The Flying Mosque by Choi+Shine Architects

An installation that gives a sense of space, built with various hand-woven structures

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture has organised the 20th Edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival.

'The Flying Mosque' / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

As part of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, an outdoor installation titled 'The Flying Mosque', located at the Al-Majaz Amphitheatre, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council (SMC). The opening ceremony was attended by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs Department and the Festival General Coordinator; Farah Qassim Mohammed, Islamic Arts Festival Executive; Abdullah Al-Menaei, Director of the Department of Personnel in the Department of Culture, in addition to the participating artists and a large number of audience.

Choi+Shine Architects is an internationally awarded design studio established by Jin Choi and Thomas Shine. They created an installation that gives a sense of space, built with various structures. Each form is covered with hand-woven lace. These mysterious floating forms present a contrast to the skyline in the background. 'The Flying Mosque' interacts with natural light during the day, and glows when illuminated during the night. It responds to wind, creating a subtle movement. When entering the 'lace room' the visitors appear to be illuminated and glowing, evoking a feeling of spirituality and transcendence. Visitors inside become a part of the installation for the viewers outside the installation that now become spectators of the occupants of the 'Floating Mosque'.

Jin Choi and Thomas Shine / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine