Mosque architecture is rooted in cultural and spiritual tradition. However, its reliance on historical forms and symbolism challenges integration with modern design practices. Hence, modern architectural approaches often find it difficult to balance various traditional Islamic aesthetics with evolving performance standards such as user comfort, material efficiency and energy performance. Furthermore, stereotyped architectural features in conventional mosque designs often fail to improve energy efficiency, structural performance or environmental sustainability. Thus, the paper aims to establish a novel methodology for multi-objective optimization in mosque architecture by developing a flexible design framework that blends modern technologies with traditional Islamic aesthetics.
The study undertakes a comprehensive literature review to establish a theoretical foundation in Islamic architecture, mosque design attributes and optimization principles. Moreover, the research employs advanced computational tools, leveraging triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) as the primary design geometry. The study assesses various design configurations by combining AI generative-based techniques with performance-based simulations. Key criteria, such as material optimization, energy performance, structural efficiency and user comfort, are used to evaluate these combinations. Additionally, case-specific limitations and contextual applications – such as Sharjah’s hot and dry climate and its urban regulations – are used to justify the suggested solutions. Ultimately, alignment with sustainability, functionality and cultural identity is guaranteed by the iterative design and evaluation methodology.
The research demonstrates the transformative potential of integrating TPMS geometries in mosque architecture, revealing substantial improvements over traditional designs. In particular, the Neovius C(P) surface topology performs better than traditional mosque designs by improving energy performance, structural stability and material efficiency. According to computational simulations, material consumption can be remarkably reduced by up to 30% while maximizing daylighting and natural ventilation, which results in a 25% increase in energy efficiency. These results are further improved by the creative application of AI generative-based evaluations, which guarantees that the designs offer the best possible user comfort and microclimatic flexibility. Consequently, the results open the door for more resilient and sustainable Islamic buildings by demonstrating how sophisticated computational and AI-driven methods may balance modern architectural requirements with the cultural and spiritual heart of mosque architecture.
The research pioneers the integration of TPMS geometries in mosque architecture, presenting a novel and adaptable framework that bridges traditional Islamic aesthetics with cutting-edge computational design techniques. A novel paradigm in multi-objective optimization for Islamic architecture is presented by the study, which makes use of AI generative-based evaluations and performance-based simulations. These results demonstrate notable improvements in energy efficiency, material efficiency and user comfort, providing useful design solutions suited to hot, dry regions like Sharjah, UAE. Additionally, the presented method maintains the cultural and spiritual significance of mosque construction while addressing today’s environmental challenges. As a result, the approach and ideas offered are not limited to mosques; they offer practical tools for designing sustainable, high-performance buildings that reflect cultural values across various settings.
