Adjaye Associates unveils Abrahamic Family House interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi

[Celerity]

https://www.dezeen.com/2023/02/23/david-adjaye-abrahamic-family-house-interfaith-complex/













The Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex designed by architect David Adjaye that contains a church, a synagogue and a mosque, has opened in Abu Dhabi. Located on Saadiyat Island – a cultural hub positioned off the coast of Abu Dhabi – the project incorporates three separate houses of worship for the three Abrahamic religions Christianity, Judaism and Islam.











The Abrahamic Family House is made up of a trio of standalone cubic buildings with flat roofs, each equal in volume but distinguished by their own features including differently sized courtyards. "Each building's architectural articulation is unique, and specifically oriented to its siting and religious references," said the architect, who founded his eponymous firm Adjaye Associates in 2000.











His Holiness Francis Church is characterised by a facade of towering Omani limestone columns that are positioned from east to west to enhance morning sunlight on the interior, referencing light as a symbol of divinity in Christianity. Inside, a cluster of linear timber battens are suspended from the ceiling. These were designed to evoke the notion of "a shower of ecstatic redemption", according to the architecture studio. Light filters through the octagonally-shaped baptistry.











Other design elements within the church include geometric pews formed from traditional hard-wearing oak and a purposefully minimal central crucifix that aims to welcome worshippers from all denominations. A suspended bronze mesh tent descends from a central skylight inside, echoing the tent-like structure of sukkahs already referenced on the exterior, as well as the original tabernacle.

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[Coventina]

1. Hiya Cel! This is gorgeous!

I need to reply to your last message, might not be til this weekend, though.

Thanks for sharing this!!

I love it!!

[Celerity]

2. yw!! (and no rush need to reply, lol)