As-Salam Mosque

Archeground Ltd. - Ramgati Upazila, Bangladesh - 2022

Key words: Brick, Community, Education, Jali, Plinth, Resilience, Ventilation

MOSQUE INTERIOR - Photography: © Faruque Abdullah Shawon

The As-Salam Jame Mosque in Ramgoti, Bangladesh, is a model of humility, resilience, and contextual sensitivity in contemporary religious architecture. Rather than striving for grandeur, the design draws deeply from vernacular traditions, notably the raised plinths of Bengali homesteads, which protect against seasonal flooding. This elevated base not only secures the structure but also metaphorically lifts the spiritual dimension of the mosque.

The spatial program is modest yet flexible, comprising two prayer halls: the West Hall for daily use and the larger East Hall for Jummah, Eid, and religious education. These are linked by an archway and water basins, reinforcing ritual purity while offering climatic relief. Passive environmental strategies define the design: perforated brick jalis, vertical fins, high ceilings, and a sculpted roof facilitate natural ventilation and dappled light, creating interiors that breathe while evoking contemplative serenity.

Materially, the use of handmade brick, jali screens, and mosaic floors not only celebrates local craftsmanship but also ensures sustainability and affordability. Beyond its architectural qualities, the mosque has become a civic hub: attracting worshippers, fostering informal markets, and integrating a madrasa with aspirations for inclusive education.

Critically, the project exemplifies how architecture can respond to environment, heritage, and community, achieving significance through restraint, empathy, and cultural rootedness.