Reenvison of Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque

Re-envisioning Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque as a sacred cultural landscape where urban life, culture, and spirituality coexist while restoring the place’s natural terrain to reflect Chattogram’s timeless harmony between hills and street

A pivotal concept driving the complex is the establishment of a Sacred cultural landscape that caters to the need of mass level Prayer facility without compromising the priority of the Heritage Mosque and hill terrine.

The proposed expansion of Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque is driven by a vision that harmonizes heritage conservation with contemporary functionality, ensuring the seamless coexistence of the historic 17th-century mosque and its modern extension. Given the site’s hilly terrain and its gradual encroachment over time, the design seeks to reclaim and restore the lost landscape while introducing a light, contemporary structural approach that complements the existing mosque without overpowering it. The architectural language is rooted in simplicity and openness, allowing the new extension to serve as a respectful backdrop that enhances the visibility of the Mughal-era Mosque. The design prioritizes spatial fluidity, creating a layered experience where prayer halls, courtyards, and communal areas transition naturally, fostering a sense of spiritual and social connectivity. By minimizing the built footprint and integrating open spaces, the project not only meets the increasing demand for worship space but also activates the complex as a cultural and community hub beyond prayer hours. The interplay of light, materiality, and transparency emphasizes an ethereal quality, reinforcing the mosque’s role as both a sacred sanctuary and a vibrant urban landmark. 

Design Team

Architects        : Mohammad Naimul Ahsan Khan, Farzana Rahman, Aqib Mohammad Nibir, Mahia Mushtari Nowshin, Mahjabin Noor Kona, Ayesha Khatun, Faria Mosharrof Orone