Architect David Adjaye designs the Abrahamic Family House, which is an interfaith complex located in Abu Dhabi. It features a church, a synagogue, as well as a mosque in the space. The house is made up of three cubic buildings that stand alone with flat roofs on top.
All of them are equal in volume but they each have their own distinctive features such as varied-sized courtyards. Adjaye states that "Each building's architectural articulation is unique, and specifically oriented to its siting and religious references. The columns on each side of the building have seven points that touch the ground and eight points that touch the soffit – with seven being a representative symbol of man, and eight representing God above."
Interfaith Family House Complexes
Adjaye Associates Designs the Abrahamic Family House
Trend Themes
1. Interfaith Complexes - The design and construction of interfaith complexes are becoming more popular and can provide an opportunity for architects and builders to collaborate across different religious communities.
2. Multi-religious Buildings - The creation of multi-religious buildings in urban areas can increase accessibility and representation for various religious groups leading to new opportunities for developers and real estate professionals.
3. Religious Architecture Tourism - Religious architecture projects can attract tourists interested in interfaith dialogue and a greater appreciation of diverse cultures, creating new opportunities for the hospitality and tourism industry.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The design and construction of interfaith complexes presents an opportunity for architects to push creative boundaries and develop innovative solutions to integrate multiple religious symbols and practices.
2. Real Estate - The construction of multi-faith buildings can open up new opportunities for real estate developers and brokers in urban areas to meet the diverse needs of religious communities.
3. Hospitality and Tourism - Religious architecture projects that foster interfaith dialogue and cultural appreciation can create new opportunities for the hospitality and tourism industry to attract visitors interested in diverse experiences.