Reading the Effective Factors of Spatial Atmosphere of Contemporary Mosques, Based on Grounded Theory Approach

Problem statement: 

Despite the many definitions of the mosque that have been offered in academic places so far, Undoubtedly, the definition of a mosque would not be complete without considering its audiences. Because one of the main functions of mosques is to create a platform for spiritual communication between man and God. This connection from the most primitive type of mosque to modern mosques has been an integral part of the function of mosques. Therefore, the audience and his perception are very important in this sacred space. The original experiences that take place in man-made spaces are experiences that have been influenced by a number of factors. Experiences that architects and phenomenologists call “the atmosphere”. This research seeks to identify the factors affecting the audience’s perception of the atmosphere of mosques.

The purpose of this study is to “identify the factors affecting the audience’s perception of the atmosphere of mosques” And it tries to answer the question of what factors can be effective in conveying the spatial atmosphere of a mosque.

This research has been done qualitatively. In terms of the nature of the data, is Textual, semantic and unstructured. It is inductive thinking in terms of logic and interpretive in terms of the level of analysis. Strategy of this research is grounded theory and analyzes has been done by systematic coding of Strauss and Corbin with the help of MaxQDA software.

Findings of the research show that in the audience’s perception of the atmosphere of the mosque space Architect can plan such as minimizing the conflict of the audience or the correct use of symbols and signs and benefiting from religious texts he or she can be involved to some extent (and not definitively) in shaping the spatial atmosphere of the mosque. Factors such as the audience’s emotional experiences when confronted with space, Ruling currents of thought, Historical events and geographical conditions, there are issues beyond the control of the designer in shaping the atmosphere of the mosques. Therefore, the factors affecting the transmission of the atmosphere of a mosque are in controllable parts and in uncontrollable parts. As a result, it can never be claimed that architecture alone can be an influential factor in conveying the atmosphere of a mosque.