The Flying Mosque by Choi+Shine Architects

17 Dec, 2017




An installation that gives a sense of space, built with various hand-woven structures



Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture has organised the 20th Edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival



As part of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, an outdoor installation titled 'The Flying Mosque' is located at the Al-Majaz Amphitheatre. It was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council (SMC); alongside Mohammed I. Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs; Farah Qassim Mohammed, Islamic Arts Festival Executive; and esteemed guests.





Choi+Shine Architects is an internationally awarded design studio established by Jin Choi and Thomas Shine. They created an installation that gives a sense of space, built with various structures. Each form is covered with hand-woven lace. These mysterious floating forms present a contrast to the skyline in the background. 'The Flying Mosque' interacts with natural light during the day, and glows when illuminated during the night. It responds to wind, creating a subtle movement. When entering the 'lace room' the visitors appear to be illuminated and glowing, evoking a feeling of spirituality and transcendence. Visitors inside become a part of the installation for the viewers outside the installation that now become spectators of the occupants of the 'Floating Mosque'.