Prize(s) Winners in Energy Saving Lighting Systems / Religious & Spiritual Site Lighting Design
Lighting Design/Product Company UMAYA Lighting Design
Lead Designers Alex Shaw
Other Designer's names Josefina Ortíz de Rozas
Architecture Company X Arquitects
Interior Design Company X Arquitects
Client Masdar City
Photo Credits X Arquitects
Completion Date January 18, 2024
Project Location Abu Dhabi
Entry DescriptionIn the heart of Masdar City, Estidama Mosque stands as a testament to faith, tradition, and sustainability. More than a place of worship, it is a spiritual journey shaped by light.
Inspired by the divine symbolism of illumination, the mosque’s design transforms traditional patterns into a play of light and shadow. The façade lighting is subtle, using uplights to highlight geometric purity, while interior lighting filters through mashrabiya screens, casting intricate patterns onto the landscape.
The prayer hall integrates natural and artificial light to enhance spirituality. Five sculptural skylights, symbolizing the five daily prayers, channel daylight into the space, creating a celestial glow. Mashrabiya screens soften exterior light, reinforcing the meditative ambiance. Artificial lighting ensures harmony—recessed lights define the ceiling’s geometry, uplights highlight Quranic calligraphy, and indirect cove lighting enhances the depth of the skylights. Warm dimmable LEDs and motion sensors optimize energy use.
The Paradise Garden connects the earthly and the sacred, guiding worshippers through terraced courtyards, water elements, and soft lighting. Every element deepens the spiritual experience, making Estidama Mosque a luminous sanctuary where light embodies faith.
Sustainability Approach
The mosque’s lighting is a carefully calibrated system designed for both atmosphere and efficiency. Daylight harvesting, astronomical clocks, and motion sensors adjust brightness in response to natural light, cutting unnecessary energy use. With LEED Platinum and Estidama PBRS Pearl 3 certifications, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable religious spaces. Using 50% less energy than a typical mosque, it proves that a place of worship can be environmentally conscious.
Advanced LED technology and high-efficiency luminaires minimize power consumption while preserving ambiance. Low-glare façade lighting prevents light pollution, while solar panels and greywater recycling support sustainability. Passive cooling, natural ventilation, and smart lighting reinforce Estidama Mosque’s role as a model for eco-conscious worship spaces.
