By Lina Alaidaroos
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Reuse MA project
Project type
Arabic institution and retreat
Date
2025
Location
Canary Wharf, London
The Arabic Sanctuary is an interior project dedicated to a library, workshops, lecture rooms, social interaction, and retreat areas, serving as a refuge for reflection and community engagement. It explores the powerful capacity of Islamic architectural forms, particularly Muqarnas, to weave narratives that resonate with the rich legacy of sacred and heritage architecture in the Middle East. Through extensive study of the region, it becomes clear that sacred architecture transcends mere aesthetics; it offers an experiential journey that unfurls through elements like open courtyards, intimate chapel spaces, and soaring minarets, all of which embody a profound sense of verticality. The goal of this project is not simply to recreate the past but to craft a living narrative that connects the enclosed spaces, openness, and verticality, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the layered stories and memories these environments evoke.