Baitul Mamur Jam-e-Mosque: A prayer space amidst the greenery of Lakshmipur

Located amidst a lush landscape, the Baitul Mamur Jam-e-Mosque is a captivating architectural landmark in Lakshmipur. The mosque stands as an iconic structure, as its unique arched roof catches the eye of passers-by. Since its completion, the mosque has garnered attention from local people, and it has become a popular spot for religious congregations.

"At first, the building sparked curiosity, as a vault-like form was a new sight in the region," reflected Kazi Fida Islam, the principal architect of Kazi Fida Architects (KFA) and the lead architect of the mosque. "However, upon completion, it has been widely appreciated. Many were drawn to its distinctive presence in the village and gathered here to offer a prayer, eventually transforming it into a local landmark."

"Choosing a simple rectangular block as a form preserved the geometric purity as it stands out against the tranquil landscape of Lakshmipur," commented Fida Islam.

Stepping inside, one finds the mosque to be a free-flowing space where devotees of Mohadevpur village gather and find themselves in an ambient atmosphere. The column-free interior allows the space to unfold as one continuous volume, which inspires a contemplative state of mind for the worshippers.

"A continuous spatial flow evokes a sense of infiniteness and eternal faith," added the architect.

The longstanding practice of praying in congregation is deeply embedded in Islam. Subtle features like round and edgeless corners make the space blend with the user's psyche while effortlessly merging with the greenery of the surroundings. For many visitors, this openness feels refreshing and peaceful.

"To some extent, the experience of a moment is invariably shaped by architecture. A meditative space must be unconfined, avoiding any sense of claustrophobia," Kazi Fida Islam reiterated. For him, religious architecture must create room for contemplation.

In his opinion, design and architecture should be tied to nature in all its functions. The connection with the surroundings, like the movement of the sun, the wind, and all elemental forces defining time and space, inspires users to engage in everyday activities with greater focus and meaning. This philosophy guided the spatial and environmental decisions behind the mosque, which was commissioned by Farhad Chowdhury Nehal.

Architect Kazi Fida Islam is currently practising in Dhaka, and emphasises the use of raw materials like concrete, metal, and lightweight structures that embody simplicity and minimalism. The mosque also features concrete for its structural stability and durability.

"Ample daylight flows into the prayer hall and the openings in north-south directions," he explained. This passive strategy reduces reliance on mechanical cooling.

One of the defining gestures of the mosque is the transparent east — west facade, allowing light to travel across the prayer hall and extending the sense of spatial continuity. For anyone offering prayer inside the hall, the openness gently establishes a feeling of infiniteness.

"The prayer space experiencing the openness in front, embodied as a facade, is the threshold symbolising transcendence of one's inner journey," observed Kazi Fida Islam. A pond along the west side helps temper heat from the afternoon sun, while new plantations of local species is planned so that they grow naturally and shade the mosque through the hotter months.

"Whether through natural elements or innovative architectural solutions, we wanted to create a seamless connection between nature and people," remarked Fida Islam. "We believe the influence of nature can outweigh the technical barriers and enrich one's spiritual experience," concluded the architect.

Photo: Asif Al Aziz Pritom, Julkarnain