The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has shortlisted four architecture studios for the 2027 AlMusalla Prize, which focuses on designing a musalla, a space for prayer and contemplation, for the upcoming Islamic Arts Biennale. The winning design will be unveiled in March 2027 and will initially be constructed at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah before being relocated to JAX District in Diriyah.
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation's AlMusalla Prize 2027 competition offers a compelling case study in designing adaptable architectural spaces, as participants are tasked with creating a musalla that functions across two distinct environments—Jeddah's open, expansive terminal and Diriyah's dense urban setting. This initiative challenges designers to harmonize architectural identity with differing spatial contexts and functional requirements, presenting a unique opportunity for exploration in material innovation and environmental performance within the framework of Islamic architecture. This insight could be particularly valuable for professionals looking to integrate adaptability and cross-contextual functionality into their design practices.