The Abrahamic Family House | Adjaye Associates

Architect David Adjaye designed the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. This remarkable structure is a collection of three religious spaces, including a mosque, a synagogue, and a church, all resting upon a secular visitor pavilion. The purpose of the house is to foster inter-religious dialogue and exchange, promoting peaceful co-existence and acceptance among diverse beliefs, nationalities, and cultures. Visitors can partake in religious services, listen to holy scripture, and experience sacred rituals within each of the houses of worship. In addition, a fourth space, not tied to any specific religion, serves as a center for all people of goodwill to come together as one. The community also offers educational and event-based programming. 

The architectural design draws inspiration from the commonalities between the three faiths, emphasizing similarities over differences. The three cubic structures, while not aligned, represent powerful, unified forms, each adorned with colonnades, screens, and vaults to signify their sacred nature. The public space in between, symbolized by a garden, serves as a metaphor for unity, connecting the three faiths and promoting community, connection, and civility. The podium seamlessly links these spaces, encouraging inclusivity and the celebration of collective history and identity.

The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, has recently been honored as the Category Winner in Photography | Architecture Exteriors at the LOOP Design Awards 2023. 

DEED STUDIO received the People's Choice award for their outstanding photographs at the awards program. 

Photography: Deed Studio.UAE