Image courtesy of Ricardo Bofill

The Noble Qur’an Oasis Competition

The project for The Noble Qur’an Oasis – Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah is a sign of excellence representing a cultural and civic Islamic centre for the research, study and transmission of the Nobel Qur’an: The significance of The Noble Qur’an, The Qur’anic Revelation, The Actual Revelation of the Qur’an, The collection of the Qur’an, The Different Readings of the Qur’an, The use of diacritical marks in the Qur’an, The Preservation of the Qur’an, The Surahs and Ayats in the Qur’an, Rules & Regulations, inimitability (I’jaz) and stories (mentioned in the Qur’an), The Linguistic Eloquence of the Qur’an, The Science of the Noble Qur’an.
 
Image courtesy of Ricardo Bofill

Although the Islamic civilization and the Western culture are different in many ways, they both promote the preservation of tradition, yet encourage technology innovation. The first Islamic city had a circular plan, with all spaces being enclosed in the circle representing the elemental symbol of unity and the ultimate source of diversity in creation. This traditional city, or rather the idea of this city, serves as the base and the essence for the creation of the Islamic modern city. Such a background has led us to choose a circular concept as the main representational shape of the project for The Noble Qur’an Oasis.
 
Image courtesy of Ricardo Bofill

This unique civic and cultural landmark, with its sleek, minimalist design, is a symbolic container where the Islamic science and culture will be displayed. The Analysis, Research, Education and Dissemination of the Islamic culture are the central functions of the scheme. Like in the ideal city, the project combines all spaces in a creative manner to meet the requirements of the functional program, including up-to-date technology adapted to the project’s contents. Occupying the entire site like a total oasis, the project provides diverse bright open spaces. The layout’s geometry offers the visitors the possibility of choosing alternative itineraries and different scenarios within the flexible structure.
 
Image courtesy of Ricardo Bofill

This iconic project represents the Islamic city and its potential future extensions embodied in a series of covered circular forms, a palm oasis in the forefront, and fruit trees and native plants irrigated by a system of water canals creating a micro-climate. A traditional pattern of courtyards and narrow streets meshed within the structure encloses generously sized inner spaces, which define this center for the research, study and transmission of the Nobel Qur’an, as a unique place strongly related to Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah and its environment.

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