Hikma Community Complex: The House of Wisdom Reborn Location: Dandaji, Niger

Reviving the ancient Islamic tradition of uniting faith and knowledge, the Hikma project transforms a derelict mosque into a library while raising a new place of worship alongside it. Designed by Mariam Kamara (Atelier Masōmī) and Yasaman Esmaili (Studio Chahar), this complex is a harmonious dialogue between the secular and the religious, built entirely with earth to cultivate both the mind and the spirit.

In the 9th century, the "Bayt al-Hikma" (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad was a beacon where theology and science flourished side by side. In modern Dandaji, this enlightened concept has been resurrected. Atelier Masōmī and Studio Chahar have rejected the notion that religious tradition and secular education must be separated. Instead, they have created a civic anchor where the call to prayer and the silence of study share the same courtyard.

This project is a masterclass in adaptive reuse. Rather than letting a crumbling historic structure fade into dust, the architects initiated a metamorphosis, turning a ruin into a vessel for the village's future—a library.

The Vision: Coexistence

The project was driven by a desire to save the village’s old mosque, which was falling into disrepair, while providing a necessary new worship space for 1,000 people. The Dual Hub: The site is now a comprehensive culture and education hub. The old mosque is a library and learning center; the new building is a mosque. This physical proximity fosters a peaceful co-existence, supported by local leaders, women, and youth, strengthening the community fabric by inviting all demographics into the center of public life.

Tectonics: The Alchemy of Earth

The construction process was a knowledge exchange, blending heritage with modern engineering. Restoring the Old: To renovate the library, the original masons were invited back. This wasn't just labor; it was a seminar. They learned new adobe-enhancing additives and erosion protection techniques to ensure their traditional work would last for generations. Constructing the New: The new mosque reinterprets traditional Hausa organization but applies contemporary structural logic.

Material Innovation: Instead of using wood (which is scarce and contributes to desertification), the interior renovation of the library uses metal for partitions, stairs, and the mezzanine. This introduces a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with the soft, organic curves of the earth walls.

The Living Building: Thermal Mastery

In the Sahelian climate, a building must protect its occupants from intense heat. Compressed Earth Bricks (CEB): The main construction material is CEB, made from soil found near the site. These bricks offer superior thermal mass compared to cement, keeping the interiors cool during the day and releasing heat slowly at night. Sustainable Economics: By using on-site earth and local labor, the project significantly lowered construction costs and energy consumption. It proves that the most sustainable high-performance material is often the ground beneath our feet.

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