Shah Alam Blue Mosque Report

Low En Huey 0317889
Mohamad Ridzwan bin Rosman 0313350
Ng Hong Bin 0319735
Nicole Ann Choong Yin 0323148
Nurin binti Abdullah 0318596
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque
Culture and History II

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Index
Page Content
03 Introduction
04 Location
06 History
07 The architect
08 Site Context
15 Architectural layout
24 Architectural style
37 Building Construction
48 Architectural Element
58 Conclusion
59 References

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Introduction
The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque is the state mosque
of Selangor Darul Ehsan. The mosque was named after the late Sultan of Selangor. The
most distinct feature of the mosque is the blue and silver dome. Soars up to 350 feet above
the ground and 170 feet in diameter, the dome of Blue Mosque is the biggest religious
dome of Malaysia and the second largest largest in South East Asia, after Istiqlal Mosque in
Jakarta, Indonesia. The mosque has four minarets at each corner of the mosque. It can fit
up to 24,000 worshippers at a time.
Figure 1.0 Exterior of mosque
Source : Ng Hong Bin

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Location
Address : Pesiaran Masjid, Seksyen 14, Shah Alam.
The Blue mosque is situated in the heart of Shah Alam, the state capital of Selangor
Darul Ehsan. It overlooks the Garden of Islamic Arts, a beautifully landscaped park inspired
by the Quranic Garden of Paradise. Visitors could get there by commuter train from Kuala
Lumpur to Shah Alam Station and take a short taxi ride to the Mosque.

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Once known as Sungai Renggam and was noted for its rubber and oil palm estates, Shah
Alam is the state capital of Selangor, Malaysia. It is situated within the Petaling District and a
small portion of the neighbouring Klang District. Shah Alam replaced Kuala Lumpur as the
capital city of the state of Selangor in 1978 due to Kuala Lumpur’s incorporation into a Federal
Territory in 1974. It was the first planned city in Malaysia after independence from Britain in
1957 that consists of commercial premises, administrative building, cultural sites and residential
areas. Its current name was chosen by the former Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul
Aziz Shah, after his late father Sultan Alam Shah.
Figure 1.1 Shah Alam map
Source : mbsa website

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History of Building
14 February 1974
Shah Alam was declared as the new capital for Selangor state.
1 October 1983
Commencement of construction work.
15 August 1987
Construction completed.
11 March 1988
Launching ceremony of Blue Mosque was held by His Royal Highness Sultan Salahuddin
Abdul Aziz Shah.
August 1993
The mosque was listed in the Guinness Records as having the tallest minaret in the world
before being surpassed by the Hassan II Mosque.
Source : Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam - Malaysia. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.beautifulmosque.com/Sultan-Salahuddin-Abdul-Aziz-Shah-Mosque-in-Shah-Alam-Malaysia

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Architect
Figure 1.2 Portrait of Datuk Baharuddin
The design of Blue Mosque was by Architect Datuk Baharuddin Abu Kassim of Jurubena
Bertiga International. The mosque was commissioned by the late Sultan Salahuddin
Abdul Aziz.The civil and structural engineer for this building was done by Tahir Wong Sdn.
Bhd. in conjunction with Brain Moorehead & Partners. As for mechanical and electrical, it
was done by Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn.Bhd. The quantity surveyor for Blue Mosque were
Pakatan International Md. Isahak dan Rakan-Rakan Sdn and the acoustic consultant was
Bolt Beranek & Newman Inc. The construction work for Blue Mosque was done by Bina
Goodyear Sdn. Bhd./ Bina Samic (M) Sdn. Bhd.

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2.0 Site Context
By: Nicole Ann Choong Yin
Building accessibility
The mosque has two floors, both with prayer halls, the ground has non religious spaces like a
reception, an administrative office, library, conference room and several lecture rooms. The
first floor has galleries mainly reserved for women.
Figure 2.0 Entrance of the mosque Figure 2.1 Entrance into the prayer hall
There are two main entrances into the mosque, both the east and west entrances are in the
center of the open space. Distinct areas segregate space for men and women.
Figure 2.2 The ground floor prayer hall
The prayer halls on both floors are accessible through the staircases on the side of the
building. The corridors of the mosque ensure there is no congestion as the congregation
circulate around the prayer hall instead of inside.

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Figure 2.3 Corridor of the 1st
floor
The spaces within the mosque are allocated specifically for the users needs. The prayer hall,
the most used is easily accessed as it is in the middle and the areas for washing is also in close
proximity to the entrances.
Figure 2.4 Rows of taps Figure 2.5 "bilik wudhuk"
This mosque can accommodate up to 24,00 people so even the sizes and design of the
washing room is accounted. The area for cleansing, "bilik wudhuk" is placed in rows to
accommodate more people in an orderly manner.
Through corridors, visitors move easily throughout the mosque even at capacity. Other non
religious spaces are placed further away to ensure fluidity in the circulation.

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Site context analysis
Figure 2.6 Aerial view from the mosque
The SSAAS Mosque is located in Shah Alam. The site was specifically chosen by Sultan
Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah himself. It is situated in a mix of neighbourhoods, high rises and
parks.
The mosque stands out from its context because of its distinguishable blue dome and four
minarets.The design stands out from the lush greenery and houses because of its blue and
silver geometric architecture.
Figure 2.7 Distinct features
The surrounding houses are different because of the homogenous design. The semi-d's have
the similar pitched roofs, a contrast to the striking dome .

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Figure 2.8 Concorde hotel Figure 2.9 Surrounding building
There are a few high rises buildings like the Concorde Hotel. These buildings have elements
of Modernist architecture, emphasis on vertical and horizontal lines for a simple look as
compared to the grand design of the mosque.
The mosque stands out due to its blend of Malay and Middle Eastern architectural style.
Engraved quotations from the Qur'an in and the dome.
Figure 2.10 quotations in the dome
The dome,15.2 m in diameter and the tip is 106.7m in height. Each of the minarets are
142.3m in height, a considerable difference to the double story semi-d's

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Figure 2.11 The infamous dome and minarets
The mosque also overlooks the Garden of Islamic Arts, Raja Lumu and Indah recreational park
which greenery and lake complement the mosques serene ambience.
Response to Climate
To combat the heat, the prayer hall is not only fully carpeted and air conditioned, it has a
natural ventilation system.
Figure 2.12 Diagram of ventilation system
The fans in the prayer hall agitate hot air that gets sucked out by the lined extractors at the
base of the dome. This is successful because of the trees and lakes nearby. The blowers inside
the system suck out the air from outside, filters and cools it then channels it into 24 pole
ducts.

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Figure 2.13 The lattice screen walls
The external areas are cool kept through the lattice screen walls
Figure 2.14 Blue stained glass
The intricate aluminium grill windows have blue stained glass to mellow the light in the
mosque.
Figure 2.14 Diagram of raked piles

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Due to the size of the mosque, there would be considerable horizontal wind load. Raked pile
foundation were constructed to counter these wind loads.
Figure 2.15 Reinforced concrete funnel
Other design elements like the reinforced concrete funnel not only acts as a rainwater
collector but also supports the floor internally.

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3.0 Architecture Layout of Building
By : Mohamad Ridzwan Rosman
Plan to Elevation Analysis
This building consist of two noticeable connection, although there are other relationship but
the most noticeable ones are common origins and inverse.
This elevation has a very similar shape that was used in the plan. Both particularly used the
rectangular as the main shape. Although, the same origin but the outcome is quite different.
The repetitive use rectangular and the arrangements of shapes in both horizontally and
vertically have shown drastic difference in the outcome of design.
For example, the minaret towers are made out of 4 rectangles that shares a common center,
where as the plan and elevation shows a series of rectangles being used adjacent to other
rectangles.
Figure 3.1(a): Elevation Analysis Figure 3.1(b): Plan Analysis

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The elevation and plan of this part of mosque, generally have an inverse relationship with
each other. The dome itself have a very curved and pointy feature, where as the plan shows a
circle as a base shape. When compared the dome to the entirety of the mosque, it shows
obvious inverse relationship between the two. As in the curve of the dome is an opposite to
the structural plan or elevation, which consist of mainly rectangular and grid like spaces.
Circulation To Use Space
This floor plan consist of rooms (blue rectangles), a small multipurpose hall right at the center
(red rectangles) and hallways around every room.
The mosque contains three main entrance, built for three different types of users. The
entrance that is marked green circle is an entrance and exit for tourist and followers of a
different religion. It is also where the tour office is located.
The entrance that is marked blue circle is for the public followers of the Islamic faith.
While, the entrance that is marked yellow circle is for the users of high profile, such as Kings
and ministers. Although it is so, the public can also use the entrance.
Figure 3.1(c): Dome; Plan And Elevation

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The lower floor circulation is dependent on the hallways as a means to connect the rooms.
The circulation is shown by the order of hierarchy in social status, which are high profile
devotees, public devotees, and tourist. High-profile devotees begins at the south side of the
mosque and either they head up to the upper part of the mosque or they go into the
multipurpose hall and then the upper part of the mosque, depending on the occasion.
Public devotees are more free in terms of circulation. They are allowed to pass through
practically any entrance. If the main prayer hall is full, they use the main purpose hall for
prayers instead.
Figure 3.2(a): Shows the lower floor plan
Figure 3.2(b): shows the circulation of high-profile devotees.

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For the tourist however, there is only one entrance and exit when visiting the mosque, this is
because the tourist is usually guided by the tour guide at the tour entrance and only can visit
non-worshiping area such as the rooms and the hallway.
Upper Floor Layout
The plan consist of a hall, ablution fountain and hallways that are the main distributor of
circulation within the mosque.
Figure 3.2(c): shows the circulation of public devotees.
Figure 3.2(d): shows the circulation of tourist.

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The red indicator is the main hall in the mosque, that is used for daily prayers, however there
are no exact route on how people circulate the hall because of the open space, it is mostly
random. The mosque also contains a built structural support that holds the dome, which in
turn direct the circulation in a radial form. The user can go to their destination directly except
for when people are praying or sitting down.
The green indicators is the stairways going onto the ground floor.
The blue indicators are the wide hallway that provide circulation outside of the praying hall.
However, during the collective prayers, the prayer hall tend to be overflowed with devotees,
so much so that they pray on hallway.
Upper Floor Circulation
The circulation is shown via order of hierarchy , which are high profile devotees, public
devotees, and tourist.
High-profile devotee usually head straight for prayers and will be placed the front row of the
mosque from either side of the stairs.

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Public devotee's circulation is quite free and random from the stairs all the way to the ablution
fountain on the east of the mosque or on the lower part of the plan. They can go anywhere
except for the minarets.
Figure 3.2(g): shows the circulation of the public access
Tourist area of circulation is also limited on this floor. They can visit any place except for the
minarets and through main hall.
Figure 3.2(f): shows the circulation of high-profile devotee's

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Vertical Circulation
The position of the stairs is located in the interior part of the mosque. There are about 2
monumental staircase on each side of the mosque and there are two principal stairs that are
placed on south of the building near the ablution chamber.
The stairs uses low steps for easy access by kinds of users, except for the disabled ones
because this mosque provides stairs only as a vertical circulation.
The stairs they provided are 3 parallel flights and landing and 4 spiral stairs and a lift within
one of the minaret towers
Figure 3.2(h) shows the restriction of circulation
11
2 2
Figure 3.2(i): This figure shows the
location of the stairs
Figure 3.2(j) shows flight of stairs
Figure 3.2(k) shows the main stairs

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Spatial Relationship
Space Within A Space(blue)
The mosque's praying hall and the multipurpose hall is two of the examples of a space
within a space.
Adjacent Space(red)
Examples of adjacent spaces can be seen with the placements of rooms in a grid like manner.
Linked By A Common Space
All of the space are linked together by one compound which is the hallway.
Figure 3.3(a): Spacial Relationships Within The Layout

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Spatial Organization
The spaces in the layout shows a clear sign of centralize and linear organization. It is one of
the most noticeable feature of the building that allows a maximum use of space and set a
focus within the center of the mosque.
Figure 3.3(b):Shows the Type of Organization Within Layout

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4.0 Architecture Styles Analysis
By : Low En Huey
The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah mosque has adapted a few architectural styles as the
architect, Datuk Baharuddin has travelled to few countries to get the inspiration of the design
of the mosque. The few dominant styles that could be seen from the mosque are the Islamic
architecture, Gothic style and Modernism.

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Islamic Style
Islamic architecture is commonly expressed in religious buildings such as mosque and
madrasah. It can be defined as building traditions of Muslim populations of the Middle East
and any countries where Islam has been dominant from the seventh century on. The
articulation of elements like arches, domes and columns, calligraphic illustrations and
geometrical decorating patterns are the key features of Islamic style.
Figure 4.0 shows the common decorative patterns for Islamic features.
The design of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is heavily influenced by one
of the Islamic architectural style, which is the Ottoman style. The major characteristic of

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Figure 4.2 the main prayer hall
Source : Low En Huey
Ottoman mosques from early period is the dominance of a central domes that covers a
significant part of the main prayer hall. The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque has
a main prayer hall top by the second biggest dome of the world.
From figure 4.1, geometric pattern can be seen as the main decorative elements of the
dome. Geometric patterns portrays the Islamic interest in repetition, balance and symmetry
and continuous generation of pattern. Domes and cupolas are common elements of Islamic
style adapted by Malaysia’s mosque. Besides that, the use of bright blue colour that is
relatively similar to the bright green (symbolic colour of Islam) at the dome gives the mosque
another name, which is the Blue Mosque.
Figure 4.1 exterior of dome

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Figure 4.4 Minaret Sultan Ahmed
Mosque
Source : www.panoramio.com
Figure 4.5 Minaret Sultan Salahuddin
Mosque
Figure 4.3 The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul
Source : thearabdailynews.com
Distinctive example of Ottoman mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, also known
as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. The central dome
covers the main congregation hall.
Another characteristic of Ottoman mosque is well known for its simple and elegant
minarets that ends with a conical cap.

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Figure 4.6 Mihrab of Sultan Ahmed
Mosque
Source : islamicartsmargazine.com
Figure 4.7 Mihrab of Sultan
Salahuddin Mosque
The surface of the both the minarets are fluted and have 2 -3 balconies installed at the
minarets. The minarets for the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has more ornamentation compared to
the Sultan Salahuddin Mosque.
Next, mihrab is one of the features of Islamic styles. The mihrab of Sultan Salahuddin
mosque has lesser ornamentation and less grand compared to the Sultan Ahmed mosque’s
mihrab. However, both mihrab are decorated with tradition ally formed Quranic verses.
(figure 4.6, 4.7)
Figure 4.8 Minbar of Sultan Ahmed
Mosque
Source : www.w3toplisting.com
Figure 4.9 Minbar of Sultan Salahuddin
Mosque

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Figure 4.10 Mihrab
Figure 4.11 Hallway
The mimbar of Sultan Salahuddin Mosque is entirely carved timber, a masterpiece of
local craftsman from Kelantan. (figure 4.8) This mimbar reflects the local culture of
Malaysia. On the other hand, the mimbar of Sultan Ahmed Mosque is heavily decorated
capped with an ornamental turret. (figure 4.9)
Gothic Style
The origin of Gothic art is Romanesque art. Gothic architecture emphasises light,
bright windows and airy interiors. Key features include the pointed arch, rib vaults,
buttresses and window tracery.

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Figure 5.12 Door Design
Figure 4.13 Openings
Figure 4.12 Door Design
Figure 4.15 Windows
Figure 4.14 Entrance Door Design
The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque has incorporated the pointed arch
design into most of the elements of the mosque as shown from figure 4.10 – 4.15. Pointed
arches can be seen in most of the part of the mosque. The architect of the mosque values
the beauty and aesthetical value of pointed arches from the Gothic.

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Figure 5.15 Windows
Figure 4.16 Vaulted Hallways with Pointed Arches
The pointed arch window design shown in Figure 4.15 has local Islamic art influence in
which geometric pattern is incorporated into the window design so as the openings of the
mosque shown in figure 4.13.
Another key features of Gothic style is the vaulted ceiling, an innovation that lead on
from the achievements of the pointed arch.
In Figure 4.16, the vaulted ceiling of the hallway allows a lighter and more elevated interior.
It gives an effect of opening up the interior and enhances user’s experience as people walk
through the space.

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Figure 4.16 Vaulted ceilings of the Palace of the Popes in France
Source : Flickr.com
Figure 4.17 Fan vaulted ceiling in King’s College Chapel,
Cambridge, UK.
Source : Maddie Cantrell’s Blog
Figure 4.16 and 4.17 are examples of vaulted ceilings of Gothic Style.

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Figure 5.18 Example of Stained glass in Duke University Chapel.
Source : www.mccullagh.org
One of the most artistic feature of Gothic architecture is the use of stained glass. The original
function of stained glass is to teach as well as delight and move. In most of the cathedrals,
small illustrations of lives can be seen at chapel windows.
However in the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, the purpose of the stained glass
is to limit the amount of light into the main prayer hall to create a peaceful and serene
ambience to the interior space. As the natural light shines onto the stained glass, it enhances
the prayers’ experience in the hall.

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Figure 4.20 Islamic motifs on the stained glass
Figure 4.19 The stained glass in the main prayer hall
As you can see from figure 4.19, the use of two different colour of stained glass at two
levels give different effect to the space

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Figure 4.21 The hallway to the entrance of main prayer hall
Modernism
Modernism is a style of rejecting ornament while embracing minimalism. It is the dominant
global movement in 20th century of architecture and design. This style is characterised by use
of general cubic or cylindrical shapes, asymmetrical compositions, use of reinforced concrete
and a tendency for white or cream render.
From figure 4.21, the exterior finishing of the mosque are of white rendering and does not
have ornamentation. It is simple and has clarity of form.
The use of computer to design the mainframe of the dome is adapted in order to cut short
the time of construction. A quicker construction approach is used by using computer design,
pre-cut and factory made component. Thus, components can be easily assembled on site.

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Figure 4.22 The dome view from inside
From figure 4.22, the triangular panels of natural local timber, Red Balau and ramin are used
for the inner dome. The concept of “Truth to materials” of modernism is expressed to reflect
the local craftsmanship.
Inside the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, air conditioning systems,
escalators and lighting control system are used to convenient the people. New technological
developments have influence the architect’s design. The use of new building materials and
the adaption of new construction methods make it a modern mosque.

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5.0 Building Construction, Structure &
Material Analysis
By : Nurin Abdullah
Building Construction
The construction of the mosque was began in 1982 and completed on 11 March 1988. Latest
techniques of construction were used to build the SSAAS mosque.
The pileups foundation interconnected with ground beams were decided upon its rigidity.
These were supported by reinforced concrete bored piles with sized varying from 15-30
inches in diameter and lengths varying from 20-55ft. Since there was considerably wind-
induced horizontal load acting on the 450ft high minarets and 300ft high dome, it was
necessary to provide raked piles under these.
Figure 5.0: Example of the pile ups
interconnected with the ground beams

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The design structure that was finally agreed with, is both unfamiliar yet modern. The dome
of the mosque’s shoulder whose inclined roof connects the circle of ring beams to the
square of the prayer hall perimeter. This has resulted a double-curved surface but the main
structural members were resolved as straight aluminium lattice girders 55ft to 90ft long.
The normal piles
intersecting at two separate
points
Pile intersecting at
common points. This type
is used for the SSAAS
mosque
Pile cap
Raked pile: a pile which is driven in at an angle to the
vertical. The edge piles take up higher load of the dome
Figure 5.1: Differences of normal piles and raked piles

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the shape of the dome
the incline roof
the square of the
prayer hall perimeter
Figure 5.2:The dome
construction structure
Image 5.0: The entrance of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah mosque
The prayer hall has a twin beams spanning
63ft in length in situ reinforced concrete
with 4 supporting columns in the space
below.
There are unstructured from in prayer hall
level, precast reinforced concrete funnels
which act as rainwater collectors externally
and floor supports internally.
Image 5.1: The gallery floor

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Building Materials
The architect has visited several countries just to seek information and inspiration for the
suitable building materials.
The materials used were decided earlier as it is one of the way to cut the costs and
construction tim, and to fulfil the Sultan wish which is to complete on time.
However, the mosque took roughly 4 years to build as to ensure that the materials for the
building arrived on time, in which most of them were emanated from overseas.
CONCRETE GRANITE
MARBLE GRANITE
ALUMINIUM GLASS
Image(s) 5.3: The compilation of materials of choice

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Image 5.4: The exterior of the dome
Figure 5.3:Triangular
steel panels
The dome is constructed with aluminium tubes coated with ‘Retvous Enamelled Steel
Panel’.
By using enamelled steel panel for the dome is probably the best material that was
suitable with Malaysian’s climate. These panels can engender the striking structure to
last longer. It has been 27 years past since the first construction, but the steel substrate
still does not show any sign of corrosion and the enamelled surface remained as it was
on day one.
Figure 5.4: The components of the enamelled
panels
Image 5.6: The close up of
enamelled panels
Source: Google Image

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Image 5.5: The close up of the exterior dome
The windows are fitted with blue stained-glass panels. A serene bluish light upon its
interior spaces when sunlight shines through them has evoking a sense of tranquility
and serenity.
Image(s) 5.10: Exterior (up) and interior (below) images of blue stained glass panels

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The wall and floor of the mosque were mostly covered by the glazed ceramic and
marble tiles. These materials are naturally resistance to high humidity condition
which hence make them as an ideal material in this dry environment. The tiles were
used outside of the building as it provides evaporation and a cooling effect to happen.
The high ceiling has triangular panels of red balau and ramin timber wood that are set
in crisscrossing pattern. This allows ventilation to work smoothly.
Image 5.11: The ceiling of the building
Image(s) 5.12: The floor tiles (left) and wall tiles (right) of the mosque

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Clear glass around the building has resulting the mosque to seem more Paradise-like due to
its brightness and spacious space. The glass plays a role in portraying modern way of Islamic
inscription and pattern through shadows, by transmitting the natural lighting into the
interior of the building.
Image(s) 5.13: The used of transparent glass in the mosque

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Aluminium grills of intricate design can be found on the
doorways, windows and walls of the mosque.
Image 5.13: Carved wooden pulpit was
created by Kelantanese craftsmen,
modelled after the country’s old mosques,
while its mihrab is covered in antique
marble imported from Turkey.
Image(s) 5.14: Aluminium grills

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The main prayer hall is fully carpeted and air conditioned. All floors coated with a carpet made
of wool geometric patterned blue background. Four crystal chandeliers and an antique clock
are the furniture that were donated by the Sultan himself for the mosque.
Image 5.15: The antique clock
Image 5.16: The carpet in the mosque
Image 5.17: One of the chandeliers that was
donated by the Sultan

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The modern architecture Syeikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi has implemented some of
feature that are slightly similar to SSAAS mosque.
Natural materials that were used are due to their condition of hot climate are stone, gold,
crystals and ceramics. The materials are not parallel of what SSAAS’s mosque were genuinely
utilized, however the effort for the designers to seek information of opportune materials are
equipollent.
The mosque has a similar technique of using stained glass for its entrance. The stained glass
is elegant yet exotic. This type of material were used as to give impression of capturing and
filtering light to bring an individual soul to a loftier place. Practically, it was the same concept
of what SSAAS’s mosque did with the blue stained glass.
It also have few significant turniture that were added into the mosque that result to the
richness of the building, and those are the chandelier and the carpet. The world’s chandelier
under the main dome, 7 gold-coloured chandeliers imported from Germany and world’s
largest hand-knotted carpet designed by the Iranian artist, Ali Khaliqi were featured.
Image 5.18: Syeikh Zayed mosque
Image(s) 5.19: The furniture in Syeikh
Zayed’s mosque. Stained glass (left) and
carpet (right)

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6.0 Architectural Element Analysis
By : Ng Hong Bin
Facade
The mosque expresses the sense of balance and unity through the perfect symmetry
and harmonious proportional relationships. Four minarets outline a spatial field from which
the dome of the mosque rises in splendour. The symmetrical and balanced facade fosters
equality and unity in diversity, and establishes a universal bond of brotherhood.
Figure 6.1. Facade of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque.

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Dome
The blue dome bears traditional design capped with a special rosette of Quranic verses.
The double layered space frame dome is constructed of aluminum and the outer surface is
clad with vitreous enamel-baked triangular steel panels decorated with a rosette of verses
from the Quran. Besides, the ceiling of the dome is made of triangular panels of natural local
timber, red balau and ramin in crisscross pattern make up the ceiling. A ring of windows
pierced around the dome making it appeared to mysteriously float on the pillars and arches
that support it.
Figure 6.2. Exterior of Dome. Figure 6.3. Interior of Dome.
Minaret
To match the majestic size of the dome, four minarets were built and positioned at the
four corners. The minarets provides a visual cue to the Muslim community and a vantage point
from which the call to prayer. The minarets also function as air-conditioning mechanisms. As
the sun heats the dome, air is drawn in through open windows then up and out of the minaret,
thereby providing air ventilation to the interior.

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Figures 6.4. Minarets of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque.
Staircase
During Friday congregational prayer, there will be maximum of 24,000 worshippers
comes for prayers and gather in mosque. To allow efficient human circulation and prevent
collision between people, the staircase are built into very large and wide. Furthermore, the
staircase also links various floors which allows easy movement between the different levels of
the mosque.

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Figures 6.5. Staircases of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque.
Door
Stained Glass Door
It provides access into the main prayer hall from the
courtyard. The door is made of stained glass to filter
illumination into the interior spaces and evokes a
sense of peace and serenity. It is used as a decorative
element and increase the aesthetic appearance of
the door.
Figures 6.6. Stained Glass Door.

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Swinging Glass Door
It creates a sense of welcoming to
invite the worshippers for prayers. It
enables efficient human circulation
and allow adequate light penetration
and ventilation around the mosque.
Window
Large Fixed Light Window
It creates a sense of welcoming to
invite the worshippers for prayers. It
allows adequate illumination and
ventilation and provides a calm
atmosphere in the mosque.
Figures 6.8. Large Fixed Light Window.
Figures 6.7. Swinging Glass Door.

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Minaret Window
Positioned in the tower are several long, narrow
windows at different heights and facing different
directions that provides light and ventilation into the
enclosed minaret.
Figures 6.9. Minaret Window.
Stained Glass Window
It is fitted with stained glass to reduce the
amount of light that enter the hall. The
resulting filtered lighting renders a bluish
ambiance to the interior spaces evoking a
sense of peace and serenity.
Figures 6.10. Stained Glass Window.

54 | P a g e
Fenestration
Trelliswork screen filters the air
ventilation and light entering the
ablution room making the interior dim
and peaceful, allowing the worshipper
to focus on their ablution process
without any disturbance.
Figures 6.11. Fenestration of Ablution Area.
Trelliswork screen filters the light
penetrating on the aisles. The shadow
of the great symmetrical eight –
pointed star patterns appears on the
floor giving mesmeric and dazzling
effect for the worshippers.
Figures 6.12. Fenestration of Aisle.

55 | P a g e
Arch
The pointed arches of the mosque are made by forming each side of the arch from a
different center point. They are used constructively and systematically creating a sense of
balance and harmony. They are also used to direct weight onto load-bearing columns at a
sharp angle, thus allowing for much taller vaulted ceilings, giving the mosque a sense of
grandeur.
Figures 6.13. Arch of Aisle.
Figure 6.14. Arch of Main Prayer Hall.

56 | P a g e
Mihrab
The domed chamber contains the mihrab which indicates the direction of the Kaabah
shrine in Makkah which is called qibla. The mihrab has the shape of a doorway to indicate that
the worshipper can make a journey in spirit through the qibla wall to the Kaabah at Makkah.
The mihrab is made of imported marble and antique Turkish tiles. The designed is finished
with simple white marble decorated with tradition only ally formed Quranic verses. When the
imam leads prayers, the opening of the mihrab amplifies his voice so that all present can hear
him.
Figures 6.15. Mihrab in Main Prayer Hall.

57 | P a g e
Minbar
A minbar, from which sermons, proclamations and readings are delivered as part of
Friday service. It stands to the right of the mihrab and is a free-standing structure. It is the
place where the imam stands to deliver sermons. The decoration of which some believe to
be part of the sunnah, is shaped like a small tower with a pointed roof and stairs leading up
to it. The minbar entirely executed in carved timber, is a masterpiece of local craftsman from
Kelantan and the design originates from an old mosque.
Figures 6.16. Minbar in Main Prayer Hall.

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Conclusion
To conclude, the SSAAS mosque was built with the intention to provide facileness to the
users. The mosque is not only complemented by the landscape, but the site itself is an
advantage to the design in response to the climate. The layout of the mosque focuses more
on the function while prioritising the sultan's demand to provide a magnificent mosque for
the state. Apart from being a religious building, many elements were magnified and
diversified to consolidate the grand design. The styles that were adapted by the mosque has
evolved and blends seamlessly with the cultural context of Malaysia to correspond with the
advancing technology. The structural aspect and materials used has not only consummated
the sultans desires but has proved the advert of modernism in Malaysia. This stunning
mosque is set as a benchmark for the future development in Malaysia.

59 | P a g e
Reference
 Carey, M. (2010). The Art of The Islamic World. In The complete illustrated guide to
Islamic art and architecture: A comprehensive history of Islam's 1400-year legacy of
art and design, with 500 photographs, reproductions and fine-art paintings (p. 16 -
42). London: Lorenz.
 Burden, E. (1995). Components. In Elements of architectural design: A visual
resource (pp. 107 - 220). New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
 http://islamicarch.blogspot.my/
 https://tajashomestay.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/places-of-interest-blue-mosque-
of-the-east/#more-2125
 http://www.thousandwonders.net/Sultan+Salahuddin+Abdul+Aziz+Shah+Mosque
 Islamic Tourism Centre,. (2015). Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. Retrieved
15 November 2015, from http://itc.gov.my/mosque/masjid-sultan-salahuddin-abdul-
aziz-shah-state-mosque/
 News.google.com,. (2015). New Straits Times - Google News Archive Search.
Retrieved 15 November 2015, from
https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19880311&id=v1lPAAAAIBAJ
&sjid=EJADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6830,2716434&hl=en
 InfopediaPk - All facts in one site,. (2015). Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah
Mosque. Retrieved 15 November 2015, from http://infopediapk.weebly.com/sultan-
salahuddin-abdul-aziz-shah-mosque.html
 Abudhabiliving.net,. (2015). Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi
Living | Everything Abu Dhabi. Retrieved 15 November 2015, from
http://abudhabiliving.net/page/sheikh-zayed-grand-mosque
 Piles | EnggArticles. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2015, from
http://www.enggarticles.com/civil-engineering/geotechnical-engineering/piles/
 (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2015, from http://www.thousandwonders.net/Sultan
Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque

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