Functional Performance of Islamic Geometry in Mosque Design in Osogbo, Osun State
Authors
Department of Architecture, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt (Nigeria)
Department of Architecture, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt (Nigeria)
Department of Architecture, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt (Nigeria)
Article Information
DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS.2026.11060300
Subject Category: Architecture
Volume/Issue: 11/6 | Page No: 4014-4022
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-07-02
Accepted: 2026-07-07
Published: 2026-07-20
Abstract
This research investigates the functional Performance of Islamic geometry in contemporary mosque design. It demonstrates how geometric principles go beyond ordinary ornamentation and focus more on functionality, such as environmental performance, cultural expression, spatial organization, and structural stability. It balances the visual identity, spatial arrangement, and environmental impacts with divine belief. To address this gap, this research uses a qualitative research methodology based on the principles of symmetry, repetition, tessellation, and proportionality. A qualitative method design was employed through literature review, case studies analysis of the following mosques: camlica mosque (Turkey), Education city mosque (Qatar), and Ilorin Central Mosque (Nigeria). This mosque showcases the strong use of Islamic geometry and how a modern, contemporary mosque blends with traditional Islamic architecture, from the early monumental to aesthetic innovation. The study is based on three key elements (environmental responsiveness, symbolic meaning, and spatial functionality), which reflect how Islam expresses its ideas through the use of shapes and patterns., Islamic geometry was used in analyzing every aspect of this study to explore different cultures and historical contexts, ranging from the early mosque to the modern contemporary mosques. This research also highlights the key challenges, including the high cost of construction, the lack of skilled craftsmen, and cultural misinterpretation, and suggests that to solve these problems, this study recommends improving education and training in geometric design, adopting cost-effective methods of construction, and that architects should collaborate more with historians for a proper understanding of Islamic geometry. This research concludes that Islamic geometry is not static and it evolves with time, and they are key part of mosque design and not just for aesthetic purposes but also to ensure functionality, sustainability, and to promote Islamic symbolic tradition.
Keywords
Islamic geometry, Functional performance, Spatial organization, Structural Stability, Environmental Performance
Downloads
References
1. Atmaca, A. B., Gedik, G. Z., & Wagner, A. (2021). Determination of optimum envelope of religious buildings in terms of thermal comfort and energy consumption: Mosque cases. Energies, 14(20), 6597. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206597 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Azmi, N. A., Arıcı, M., & Baharun, A. (2021). A review on the factors influencing energy efficiency of mosque buildings. Journal of Cleaner Production, 292, 126010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126010 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Azmi, N. A., & Ibrahim, S. H. (2020). A comprehensive review on thermal performance and envelope thermal design of mosque buildings. Building and Environment, 185, 107305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.107305 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Azmi, N. A., Ibrahim, S. H., & Baharun, A. (2023). Energy-efficient retrofitting strategies in mosque buildings: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 183, 113479. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Baharudin, N. A., Ismail, A. S., & Sulaiman, A. B. (2014). Communal mosques: Design functionality towards the development of sustainability for community. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 153, 106–120. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Broug, E. (2019). Islamic Geometric Design (Revised ed.). Thames & Hudson. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Critchlow, K. (2012). Islamic Patterns: An Analytical and Cosmological Approach. Thames & Hudson. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Frishman, M., & Khan, H. U. (Eds.). (2018). The Mosque: History, Architectural Development and Regional Diversity. Thames & Hudson. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Hillenbrand, R. (2015). Islamic Architecture: Form, Function and Meaning. Edinburgh University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Hossameldien, H., & Alshawan, A. A. (2019). Sound Quality Inside Mosques: A Case Study on the Impact of Mihrab Geometry. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Necipoğlu, G. (2017). The Topkapi Scroll: Geometry and Ornament in Islamic Architecture. Getty Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Omer, S. (2018). Islamic Architecture: Forms, Functions and Meanings. A.S. Noordeen. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Rosad, S., Yudhana, A., & Sutikno, T. (2025). Zoned Audio Distribution: Systematic Review and Optimization Framework in Mosque. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. Shohan, A. A. A., Al-Khatri, H., Bindajam, A. A., & Gadi, M. B. (2021). Solar gain influence on the thermal and energy performance of existing mosque buildings in the hot-arid climate of Riyadh City. Sustainability, 13(6), 3332. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063332 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Sobri, N. F. M., Utaberta, N., Surat, M., et al. (2021). Sustainable mosque design: A review of passive environmental strategies [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- Re-Validating the Uniqueness of Urban Morphology of the Shekhawati Region Through Reconnaissance Using Hotspot Analysis
- Golden Ages and Emerging Needs: Rethinking old Age Homes as Self Sustained Communities
- The Missing Link between Colonial Jack Arch Roofing and Indigenous Construction Practices in India
- Archiving Kolakopa - A Study on the Present Condition and the Architectural Features of an Evanescing Historic Settlement.
- Analysing Vendor Lock-In in Serverless Architectures