Sustainability Aspects in Mosque Architecture: From the Beginning to the Present

Abstract

The pioneers of sustainable architecture began to question the international style of modernity with regard to its ecological qualities in the 1970s. In the decades that followed, the environmental issue was treated as a crisis. Today, there is no doubt about understanding our time as a major turning point in climate change. Since half of the energy used by humans worldwide is consumed in buildings, the topic of green architecture is essential. In the history of architecture, we find numerous examples that can be inspiring for solutions to today’s problems. This work intends to investigate the sustainability aspects of mosque architecture from its beginning to the present day. In the introduction, the development of Islamic architecture in relation to environmental awareness is discussed. This is followed by supraregional aspects of sustainable Islamic architecture, which are analyzed under the following focal points: multifunctionality, natural materials, natural lighting and ventilation, sustainable design strategies, cultural sustainability, and finally, environmentally friendly and energy-conscious design in modern times.