An Islamic Research Center architectural program usually combines education, research, worship,
administration, public outreach, and community spaces. The exact size depends on whether it is a
university-level institution, community research center, or international institute.
Main Functional Zones
1. Entrance & Public Zone
Main reception and lobby
Waiting lounge
Information/help desk
Exhibition/gallery area
Public café
Bookshop / Islamic bookstore
Visitor toilets
Security and checkpoint
2. Research & Academic Zone
Researchers’ offices
Faculty offices
Open research workspace
Meeting rooms
Seminar rooms
Lecture halls
Conference hall
Translation center
Archive/documentation rooms
Digital research labs
Islamic manuscripts preservation room
3. Library Zone
A central element of the project.
Spaces:
Main reading hall
Digital library
Quran and Hadith section
Islamic jurisprudence section
Rare manuscripts archive
Group study rooms
Individual study cubicles
Librarian offices
Book storage
Printing/copy room
4. Worship Zone
Main mosque/prayer hall
Women’s prayer area
Imam office
Wudu/ablution spaces
Shoe storage
Minaret (optional)
Courtyard/Sahn
5. Educational Zone
Classrooms
Training halls
Quran memorization rooms
Language learning rooms
Computer labs
Media training studio
6. Administration Zone
Director office
Administrative offices
HR office
Finance office
Board meeting room
Staff lounge
Records storage
7. Media & Publication Center
Podcast/video studio
Editing rooms
Printing/publication office
Media archive
Broadcasting room
8. Community & Cultural Zone
Multipurpose hall
Event hall
Islamic art gallery
Outdoor gathering courtyard
Community classrooms
Youth activity rooms
9. Residential Zone (Optional)
For international scholars or students:
Guest rooms
Scholar apartments
Dormitory rooms
Dining hall
Shared kitchen
Laundry
10. Service & Utility Zone
Mechanical/electrical rooms
Server room
Janitor rooms
Storage
Kitchen
Parking
Loading/service access
Suggested Space Schedule (Example)
Space
Approx Area
Reception & Lobby
150–300 m²
Library
500–2000 m²
Mosque/Prayer Hall
400–1500 m²
Conference Hall
300–800 m²
Classrooms
40–80 m² each
Research Offices
12–25 m² each
Multipurpose Hall
300–1000 m²
Archive Rooms
100–300 m²
Administration
150–400 m²
Architectural Design Features
Islamic Architectural Elements
Geometric patterns
Mashrabiya screens
Courtyard planning
Domes and arches
Calligraphy walls
Natural ventilation
Water features
Qibla orientation
Recommended Design Concept
A strong concept is:
“Knowledge, Worship, and Community integrated around a central courtyard.”
This works well for:
Tropical climates
Middle Eastern style
Ethiopian Islamic institutional projects
University campus planning
Possible Building Composition
Basement → parking & services
Ground floor → public functions
First floor → library & classrooms
Upper floors → research offices
Central mosque courtyard as focal point
If you want, I can also help with:
Bubble diagram
Detailed area program in Excel format
Concept design
Zoning diagram
Floor plan idea
Site master plan
3D massing concept
AutoCAD-style space layout
International Islamic research center case studies