The Abrahamic Family House by David Adjaye - An architectural symbol of peaceful coexistence and universality

Buildings are not just mere functional tools, but rather tangible testimonies of an era, artistic and cultural expressions that span time. From this perspective, the Abrahamic Family House project, conceived by architect David Adjaye, stands out as a work that goes beyond art and function, embodying a powerful message of unity, interfaith dialogue and acceptance.
Architect David Adjaye explained that at the basis of this exceptional architectural project lies the intent to create a work that represents universality, an architecture that overcomes the barriers of religious dogmas and promotes mutual acceptance between the three great monotheistic religions: Islam, Christianity and Judaism. This vision of unity and peaceful coexistence is made tangible in the structure of the Abrahamic Family House, a place that embraces and celebrates diversity, allowing visitors to participate in the different religious rites within each of the three houses of worship present inside the complex: a mosque, a synagogue and a church.

The project was recently awarded as winner of the "Photography | Architecture Exteriors" category at the LOOP Design Awards 2023, thanks to the extraordinary photographic essay created by the DEED STUDIO. The Dubai-based architectural photography studio, founded by Masih Mostajeran and Naghmeh Olfat has captured the essence of this unique place, conveying its message of inclusiveness and dialogue through powerful and evocative images .

The Abrahamic Family House, which opened its doors in March 2023, has quickly assumed its role as a place of interreligious dialogue and cultural exchange, a meeting point for individuals of different faiths, nationalities and cultures. In addition to the three places of worship, the complex also houses a secular space, which is not affiliated with a specific religion, but which becomes a meeting point for all believers and even non-believers, encouraging dialogue between different communities.
The three cubic shapes, representative of the three religions, create a powerful and harmonious whole. Each structure features elements with colonnades and vaults that emphasise the sacred nature of the buildings. The garden, on the other hand, is the central element of the complex, a symbol of unity and connection between the three faiths. This public area represents a place of meeting, dialogue and civility, where diversity is welcomed and embraced as a value. The podium seamlessly connects the different spaces, promoting inclusiveness and the celebration of history and collective identity. The project created by David Adjaye is an extraordinary testimony of how architecture can promote dialogue, acceptance and peace between the different cultures and religions of the world.

(Agnese Bifulco)

Images courtesy of DEED STUDIO and V2com

Project Name: The Abrahamic Family House
Location: Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Architects: Adjaye Associates
Photos: DEED STUDIO https://deedstudio.com/

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