Renowned Ghanaian architect David Adjaye designs multi-faith complex in Abu Dhabi

• Renowned Ghanaian architect David Adjaye has been commissioned by the United Arab Emirates to design a new multi-faith complex in Abu Dhabi
• The massive complex known as the “Abraham Family House” contains a mosque, church and synagogue
• the project instills many of the architectural designs found in mosques, churches and synagogues around the world

The United Arab Emirates commissioned Ghanaian architect David Adjaye to design an interfaith complex called the Abraham Family House.

The large-scale interfaith project includes a mosque and a church – the first purpose-built synagogue ever built in the Gulf Arab country.

Created by renowned Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye, the design incorporates several architectural forms commonly found in mosques, cathedrals and synagogues around the world. The building was designed to highlight the similarities between the three Abrahamic religions.

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The multi-faith complex includes Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church and Moses ben Maimun Synagogue.

In an interview with CNNDavid Adjaye says:

What you’ll see in all projects is that it’s always about the filtering of light, the splitting of light. In the mosque…the light surrounds you until you enter the silence and stoicism facing Mecca. In the church, you will hear the sound of running water. For me, water is so important in Christianity.

The synagogue is the first purpose-built synagogue in the UAE; it points to Jerusalem like most synagogues in the world.

According to David Adjaye, each structure is a 30-meter (98-foot) by 30-meter cube and is unique. The concept of unity provides a common ground to encourage tolerance and understanding.

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Meet David Adjaye, the Ghanaian architect who designed important buildings in the US, Norway and Russia

In a previous story, Yan Wang wrote about how the famous Ghanaian architect David Adjaye has designed important buildings around the worldSir David Adjaye is known for designing iconic buildings such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He has been honored by the British Government for excellence, becoming the first African to receive the Royal Gold Medal, and the first black architect to receive the honor in the 173-year history of the honor.

Source: YEN.com.gh