their spirit of the 2mes in rela2on to the construc2on and structural
technology of that period.
Reinforced concrete is widely used in the
construc2on of Na2onal Mosque which shows a
modernism inﬂuence.
The ornaments' palerns or forms applied shows
that Na2onal mosque can s2ll portray mosque
architectural expression which concerns the idea
of spirit of the 2mes.
Minaret
Besides, there is an ancillary feature
that should be installed in each
mosque as a typical requirements in
Islamic architecture, which is the
minaret or muezzin. It func2on is to
give a call to fountain or prayer for
ambula2on.
21
Islamic Architecture

WESTERN AND MODERNIST INFLUENCES
The Na2onal Mosque is one of the western inﬂuenced mosques in Malaysia. This is because, at that
par2cular 2me, the major idea of having buildings with western-designed mosques in Malaysia are
derived from sultan desires and the nobility to shows grandness of Bri2sh culture.
Besides, Mosques are built during 18 and 19 century followed the Georgian architecture, which was
widely used in England. Georgian architecture consists symmetrical buildings, grand structures, and most
of them are decorated with classical mo2fs such as capitalised columns, keyed arches and pediments.
Ornamented columns, pediments and arches with classical mo2fs

Symmetrical planning
Inﬂuenced by Georgian Architecture

Taj Mahal (Indian, Mogul architecture)
Moreover, in case to achieve a pala2al eﬀect in the buildings, Bri2sh courts choose to enlarge the space
inside although the space is beyond its func2on at that 2me.
Besides Georgian architecture, Indian or Mogul style of architecture were also preferred by the Bri2sh
administrators, as well as of the growing Indian Muslim community in Malaysia during the late 19th and
early 20th centuries.
Western and Modernist Inﬂuences

1 2
First floor Ground floor
Free plan by Le Corbusier
'It refers to an open plan with
non load-bearing walls dividing
interior space.’
Construc2on of the Na2onal Mosque, in 1965 was probably the most significant event in the history of
early Modernism in Malaysia architecture. It was the first building having the design which is different
from the strict symmetry layout of typical mosques, and it also create a ‘free plan' feeling that inspired by
Le Corbusier (1887-1965), the well-known French architect.
The building itself contain of two floors, the first floor with piloted columns which surrounded the main
prayer hall and it is preserved like a wide verandas. It is dedicated for prayers’ performance and
ceremonies as well. Hence, the ground floor house 18 public facili2es, such as the administra2on office
for collec2on of zakat, a clinic, and classrooms for religious instruc2on.
POST-INDEPENDENCE MODERNIST
By alaching to the principle of ‘form follows
func2on' that widely used in the early
Modernist, the spaces inside Na2onal
Mosque are arranged to its func2on
respec2vely.

The most signiﬁcant architectural style of
Na2onal Mosque is the ‘umbrella’ roof. It
is a 360 degree folded plate structure
which comes from a crea2ve construc2on
which creates a unique combina2on of the
two major style of Malaysian mosque
architecture, modernism style (material)
and tradi2onal vernacular mosque (form).
Na2onal Mosque was a success masterpiece, which correspond to an interna2onal trend, its structural
system (the alachment of symbolic meanings to the structure of a building) became the predominant
inspira2on for early post-independence Malaysian mosques.
Post-Independence Modernism

COMPARISON TO A TYPICAL MOSQUE
Na1onal Mosque, Malaysia Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Main prayer hall
Minaret
Domes
Ornaments
Elements (Arches)

Pulpit (Mimbar)
Other features
Heroes’ Mausoleum
Fountain
Large Courtyard
Landscape

As a conclusion as a comparison, every mosques consists of a large prayer hall which called a
‘Sahn' which is a large courtyard to be held a large number of prayer. Moreover, there is a tower
called minaret, it is one of the most obvious features in mosque architecture, which a tall tower
located nearby a mosque or even alached together. Besides, Qubba, domes of mosques called
in Arabic, is symbolic represen2ng the vault of a heaven. It is a signiﬁcant feature to be owned
for every mosque but it is not a ritual requirement like minaret, the tower for calling others
prayer.

TANG FU HONG 0323092 Page 44
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION,
STRUCTURE & MATERIAL
ANALYSIS
04

TYPICAL MOSQUE CHARACTERISTICS
Concrete, bricks, steel, stone
and marble are the materials
that frequently used in the
construc2on of the current
modern mosque.
The modern mosques usually come with…
Plants, palerned pavements,
garden ligh2ngs, water features
and signages are the pleasing
landscape features that usually
incorporate with the modern
mosques.
Tall minarets, onion-shaped or
top-shaped domes, and high
ceilings are the typical elements
that found in the modern
mosque.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) located at Istanbul

Malaysia Na2onal Mosque comes with a 245 feet
minaret and an umbrella-like roof which recognize
as an impressive example for expressionism.
The mosque was constructed of
reinforced concrete installed with Italian
marble. The main prayer hall of the
mosque can accommodate more than
3,000 people for prayer at one 2me
whilst.
Apart from that, the galleries roofed with plen2ful
small domes surrounded the main prayer hall can
withstand addi2onal of 5,000 people.
Meanwhile, the Na2onal Mosque inspired by the modern mosque but ends with unique elements such
as…
Na2onal Mosque sketch

Before Construction
An Interna2onal design compe22on was held by the Kuala Lumpur’s Township Arrangement and
this proposal was rejected. Then, they decided to hold the compe22on na2onally and was turned
down too. This was because they found it was diﬃcult and costly.
Finally, they resolved this by giving this job to the Public Works Department to design the mosque.
The Public Works Department’s architects collected, analyzed and compared the famous mosques’
designs. Mr. Baharuddin bin Abu Kassim and another two architects were assigned to design the
mosque. Mr. Baharuddin had visited and studied famous mosques from Pakistan, Iran, Turkey,
Spain, Arab and India. In June 1960, his design was accepted by the mosque commilee.
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE

During Construction
Before they started this project, they demolished the previous building on site. Then, the
levelling the ground, piling works and construc2on of water system were carried out. The design
of the Na2onal Mosque was known for its modernism expressionism architecture.
The folded plate ‘dome’ metaphorize a royal umbrella which is the tradi2onal Malay Architecture
signiﬁed the importance of the building as a na2onal monument. The construc2on method of the
mosque showed the advancement in building technology and engineering.
The 245 feet (about 75 meter) high minaret with the umbrella-like roof was the example of
expressionism in Na2onal Mosque. Reinforced concrete covered with the Italian marbles were
also constructed in this mosque.
After Construction
The main hall prayer can shelter over 3,000 people for prayer and the surrounding galleries with
numerous smaller domes can accommodate 5,000 more people.

The structural system of the Na2onal Mosque in Kuala
Lumpur generally is a fusion of post and beam concrete
structure.
Reinforced concrete is concrete in which steel is ingrained so the
two materials act together in resis2ng forces. To withstand the
bad weather condi2ons such as monsoon in Malaysia, the
reinforced concrete was applied as it was more forceful than
normal concrete.
Post
Beam
Concrete
Steel
Structure
Post and Beam Concrete Structure
Reinforced Concrete

The Na2onal Mosque built with the reinforced concrete
folded plate roof which was a Modernist style popular
during that 2me.
Construc2on methods also included several levels of cra`smanship needed for
each mosque, covering the brand-new technical knowledge brought in by Chinese
and Indian builders in conjunc2on with the Bri2sh-educated engineers and
architects working with the Public Works Department.
The construc2on of the roof along the veranda was built in waffle slabs.
Pans removed
near columns.
Waffle ribs.
Finished
with blue
2les.
Waffle Slabs
Reinforced Concrete Folded Plate Roof

MATERIALS USED Exterior Facades
The coolness and texture of marble ﬂooring and the whiteness of concrete roof of
the Heroes’ Mausoleum embellish the quality of the space by reﬂec2ng the light in
the interior of the mausoleum through the whiteness of the materials used.
In Islamic study, the colour white is concord with funeral rites.
Heroes’ Mausoleum
The Heroes’ Mausoleum is a par2ally
outdoor space located at the west of
Na2onal Mosque.

The concrete geometrical grilled palerns located at the north and east
sides of the exterior facade. Provide ven2la2on which allows the wind
to pass through as well as blocking the direct sunlight during the
day2me.
Concrete Geometrical Grilled Patterns
Provide ven2la2on which allows
the wind to pass through.
Blocking the direct sunlight and
provide suﬃcient daylight into the
building.

Plain cream coloured marbles are installed on the north, south and east walls except for
the mihrab wall. Decora2ve elements are limited to the main prayer hall of the Na2onal
Mosque. Thus, a line of Quranic verses wrilen in gold that comes across the walls
func2ons as the decora2ve element in a prudence way.
Main Prayer Hall
MATERIALS USED Interior Facades
Band of geometrical palerns and Quranic verses run across the main prayer hall.

The main prayer hall interlaced with the Quranic verses designed with a band
of geometric palerns made from brown, green and blue coloured glaze
ceramic 2les with so` light penetrated from background.
Main Prayer Hall
Quranic verses
Green coloured glazed ceramic 2les
Blue coloured glazed ceramic 2les
Brown coloured glazed ceramic 2les

The main prayer hall is supported by 16 main concrete columns and these
columns are elaborated with muqarnas plaster at the top and glazed ceramic
2les organized in diamond palern at the bolom.
Main Prayer Hall
Muqarnas plaster
Glazed ceramic 2les
diamond palern at
the bolom.

The verandah comes with terrazzo ﬂooring and 154 concrete columns
furnished with unglazed black mosaic 2les are built to support the billowy
concrete roof at the same 2me. These columns accomplished with strips of
anodized gold coloured aluminium at the top and base.
Verandah
Terrazzo Flooring
Anodized Gold
Coloured Aluminium
Anodized Gold
Coloured Aluminium
Unglazed Black
Mosaic Tiles

The walls on the three facades of the main prayer hall were installed with nine aluminium
sliding doors anodized with gold colour.
Aluminium Sliding Doors
Aluminium anodized with gold colour
gives a grandness feeling.

Pavillion
The 48 concrete columns of the pavilion built at the east side of the main
prayer hall are furnished with unglazed white 2le mosaic. These columns
are used to withstand the parasol roof structure of the Na2onal Mosque.
Unglazed Gold Tile
Mosaic
Unglazed
White Tile
Mosaic

SIMILARITIES WITH THE MODERN BUILDING
The Similari2es with the Modern Building in the West Based on the
construc2on of the Na2onal Mosque, we can see some similari2es with the
construc2on of one of the most well-known residences in the west, designed
by one of the modern masters, Frank Lloyd Wright. The house men2oned is the
Falling water in Bear Run, Pennsylvania.
Falling Water, Pennsylvania Na2onal Mosque, Malaysia
Falling Water

One of the Similari2es is that Fallingwater was built using reinforced concrete.
Reinforced concrete is commonly used in the modern building as it was the
new technology at that period. Wright had also designed the house with
can2levered floors. This reflects back to the Na2onal Mosque’s can2levered
roof design.
Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete was used as the beam and
suppor2ng structure of the Falling Water. Wright
had also designed the house with can2levered
floors.
Na2onal Mosque’s can2levered roof design.

Lastly, the third similarity was the use of waffle slabs. Wright used waffle slabs
in the construc2on of Falling water as it provided a lighter and s2ffer slab which
reduced the extent of founda2ons. This slab was made of a thin topping slab
and narrow ribs spanning in both direc2ons between column heads or band
beams. The column heads or band beams are the same depth as the ribs.
Waffle Slabs
The construc2on of the roof along the veranda was built in waffle slabs.
Pans removed
near columns.
Waffle ribs.
Waffles slab technique
was used as the Falling
Water’s base.

TENGKU SYAKIRA 0323079 Page 61
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS /
COMPONENTS ANALYSIS
05

ROOF
One of the most prominent features of the mosque would be the bright blue roof that holds very high
significance. As other mosques would have rounded dome roofs, the Na2onal Mosque features instead a
folded blue roof. The mosque was designed with the inten2on in emphasising Malaysia’s advancement in
building technology without forgesng the origins and incorpora2ng the influences of tradi2onal Malay
style. In designing the roof, the architect was inspired by how royals are frequently escorted by umbrellas.
However, the use of concrete meant that straight lines were needed. He found that the payung kertas
common to tradi2onal Malaysian culture had straight lines. The final design is similar to a semi-opened
umbrella with 16 points. The design not only combines tradi2onal and modern, it became an interes2ng
way in crea2ng a larger span as it covers the main hall.

The roof of a mosque have come a long way from the first mosque which is a rectangular building made
of four mud walls to gigan2c semi circular dome that dominates the whole building with its iconic Islamic
design. Most of the older genera2on of Mosque found in Malaysia are influenced by the Mughal Style and
North Indian Style as they carry a dis2nguishable onion shaped dome.
When the Malayan soil gain its independence, modernism starts to set into Malaysia architecture. The
Na2onal Mosque are heavily influenced by Modernis2c Expressionism which carries a metaphoric
message in a structurally expressive form. Confron2ng with previous dome shape mosque which signifies
a perfect circle that means a perfect haven, the Na2onal Mosque ignored the tradi2onal vernacular style
and follows the metaphor of a royal symbolic icon, the golden payung kertas.
Roof Analysis
Roof of the National Mosque Payung Kertas

In perspec2ve, one of the most visible and eye-catching feature of a mosque would be the minarets. It
can usually be seen from far and holds the importance of being the point in which a call to prayer is
recited as it resonates throughout the surrounding areas. A minaret is also used as a visual message of
the presence of Islam throughout a city’s skyline. At the Na2onal Mosque, the minaret stands up to 73-
metres high and is built next to a long pool where the reflec2on of the dominant minaret can be seen
from the main hall. Topping off the tall minaret is a design that takes aèr the iconic roof, it resembles a
closed umbrella. The top is very unlikely found in most Islamic architecture thus making the towering
minaret a very iden2fiable landmark.
MINARET

The Minaret in Islamic religious architecture have always been a beacon to the faithful prayers. The
minaret was inﬂuenced by former Greek watchtowers. It was built to be the landmark of Islam.
Before the Na2onal Mosque was built, the previous minaret of ancient mosque varies from pencil-slim
towers to fat square sha`s towers. In conjunc2on with diﬀerent sizes of minaret, the Na2onal Mosque
wanted to break the typical norm and form the unique octagonal shaped minaret.
Minaret Analysis

WATER FEATURES
Throughout the compound of the Na2onal Mosque various water features are distributed. The water
fountains are designed to have an octagonal base which is common in Islamic Architecture.

Water has always been an important element in Islamic life as they say living things are made of water.
Water features have played a vital role in Islamic architecture as symbolize puriﬁca2on to life.
Viewed in an architectural perspec2ve, water features found in mosque are usually used to tackle to hot
climates. The water features also helps to provide a space for worshippers to cleanse their body before
entering the mosque for prayers. It also plays a part in the Islamic architecture decora2on as the water
reﬂects the Na2onal Mosque's facade by emphasizing the details of the decora2ons.
Water Features Analysis

MAIN HALL
The main hall is where the prayers are mostly held and frequently occupied by Muslims. Upholding the In
the hall, an important feature in a mosque’s architecture; the mihrab. The mihrab is important in a
mosque as it indicates the direc2on of prayer. Thus it also determines the direc2on and posi2on of the
structure to increase the capacity of people within the space.
Enclosed by the folded roof, the main hall of the Na2onal Mosque is decorated with blue stained glass. As
natural light hits the stained glass it is illuminated showing the Quranic inscrip2ons meant to serve as a
passive reminder of the teachings in Islam.
The main hall is designed to have an open ﬂoor plan allowing an increase in spa2al capacity to
accommodate mass crowds coming in during prayer 2mes.

COURTYARD
A feature that can be found in all congrega2onal mosques would be the courtyard. It is important that a
mosque is able to hold the en2re male popula2on of the town especially to alend for Friday prayers. The
Na2onal Mosque courtyard is semi-enclosed thus can be used to accommodate up to 15,000 Muslims.
The courtyard is designed to allow sunlight to penetrate into the area. The courtyard has concrete
parasols help by uniformed pillars, gaps in between are filled with glass to only allow light to enter and
keeps the area dry from rain. The walls are made of octagonal shapes reflec2ve of Islamic architecture,
the spaces in the palern allows for ven2la2on as wind passes through. At midday the courtyard becomes
well-lit as the light is reflected by the white 2les crea2ng a pure vibe in the area.

The most basic design for a mosque architecture is to be able to accommodate a large amount of prayers.
This spaces are called Sahn and are inﬂuenced by the house of Prophet Muhammad that consist of a large
courtyard.
As perceived, older Mosque usually have their Sahn in the open space, but the Na2onal Mosque had it
built it in a semi-enclosed area. This can be analyze that the climate of an area aﬀects the spaces in the
Mosque. As Malaysia is hot and humid, a semi-enclosed area provides a cool and dry area for the
worshippers to carry out their prayers.
Courtyard Analysis

TANG YING JIEN 0322357 Page 71
Landscape
Rooﬁng for low thermal capacity that
give good shading against sunlight
S2lted structure to
keep the building cool
Main component of
the Building
The Na2onal Mosque is built in rela2on
with a tradi2onal Malay house and its
surrounding landscape.
Landscape Analysis

Cold air enters the building from
the s2lt structure and cools the
whole building through convec2on
Hot air escapes from the
upper part of the building
The Na2onal Mosque that are inﬂuenced by
tradi2onal Malay house have columns that act as
s2lts to allow cool air to enter from the bolom of
the mosque
Landscape Analysis

Columns
The 48 concrete parasol-like columns in the main
courtyard are fringed sided by side of the two
rectangular pools. It was a representa2ve of
coconuts trees as the columns and ponds as the
pools that hovers over main prayer area and
keeps it cool
have a similar
design of a growing
coconut tree
Columns Analysis

Columns that are build inside the grand hall have
a wider and thicker size to support a huge load of
worshippers and the heavy umbrella-shaped roof
wider and stumpier
in size
supports the heavy
weight load
Columns Analysis

The idea of having a bunch of columns in front of
the prayer hall is to s2mulate a forest of coconut
trees. It also provides privacy as it blocks of the
visibility of the prayer hall’s main entrance.
Columns Analysis

Facade
As most mosque are modelled a`er Islamic
architecture, the façades are generally in
symmetrical design with classical mo2fs such as 8
pointed stars and basic polygon shapes
The mosque was screened by
complex grill metal frames,
painted with white paints
Doors found in Na2onal Mosque
have transparent façade to
allow the ﬂow of air circula2on
within the mosque
White facade wall runs across
some part of the exterior
Mo2fs that are commonly found in the facade of
Na2onal Mosque
Facade Analysis

Wind blows into
the Na2onal Mosque
allow good air
ven2la2on
Façade with metal frames are place along the
exterior of the mosque to act as a “wall” to allow
only cool wind to pass through and blocks of the
hot sun, for allowing the worshippers to carry out
their prayer in a cool atmosphere
Sunlights are reﬂected
to prevent it from hea2ng
up the interior
Facade Analysis

Carpet
There is also a varia2on
in the colour of the
diamond design to show
the top and bolom point
Bolom Point
Top Point
The design of the carpets
are based on general Islamic
mo2fs, which in this case,
they use diamond-like shape
to decorate the carpets
Carpet used in the Na2onal Mosque have a
universal idea which is to ensure cleanliness of
the place of the prayer and carpets have a strong
symbolic meaning to Islamic culture
Carpet Analysis

North West
Na2onal Mosque
Mecca
Palern on carpet
showing the direc2on
The use of geometrical shapes are to have a
sharp point that points directly towards the
Mecca with a deﬁnite bolom point. Giving a hint
for worshippers to know which direc2on to pray
to.
Carpet Analysis

Mausoleum
Grand hall roof design
Mausoleum roof design
the mausoleum’s faceted roof echoes the grand
hall’s roof design. It was to signify the honouring
for the seven na2onal heroes by sheltering them
with a golden payung
Mausoleum Analysis

the mausoleum is surrounded by a circular pond
as a circle is symbolic to a safe haven for the
na2onal heroes to rest upon
A circular plan
of the mausoleum
Mausoleum Analysis

Comparing to the grand hall that have complex
design and blue 2ling, the mausoleum have a
white concrete finishing as white colour
symbolise pure hearts of the na2onal heroes
Grand Hall with
blue 2le finishing
Mausoleum with
white concrete finishing
Mausoleum Analysis

Before this assignment, we have known not much of informa2on about Na2onal
Mosque. During the whole assignment, our group has done quite a lot of
research about the characteris2cs of the Na2onal Mosque and the Na2onal
Mosque itself. The design of the Na2onal Mosque is quite interes2ng because
they used diﬀerent types of elements to construct it. Other than doing
researches on the internet, we went to the Na2onal Mosque to experience it
ourselves. Before we went into the mosque, we were asked to wear their clothes
for not being too expose.
As we went inside the Na2onal Mosque, we experience the circula2on and how
the design really look like instead of seeing it in the internet. There was a Ustaz
who explained more detail about the history of the Na2onal Mosque and the
reason they construct the Na2onal Mosque. A`er the site visit and through the
explana2on of that Ustaz, we learnt a lot about the Na2onal Mosque and we are
able to proceed to divided the works and produced a report about the Na2onal
Mosque in detail.
CONCLUSION

REFERENCES LIST
1. Chen, V. F. (1998). The encyclopedia of Malaysia: Architecture. Singapore: Archipelago Press.
2. Google Maps. (n.d.). Retrieved from hlps://www.google.com/maps/place/
Na2onal+Mosque+of+Malaysia/@3.1420938,101.6917739,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!
1s0x31cc49cf64217f25:0xafe31372d22026~!8m2!3d3.1420938!4d101.6917739
3. H. (2015, February 18). How Muslims Use Prayer Rugs. Retrieved November 06, 2016, from hlp://
islam.about.com/od/prayer/f/prayer_rugs.htm
4. Hammer, J. (2013). The Cambridge companion to American Islam. New York: Cambridge University
Press.
5. Ismail, S. (2008, September). The inﬂuence of Islamic Poli2cal Ideology on the Design of State
Mosques in West Malaysia (1957-2003). Retrieved from hlp://eprints.qut.edu.au/19371/1/
Alice_Ismail_Thesis.pdf
6. Lai, C. K. (2007). Building Merdeka: Independence architecture in Kuala Lumpur, 1957-1966. Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia: Petronas.
7. Lim, J. Y. (n.d.). The tradi2onal Malay house. Retrieved November 6, 2016, from hlp://
unossc1.undp.org/GSSDAcademy/SIE/Docs/Vol4/Malay_house.pdf
8. Mah, K. (2015). The man behind Masjid Negara’s iconic ‘umbrella’ dome. Retrieved November 28,
2016, from hlp://www.themalaymailonline.com/features/ar2cle/the-man-behind-masjid-negaras-
iconic-umbrella-dome
9. Malaysian architecture: Crisis within. (2005). Kuala Lumpur: Utusan Publica2ons & Distributors.
10. Masjid Negara (Na2onal Mosque) - Islamic Tourism Centre of Malaysia. (n.d.). Retrieved from hlp://
www.itc.gov.my/mosque/masjid-negara-na2onal-mosque/
11. Masjid Negara (Na2onal Mosque). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2016, from hlp://www.itc.gov.my/
mosque/masjid-negara-na2onal-mosque/
12. Rizvi, K. (n.d.). The transna2onal mosque: Architecture and historical memory in the contemporary
middle east
13. Wijnen, B. V. (n.d.). Na2onal Mosque. Retrieved November 28, 2016, from hlp://
www.malaysiasite.nl/na2onalmosqueeng.htm
14. Yeang, K. (1992). The Architecture of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Pepin Press.

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