Project Context & Site

Madani Masjid serves a growing Muslim community with expanding educational programming. Due to capacity needs, the masjid has acquired a commercial structure located directly south of the existing prayer hall across the parking lot. See exhibits A (site plan) and B (building floor plan)

The main program hall features:

• A large open interior footprint

• High ceilings

• Existing acoustic challenges

• CMU wall construction

Design Scope (Primary Focus)

Main Program Hall

The primary design challenge is the transformation of the former mechanic’s garage into a large, flexible educational hall. The hall will primarily be used for Quran students from Monday through Friday during the day times. The mornings will be dedicated for Quran, while the afternoons are for academic studies, for which chromebook laptops are pulled out for individual study. Storage of Quran benches, backpacks, chromebooks, laptop lapdesks, and for personal items should be provided for. Flexibility, acoustics, and spatial clarity are essential in the design.

Key Programs:

• Divide the hall into approximately two functional zones using an operable partition system

  • Zone A: Nazira for children + Alim courses for high school and older students. See exhibit C for Nazira and Alim class layout.

  • Zone B: Hifz al Quran program for children. See exhibit D for Hifz class layout

• Accommodate daily classroom use while supporting larger gatherings

• Integrate a presentation area at the back of the space for larger-scale events like

  • Monthly student-led programs

  • Seminar-type classes with the speaker presenting at the far end of the hall

  • A parallel taraweeh jama’ah during Ramadan

Supporting Spaces

Reception & Entry

• Two-person reception desk

• Waiting/lounge area equipped 

• Welcoming, community-focused atmosphere

Bathrooms

• Accessible from both reception and main hall

• Expansion into reception space may be explored to accommodate capacity. Only a men’s bathroom is necessary as this portion of the building is for male students only.

Admin Storage

• Secure storage for books, supplies, and miscellaneous

• Accessed exclusively from reception

Design Considerations

Design proposals should thoughtfully respond to:

• Spatial layout

• Architectural or sculptural articulation of the walls and ceiling

• Additional features to help control acoustic echo and sound control

• Lighting design

• Integration of Arabic artwork throughout the project

• A visual focus that is flexible according to the needs of the various programs

• Balance of spirituality, education, and community warmth

• Minimal budget for interior renovations 

Designs should accommodate:

• Water fountains

• TVs and monitors

• Chromebooks

• Foldable lap desks

• Speakers and microphones

• Stage infrastructure + storage