The Floor Plan is based off of the Hypostyle mosque, which includes a large courtyard surrounded by long rooms supported by columns. Many mosques incorporate charitable institutions such as hospitals and schools. The endowment of charitable institutions is an important aspect of Islamic culture, due in part to the third pillar of Islam, which calls for Muslims to donate a portion of their income to the poor.
The Musallah is the prayer hall of a mosque. This space rarely has furniture so as many worshipers as possible can utilize the space. In many mosques, the Musallah is in the hypostyle form, which means the roof is held up by a grid of columns.
Al Malik
Al Malik is a mosque designed in Athens, Georgia. Mosques are used for prayer, study, and a place for rest and reflection. It is imperative in Islamic culture to feel a sense of a higher power while worshiping. The structure of Al Malik is designed with attention to verticality and elaborate details. This is emphasized through intricate, geometric, stellate, and vegetal motifs. Many of the details incorporated into the design create breathtaking patterns meant to awe and inspire those who come to worship.