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Forward-thinking architectural practice, Philippe Barriere Collective uses hybrid architecture to give form to the Mahmud Qabadu Mosque in the City of Jedaida, Tunisia… A High-Low Tech design and construction, the mosque is designed to become a religious and urban landmark playing a central role within the rural community. Positioned at the centre of two-major axes of urban development, connecting the rural park with the main commercial artery and the two large urban pedestrian plazas (one with shops, the other without), its privileged setting signifies unity and centrality, reflecting the role played by Islam in everyday life. The mosque has two main entrances - one for men and the other for women- opening directly to the non-commercial pedestrian plaza, which can accommodate groups of worshipers before entering or exiting the mosque. Two reflecting pools establish a reverential distance and a quiet threshold between the park on one side; and the main street on the other. At the same time the pools flow from the place of worship to the origin of the irrigation system, suggesting the sublime connection between the nourishment of the soul and that of the earth. The enclosure walls do not wholly seal the interior, since, as they soar upwards, they gradually become more porous, ultimately transforming into Moucharaby. The cooling breeze and natural light from the park flow freely through the walls, letting the building breathe naturally; while the floor is constantly kept warm at human body temperature. Erected out of local materials by local masons, the overarching vault’s parametric design and digital fabrication uses the RhinoVAULT software and follows a structural form using the Thrust-Network-Approach to intuitively create and explore compression-only structures. The architects depict a repetitive use of umbrella-like parametric roofs as they best synthesise tradition with innovation, craft and local materials with high technology. As Philippe Barriere says, “The parametric roof uses the ability of traditional masons empowered by the technological capacity of computer technology. It involves environmentally friendly solutions with social and technological innovations.” As always, the architects follow their signature route of integrating highly competent specialists and manufacturers early in the design process to develop simple, efficient, practical and highly sophisticated cutting edge solutions.Check out the visuals of the parametric design on indiaartndesign.com
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