Craftsmanship of Hassan II Mosque

1 Introduction

The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca's largest mosque, scholars and citizens of Morocco believe it is the third-longest mosque in the world, but are unsure if it is the fifth-largest. The world's tallest building is its minaret, which stands at 210 meters. It cost 800 million dollars to build. There is no dispute about its majesty! It is the only mosque of its sort, with a glass floor and folding ceiling that allows worshippers to gaze up to the skies and a view of the ocean. It is a demonstration of excellent craftsmanship, featuring marble, marble flooring, wood, and zellige. It is one of the few mosques available to non-Muslims and provides tours for modestly dressed guests outside of prayer hours. There is also a small museum where the craftwork is shown. The prayer hall is fairly spacious and very elaborately furnished. A 6000-person team of expert craftsmen was recruited and working on the mosque, delicately carving patterns and decorations in cedar wood from the Middle Atlas and pink granite from Agadir. The basement fountain was inspired by local marble, which was shaped into giant lotus blossoms. To view the inside, visitors must be appropriately dressed. Women who cover their knees or upper arms do not need to wear a headscarf. The 45-minute tours are available in several languages, including Spanish, English, German, and French. The phenomenon of urbanization that began under the protectorate accelerated quickly after the Moroccan independence, notably concerning the demography and rural infrastructure that reflected in urban areas. In twenty-two years (1960-1982), the number of urban centres escalated from two-hundredth forty-five to two hundred twenty (Vermeren, 2010) which is decent for the growth of infrastructure in Morocco. This phenomenon has touched the whole countries territory because of the fast development of ancient cities, many of these urban agglomerations that appeared in rural infrastructures will know an effective growth. The younger generation lacked competence after the independence meaning that the architectural representation of urbanism in Morocco lacked efficiency through the design representations as well as the infrastructure. In addition to that, the traditional cities inherited from the colonial period and vernacular added a third component that consisted of unhealthy neighbourhoods that were imperfectly designed portraying an anarchic architectural system that affected the younger generation of architects in the growth of a country that contained several cultural aspects from different periods (Vermeren, 2010). Moreover, the first Moroccan architects that were formed in foreign countries could not interact with the Moroccan urbanization that was exponentially growing. It was after several years that Moroccan architects understood how to represent identity to the infrastructures of the country with the help of private and public demands that helped expand the architectural heritage that was shown through Islamic architecture and a mix of cultures from France, Spain and Portugal. During the 19th century, Casablanca was relatively small but would become the economic hub of the French protectorate (Folkers and Van Buiten, 2019) and would become one of the most famous examples of the modernist colonial architecture of the 20th century. The master plan of Casablanca was made by Henri Prost in 1914 and became one of the first modernist schemes in Africa. Afterwards, Casablanca developed as a great port, according to the master plan that portrayed the port situated next to the old Medina and it remained untouched then was exponentially surrounded by modern city (Folkers and Van Buiten, 2019). The scheme of the master plan of Casablanca was laid out according to zoning traditions (Folkers and Van Buiten, 2019) and with industrial zones, government offices, business zones with the addition of residential areas for European and wealthy Moroccans. Michel Pinseau born in 1926 was a French architect known for the conception of several projects both for the royal family of Morocco and the infrastructure of the country. Pinseau graduated from ‘École nationale supérieur des beaux arts in Paris (1956) (About Michel Pinseau: French architect (1924 - 1999) Biography, Facts, Career, Wiki, Life, 2021). This architect was known for his work with King Hassan II and was assigned to be his architect.

Throughout the architectural events in the city of Casablanca, the government took the initiative in the urbanism area by creating the urban agency of Casablanca led by Michel Pinseau, where he was in charge of elaborating technical drawings for the city’s infrastructure (Rabat, Fes, Marrakech) (About Michel Pinseau: French architect (1924 - 1999) | Biography, Facts, Career, Wiki, Life, 2021). After the death of Mohammed V in 1961, the son and new King Hassan II decided to build a museum dedicated to the departed king; it was during the king’s birthday that he revealed to the people of Morocco that he wanted to create a landmark monument in the city of Casablanca (Roberson, 2014). It was commissioned to be one of the most ambitious structures ever built in Morocco. The project of this ambitious landmark was assigned to Michel Pinseau and the project of the King Hassan II mosque in 1986 and was conducted for seven years. King Hassan wanted to build the mosque on water because ‘Gods throne is on water’ (Roberson, 2014). This ambitious design project will increase the tourist attraction in the city of Casablanca, as well assembling worshipers around the world to discover the biggest mosque of North Africa. Finally, the formal inauguration was set to be ‘11th Rabi al Awal of the year 1414 in the Muslim calendar.

1.1 Background studies

Islamic architecture is represented with different design aspects that are the Sahn (courtyard), Mirhab (Niche), Quba (Dome) and a Minaret (tower) (Hoag, 2012). One of the most visible aspects of Islamic architecture more especially the building of a mosque. It is a tower that is adjacent or can be attached to a mosque from where the call of prayer is announced five times a day (Hoag, 2012). Minaret can take different circular or cubic forms. In Islam, the minaret represents a powerful reminder of Islam through visualization. The King Hassan II mosque expresses a strong representation of Islam through its Minaret because it is one of the tallest towers in the world, which is standing at a height of 210 meters (Vermeren, 2010). The structure of the minaret is complex because of its height, built-in square shape and constructed with local stones and bricks. Furthermore, technology and innovations are portrayed in the King Hassan II mosque with the installation of lasers that shine from the top of the tower towards ‘Mecca’ the holy Muslim land. In addition to that, technology and design during that period represented a great opportunity for the allocation of modern ideas combined with an Islamic heritage. Secondly, the laser beans were beneficial in the creation of this design because of their utility for the people showing the direction to pray. Local materials were used through the design and construction of the mosque, the minaret has a marble covering on the exterior with Islamic geometry, patterns and decorations (Vermeren, 2010). The use of materials in the building of this mosque was reflected as the height of the minaret could be a disadvantage as the site is on the water. The use of strong concrete was necessary to protect it from strong wind and natural catastrophes. The design of the Minaret shows a connection with Islamic architecture (Hoag, 2012) reflected in every detail of the structure, the shape of the tower is cubic and the geometrical patterns with the addition of marble express a cultural orientation between Islamic and modern architecture that at the same time benefit from a religious aspect and a tourist attraction that empowered the Moroccan economy. Local materials are used through the construction of the mosque are granite, marble, plaster, wood and other materials that came around the country, except an itlain white granite, this shows great independence for the project and cultural identity from Morocco, it may also be less expensive for the attribution of the materials. Islamic architecture is represented through the design of the mosque but also reflects on Moroccan elements, some of the design inspirations came from an old Roman fort converted into the tomb of King Mohammed V in came from the great mosque of Medina (705 - 710 AD), the dome of the rock (688 - 692 AD) and the great mosque of Cordoba (785 - 786 AD). However, some obstructions came to Rabat. Some of the design inspiration from the mosque design of the mosque. More importantly. the Qibla wall that is perpendicular to the naves may be considered to be an unconventional design, given that it is customary for the rows of worshipers facing Mecca to be as wide as possible rather than to be extended further back (Ramadier, 2019). Faced towards the Atlantic Ocean, the design interacted effectively with the site as it stands on looking out the Atlantic Ocean while the sea bed is visible through the glass floor of the buildings hall. Islamic architecture is well represented in the exterior of the mosque with the minaret new technology as well as the retractable roof allowing light to come in during the day while creating an ambitious and spiritual approach for the worshipers as they can pray under the night sky. Technology in this aspect is remarkable with the influence of Islamic architecture and how it may be inspired by other architects around the world such as the Arabica museum in Paris. Furthermore, the design of the mosque is shown with its grandiose structure with the addition of the traditional arches that are seen in several cities around Morocco. The arches that are located in the front of the mosque are aesthetically pleasing and allow light to go through some part of the front corridor. The use of ceramic mosaics in the facade of the main entrance is based on geometric shapes and Islamic typology which created a strong concept of Islamic design.

The interior design of the mosque expresses several points regarding Islamic architecture, for example, the generous space reserved for men and women and light interaction, the site refection from an interior design perspective (Macauley-Lewis and McIntosh, 2021). The mosque space is represented in various areas. First, the prayer hall is built to a rectangular plan of 200 meters by 1000 meters. The central hall contains many domes, which is a representation of Islamic architecture giving a spherical element that is both functional and beautiful. The circulation of light through the building is impressive because of its retractable roof system allowing daylight to come into the central hall, using this wide space, preventing isolation and air circulation. Besides that, the mosque contains a woman gallery that is carved with dark wood with red-carpeted flooring and generous space for the praying hall and mezzanine floors that are specially reserved for women. The construction of a mosque can be challenging, Michel Pinseau the designer of the King Hassan II mosque had to think about the allocation of space that should be reserved for me and women and he show this ideology through the use of materials the structure of the interior and the new technologies. The mosque also contains a bath and fountain, it has a vast public Hammam that is located in the mosque's basement with a private entrance reserved for clients, we can see that the mosque that is considered a monument uses Moroccan traditions to allow tourists, residents of Casablanca, to gain revenues for the infrastructure and growth of the city. The materials used for the making of the hammam are a local technique called Tadelakt, which is a plastering technique that adds egg yolks and black soap into mixed plaster. Vernacular architecture is used widely in regions of Morocco, making the material less expensive for locals and craft-able, allowing interacting positively with the environment. Other Features that are allocated in the Hassan II Mosque are a school, museum, conference hall, library and a garden. The interior of the mosque represents Islamic architecture because of the design of space and functions.

1.2 Research objectives

In this dissertation, we will explore and analyze the architecture and creation of the great Hassan II Mosque by Michel Pinseau with the contribution of King Hassan II and the people of Morocco. In the city of Casablanca, Hassan II Mosque is a 210 meters tall building considered the seventh largest mosque in the world. It represents “Moroccan culture and identity” (Choksey, 2020) because of the countries taking part in the mosque's creation and the architect's development that took seven years in construction, adopting a Moorish architectural style blending with the modernist city of Casablanca. We will consider the conception of the projects alongside technical drawings and structure. We will also explore the story behind this project and its outcome to integrating a developing country, the philosophy behind the mosque, and its impact on the architectural world (Choksey, 2020). Architecture should represent a space, a structure, but it should represent the people because without people there would be no architecture. To maintain a positive approach to space, the architect should develop is ideas regarding the people’s circulation, technology and light circulation, these outcomes should be referred to create a building that will stand and adopt a positive approach through time. This may be a logical point in creating a successful project; however, a negative design may not adapt these points and can be egotistic by an architect that does not consider the people in their journey of designing a space (Salma, 2018). This development may lead to a lack of representation of space regarding the users leading to an unsuccessful building. It is not the architect's obligation to follow a certain ideology to be successful because human nature is the exploitation and development of the new hypothesis that could affect the world of architecture and design. Michel Pinseau shows a great example in my reasoning by adopting a Moorish architectural in the conception of the King Hassan II Mosque, and yet by adopting a new conception of design with technology to implement these factors (Salma, 2018). Successively, this dissertation will prospect ideology of architecture regarding the people, with the addition of the process in which they succeeded in such a powerful project religiously and towards tourism. It eventually analyses the exterior design of the mosque and interior, its technology regarding light circulation, its grandiose spaces, the local materials used with the structure. Within the study of the mosque, we will consider its relation to architecture, the anatomy of the building in which it affects the people, its functionality and its impact on architecture. These factors should allow positive thinking of organised space, its effect on the society within the usage of this public space. To consider this as a ‘good’ architectural design, the people should allow themselves in regularly; its usage should be indefinite while its representation should reveal a positive feeling to the users. King Hassan II is a good reference, as it is frequently shown a positive response to the research.

2 Literature review

There is also a grand project of great importance in this overall plan. During Our official entry into Casablanca in 1961, a few weeks after the death of our venerated Father, we took an oath to erect a mosque on the site of the municipal swimming pool. The minaret of this mosque will dominate the avenue of the Royal Armed Forces. This mosque will be built on the shores of the Ocean. Its minaret will be higher than the lighthouse of El Hank. In the future, the boats will navigate thanks to the minaret of this mosque, where the name of God will be proclaimed five times a day. We will examine this file to make this mosque a model identical to that of the Hassan Tower in its size and dimensions. This mosque will be the place of prayer, the fulfilment of religious duties and education for future generations of Morocco” (El Guabli, 2018). This speech reflects on the opening of the Hassan II mosque, considering the rise of power of the new legitimate king in the Moroccan monarchy in 1961, his will, was to build a mosque that could interpret an ideology that would influence the world architecturally and socially. Hassan II gave the ideology of conceiving a mosque in Casablanca in 1980 during a speech for the city of Casablanca a year before riots and assaulted the city. This shows why the great Monarch developed his idea of locating the site at Casablanca and not the capital Rabat. When Morocco gained its independence, Casablanca, the largest city both in size and economy, declined with a radicalisation of Islam that became active. Thus, this is when the planning of the cities reconstruction was assigned to Michel Pinseau, who was involved in the demolition of several traditional neighbourhoods to elaborate a more advanced circulation in the city’s infrastructure allowing wider highways and better living conditions (Abas and Raji, 2018). Following the verses of the Koran (11: 7) “He is the One who created while His throne rested on the water, heaven and earth in six days” [1, p. 139]. The king launched the great mosque with a terrace standing out alongside the Atlantic Ocean. The mosque was constructed on the Atlantic Ocean (Hassan, Alias, and Mahamood, 2020). Because of the site selection, the project interpreted several technical difficulties and interfered with the realisation of the project. To finance and legitimise the project, Kings Hassan II resorted to a national subscription that led people to collaborate and finance the mosque by contributing with money. A quote from King Hassan II applying the strategy for his people “It was possible to have a budget, and a plan spread over years and years for the construction of this mosque. But I read, dear people, in the collections of Bukhari and Muslim, this hadith of the prophet - on his blessings and greetings “whoever has built a mosque where the name of God is invoked, the Highest will build for him a dwell in Paradise”. This shows the unification of a country into the conception of this monument but questioning my reasoning, did the people agree to donate? This shows a controversy in the mosque's making and the financial aspect of building such a grandiose project (M Ibrahim et al., 2021).

The conception of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca had a significant breadth because of its contribution to the development and reconstruction of Casablanca. In addition to that, it reflected on the economic growth of the city as well as its influence in its architectural style with the addition of a modern touch reflecting on a western and occidental orientation of space and choice of materials (Aldeen et al., 2020). Furthermore, this project allowed a worldwide perspective of Moroccan architecture orienting a worldwide influence that was based on faith and tolerance like other Moroccan cities like Fez with Al Karaouyine, The Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Koutoubia in Marrakech (Samari et al., 2018). Thus, the influence of other imperial cities as stated above led to the conception of the mosque allowing a cultural approach regarding the development of the project. Inspired by traditional Moroccan architecture, the great mosque is located and constructed over the Atlantic Ocean. Before its conception, there was the public municipal pool. Regarding the location, the mosque is above water, with a circulate infrastructure introducing roads and a tunnel for cars. The site is surrounded by residential buildings and small markets plus local businesses leading to the old Medina. Overall, the location of the site was well researched as it explored a quote in the holy Quran referring to ‘The Throne of God was on Calf. I wanted the faithful who come there to pray, to praise the Creator, while being on firm ground, to be able to contemplate FIG 5 the sky and the ocean of God ...”’. (Hassan II speech). Let’s see how Hassan II launched this idea in his speech addressed to the Nation, delivered on July 8, 1988, when already the structural work of the monument was almost completed: “It was possible to have a budget and a plan spread over years and years for the construction of this mosque. But I read, dear people, In the collections of Bukhari and Muslim, this hadith of the prophet - on his blessings and greetings -: “whoever has built a mosque where the name of God is invoked, the Highest will build for him a dwell in Paradise”.

The structure of the mosque is processed with different functions such as the typical mosques, the mosque consists of a minaret, Madrassa (school), National General library, a National museum, Hammams, underground car parks and an underground passage. A publication by the Urban Agency of Casablanca, Casablanca à l’Horizon 2000, published in July 1989 will lead us briefly to a presentation of characteristics of the complex (Ali and Hassan, 2018). “This imposing religious and cultural complex is laid out over an area of nine hectares and consists of the following elements”: Mosque: Length 200 m - Width 100 m - Height 60 m - Reception capacity: 20,000 faithful; Esplanade: able to receive 80,000 faithful; Minaret: Footprint: 625 m - Height: 200 m .; Medersa: comprises a Koranic school, a library specializing in Islamic sciences and various conference rooms; National General Library and museum Hammams: total area: 6000 m - Capacity for 1400 people .; Underground car parks: Total area: 38,000 m - Capacity for 1,100 vehicles; Hopper or underground passage: Length: 800 m, Width: 16.50 m. This hopper is arranged in two carriageways of two lanes The fundamentals of the building process in North Africa can be said to derive from Islam, and the guidelines related to it. The early development of building and urban design was parallel to the development of Islamic law. (Hakim, 1988). The mosques infrastructure interacts with modern neighbourhoods in Morroco differing from the old Medina, the planning of roads and neighbourhoods were influenced by modern European infrastructure with the inclusion of wide avenues, with a structured pattern with reinforced concrete and steel. (Bianca, 2000; Harrouni, 2002). We can see a structural interaction with the mosque and a traditional Morrocan house such as a courtyard, an entrance opposite to the myriad and a view to the courtyard. However, we may refer to a similarity with the conception of space giving hospitality to residents (Ali and Hassan, 2018). The mosques volumes are non-standard. We can assume that on the outside, the main volume of the project contains two parallelepipeds, as if it is put into each other with a bulky roof. The main entrance of the mosque is opposite the mihrab that is south (Haq, 2021). The location of the minaret in the mosque is well placed while it is located in the centre of the mosque and is turned diagonally towards it, this technique was never been used in Islamic architecture, while emphasising a pentagonal open courtyard, standing out as angle to the square that surrounds the mosque. Another semi-circular courtyard adjoins the side of the mosque, where the mezzanine is located. Realised at an estimated price of USD400 million to USD700 million, the main entrance is on Rue de the characteristics of this project interact with the environment around the site, the entry points are well spread and isolated. Some buildings around the complex are not connected to the mosque (Saleh and Sahad, 2020). However, the car park is located underneath the mosque. The mosque itself can host 20 000 worshippers with the esplanade that can receive 80,000 worshippers. The Minaret contains a height of 200 meters with technological advancement which a laser pointing to Meccah also used to guide boats like a lighthouse. Scattered around the site we can find a koranic school and a library that is specialised in Islamic science and different conference rooms. The national library is the museum, is a five-minute walk from the mosque allowing tourists and residents to research and learn about the history of Morroco. Tiznit. If we take into consideration the complexity of the mosque, we may understand the obscurity in the main path of the mosque. The library and museum are two similar L- shaped structures facing each other. While the two structures are identical they also make up the eastern and western boundaries with the esplanade. Each end wall of the short wings of the library is attached to a semi-circular (Allahham, 2019). The mosque consists of the main entrance to the complex located at rue de Tiznit. The Boulevard chosen for the conception of the mosque is leading to the centre of Ville and the old city, along with the port of Casablanca located onshore. The esplanade shows the main structure of the edge of the Atlantic Ocean (south elevation). The walkway enlarges into a void once the users arrive in the middle. Making the library and museum seem like small structures because of the pathway's overwhelming scale. From the Supreme Court that leads to the mosque, we can consider that there is a 360-degree view through the ocean. Furthermore, we will discuss the different parts of a mosque, exploring the details, sunlight, the minaret and the archways.

Pinseau’s approach in the design for the entrance to the complex has an expression through the space. The two structures run parallel to the library and museum. The library is the nearest that works in harmony with the space to form several courtyards screening the space between them. While the museum is parallel to the library, leaving the pathway isolated and centrally enclosed into space. The mosque is located onshore of the Atlantic Ocean. We may understand the fact that the pathway is leading to the library and, museum which are both parallel (Ahriz et al., 2020). The mosque has several entrances eight doors (Chen et al., 2021), two large prayer rooms with a retractable roof of 2400m2 (60 x 40m) (Kassim et al., 2019). In addition to that, the retractable roof is 1,100 tons (Feyzbakhsh and Rahimi-Riseh, 2021) and is 3,400 m2 (Schwarz, 2019) in area. It is covered with carved cedar wood; it can be opened within a few minutes. This fact reflects on the points of the kings wish that was to connect the structure onshore, resting on three elements symbolising life. The capacity of the mosque as stated above is 25,000 worshippers inside the prayer rooms, while 80,000 faithful can pray outside with the addition of 120,000 cars while the square is covered with travertine slabs. Since the opening of this monument, conservation and maintenance have been given by the Casablanca urban Agency (CUA). The CUA is working to ensure the proper management and maintenance of this multifunctional cultural monument (Jabareen, 2019). Islamic architecture is represented by unique design aspects that are the Sahn (courtyard), Mirhab (Niche), Quba (Dome) and a Minaret (tower)(Hoag, 2012). One of the most visible aspects of Islamic architecture more especially the building of a mosque. It is a tower that is adjacent or can be attached to a mosque from where the call of prayer is announced five times a day (Hoag, 2012). Minaret can take different circular or cubic forms. In Islam, the minaret represents a powerful reminder of Islam through visualisation. The King Hassan II mosque expresses a strong representation of Islam through its Minaret because it is one of the tallest towers in the world, which is standing at a height of 210 meters (Vermeren, 2010). The structure of the minaret is complex because of its height, built-in square shape and constructed with local stones and bricks. Furthermore, technology and innovations are portrayed in the King Hassan II mosque with the installation of lasers that shine from the top of the tower towards ‘Mecca’ the holy Muslim land. In addition to that, technology and design during that period represented a great opportunity for the allocation of modern ideas combined with an Islamic heritage. Secondly, the laser beans were beneficial in the creation of this design because of their utility for the people showing the direction to pray. Local materials were used through the design and construction of the mosque, the minaret has a marble covering on the exterior with Islamic geometry, patterns and decorations (Vermeren, 2010). The use of materials in the building of this mosque was reflected as the height of the minaret could be a disadvantage as the site is located on water (Jabareen, 2019). The use of strong concrete was necessary to protect it from strong wind and natural catastrophes. The design of the Minaret demonstrates a connection with Islamic architecture (Hoag, 2012) reflected in every detail of the structure, the shape of the tower is cubic and the geometrical patterns with the addition of marble express a cultural orientation between Islamic and modern architecture that at the same time benefit from a religious aspect and a tourist attraction that empowered the Moroccan economy. Local materials are used through the construction of the mosque are granite, marble, plaster, wood and other materials that came around the country, except it, lain white granite, this demonstrates great independence for the project as well as a cultural identity from Morocco, it may also be less expensive for the attribution of the materials. Moreover, Islamic architecture is represented through the design of the mosque but also reflects on Moroccan elements, some of the design inspirations came from an old Roman fort converted into the tomb of King Mohamed V in Rabat (Jabareen, 2019).

3 Research methodology

This chapter introduces the strategy/methodology that was used in gathering the information needed for this dissertation. When trying to give a research a concise meaning and hence a proper analysis, primary and secondary research are both advisable as they will be able to guide the reader through the work.

3.1 Research approach

Therefore, in this research, both primary research and secondary research are adopted. The primary research takes the form of visiting the building to come up with factors such as sketches, drawings surveys, and photographs that would be very useful for this study. Additionally, the secondary research is to depend on various sources that should include internet sources, books, articles, Google Scholar, and other relevant findings of the building.

3.2 Data collection

The primary data collection for this research was to use both the primary and the secondary research techniques. Hence, it did not need the involvement of participants as this was individual work and also to rely on secondary sources, such as books and articles.

3.3 Primary research

During the primary research, the researcher visited the Hassan II mosque to come up with the basic sketches and drawings of the plans and the ultimate design of the most iconic mosque in entire Africa. During this time the research pictured the outcome of the mosques and, came up with the following figure that depicts the result of the Hassan II mosque in morocco. This building shows the exact image of the mosque.

Second, the research came to try to depict the exact plan that was used to erect this massive building and the image is as shown in the figure above. The research came up with this drawing to aid this dissertation in achieving its required success. Additionally, the following are the pictures that were gathered during the primary reach of the building.

This is the general picture of the central view of the building, however it is important to note that during the primary research, the paper did not focus on coming up with the sketches of outside buildings as they were not important for the dissertation.

The image above shows an example of some of the 69 partners used to make the mosque look more attractive both to the local and international tourists. Additionally, the research managed to come up with a 3D model and the normal view of the entire building upon its completion as shown in the figure below;

3.4 Secondary research

Secondary research by various scholars helps to show the effectiveness of this mosque and its wonderful architectural expression of Moroccans' zeal to worship the prophet and establish their commitment to Islam as an official religion of the Muslim world (Jabareen, 2019). An eight-hectare big mosque was constructed in 1993 via an eight ha complex. 35,000 professionals working 50 million hours have created fine art, taking a lead from it. There are cranes installed to carry the building materials around, which houses a minaret and a madrassa. Approximately 100,000 worshipers can congregate at this holy site. 80,000 devotees can be accommodated in its esplanade. Across Casablanca, the echo of that prayer call of the muezzin is heard. The laser beam at the sea is a 30 km visibility to the minaret. They built an 800-revolution long pier to cover the pillars since the waves of the Atlantic Ocean (Hassan, 2021 neglect the roots). The mosque is inspired by many mosques. The prayer hall is an exact duplicate of Mered's renowned Madrassa, and the topmost spire is adapted to the huge Koutoub Judicial, a replica of which can be found immediately outside the mosque. The university is modelled after the green roof of Qara Wattiyyine. The Hassan II Mosque was constructed using stucco and mosaic. The interiors are embellished with foiled arches and floral designs of painted and etched wood (Chemrouk and Robert, 2018).

3.5 Minaret

A floating copper sign constructed of jamour, a sky watt, and a restaurant with a minaret may be found over 200 meters up the tower. When constructing the minaret on a high altitude location, modern building techniques were used. The reinforced concrete can withstand the effects of earthquakes and wind (Sheline, 2019).

3.6 Prayer Hall

The prayer hall can accommodate around 25,000 people. It features a squared layout with wide and lofty sides that is almost entirely enclosed by its 78 pillars. Some naves aren't on the wall. The greater nave resembles the others more closely. The hall is embellished with domes and different glass hues brought from Italy to commemorate the Sabbath (Allahham, 2019).

3.7 Roof

The tiles on the 3,400 square meter roof are finished with a green hue, which brightens the colour of the tiles. Green represents kindness in Islam and PALENTHICAL in other religions. When the module begins to move, it will gradually transform the centre of the room into a shaded courtyard on the bright and clean grounds of a lovely Zoroastrian high school (Chemchame et al., 2018).

3.8 Madrassa

The structure has a total area of 4,840 square meters and is located in a neighbourhood with several schools. Tuition ranges from $6 to $41 per person. Stairs are leading up to the restored isle (Sheline, 2019). The wall is supported by a Chinese latticework design. There are lecture rooms in the madrassa, as well as a library, a museum, and a multi-purpose space that may be utilized for conferences and seminars. These rooms are unique to them and are outfitted with specialist audiovisual equipment. The Hassan II Mosque was inaugurated by His Majesty King Hasan II and other African leaders on the 11th Rabi II, 1414 in the Islamic calendar. The Prophet Mohammad was born on that day. On that day, all Muslims are in a celebratory mood and frequent holy places to honour the Almighty God (Choksey, 2020). The mosque is situated in a prominent location. The edifice is positioned in the Islamic World's westernmost point, facing the sinking sun, fog, and open sea, and depicts a faith that was born in the Orient. After realizing that the Atlantic Ocean was a natural barrier to the continuation of his preaching campaign 14 centuries ago, Oqba Ibn Nafi, the propagator of the Islamic religion, offered a historical lecture to his companions at that massive memorial. The Moroccan Islamic art tradition exhibited in this mosque reflects various architectural styles in vogue at various points of Morocco’s history (Chemchame et al., 2018). The style is a synthesis of Berber, Mediterranean, Eastern, African and Andalusian contributions. The combination, however, does not mean that the level of influence that these different styles had on the work was extreme and unrestrained; the Moroccan architects, artists and craftsmen were always guided by Islamic spirituality that bans images and icons of human figures (Sheline, 2019).

4 Research findings

The interior design of the mosque expresses several points regarding Islamic architecture, for example, the generous space reserved for men and women as well as light interaction, the site refection from an interior design perspective (Macauley-Lewis and McIntosh, 2021). The mosque space is represented through various areas. First of all, the prayer hall is built to a rectangular plan of 200 meters by 1000 meters. The central hall contains numerous domes, which is a representation of Islamic architecture giving a spherical element that is both functional and beautiful (Sheline, 2019). The circulation of light through the building is impressive due to its retractable roof system allowing daylight to come in the central hall, making great use of this wide space, preventing isolation and air circulation. In addition to that, the mosque contains a women gallery that is carved with dark wood with red-carpeted flooring and generous space for the praying hall as well as Mezzanine floors that are specially reserved for women. The construction of a mosque can be challenging, Michel Pinseau the designer of the King Hassan II mosque had to think about the allocation of space that should be reserved for me and women and he demonstrate this ideology through the use of materials the structure of the interior as well as the new technologies. The mosque also contains a bath and fountain, it has a vast public Hammam that is located in the basement of the mosque with a private entrance reserved for clients, we can see that the mosque that is considered a monument uses Moroccan traditions to allow tourists and residents of Casablanca to gain revenues for the infrastructure and growth of the city. The materials used for the making of the hammam are a local technique called Tadelakt which is a plastering technique that adds egg yolks and black soap into mixed plaster. Vernacular architecture is used widely in regions of Morocco making the material less expensive for locals and craft-able allowing interacting positively with the environment. Other Features that are allocated in the Hassan II Mosque are a school, museum, conference hall, library and a garden. The interior of the mosque is representative of Islamic architecture because of the design of space and finitions (Bogaert, 2018). Throughout the conception of the mosque the research can take into consideration the obstructions and disorders in the structure of the mosque for example, “the repeated attack of the Atlantic, in combination with the aggressiveness of the ambient environment, saline and humid have ten years after the building ten years after the building was put into service, degraded the concrete of the infrastructures and works protecting against the swell (“combs”).’(Cadoret and Courtel, 2018). Furthermore, the consequences that lead to the loss of function of the structure could lead to a collision, an active response to this is a change of materials regarding the concrete slabs and the tenacity of the concrete. The materials should be more resistant because of the very aggressive marine environment of the Atlantic Ocean (Calderwood, 2018). Complete stripping of the concrete structures affected by corrosion (columns, beams and underside of slabs) was carried out by a combination of mechanical perforation and hydro-demolition, to release the poorly adhering coating concrete layer and strip the corrosion products from the reinforcements to expose them completely (Belkhayat et al., 2014). “Filling in the vacant spaces under the Mosque (prayer room and access ramp), invaded by ocean tides, was undertaken according to a predefined grid, using so-called mass-poured containment concrete (Ipek, 2020).

A concreting schedule, also distributed between plots corresponding to the rows of columns, has been set to limit the effects of mass concreting liable to generate excessive heats of hydration (concerning the risk of deferred ettringite (DEF) in particular). This concrete, produced by the site’s concrete batching plant, was routed and pumped from a continuous supply, day and night. Class B25, its formulation has undergone a strict validation of its constituents and its performance. At the same time, injections of grout or mortar were undertaken in the basal part, in contact with the riprap in place, to ensure perfect contact with the ground and thus avoid any subsequent scouring (Calderwood, 2018). Lastly, a cement grout keying between the top of the containment concrete and the underside of the slab of the overlying prayer hall (= operating level of the building) was undertaken, to leave no residual void in this area, capable of sustaining a corrosion process of the slab by water or air circulation. To this end, an ingenious device of overflow gutters has been installed, fixed on the underside of the slab of the prayer room. Monitoring instrumentation was put in place during these phases from the floor of the prayer room, to prevent any risk of possible lifting.”( Aqil et al., 2020) The materials used for the conception of the mosque are local and several artisans worked on the facade of the mosque as well as the interior. The mosque has a main entrance through the prayer hall, while an entrance through the parking area that leads to the Mirhad. In addition to that, the mirhad uses local materials as well with different compartments such as the mist room, traditional massage room and a sauna. The complex is multifunctional and is developed such as different activities are allowed requiring a positive use of circulation (Sheline, 2019).

5 Conclusions

As I was walking along the huge court leading to the main entrance having a 360-degree view of the ocean. We can consider a Moorish architectural style that expresses the beauty of the local materials. The materials used in the courtyard are granite, plaster, marble and wood. Multiple arches around are located in the mosque in an artisanal technique. Moving along to the prayer hall, the research has seen the immensity and capacity of the mosque throughout the tour, also the research recognised different light entries as well as a positive impact on the prayer bringing serenity. As we went through, we considered a good use of materiality focusing on wood and artisanal stones that formed mosaics. The complex reflects on the development of Morocco and its people, as we walked through the city's mosque we recognised the museum and library standing parallel to each other with a beautiful walkway leading to the mosque. The materials used for both the museum and library are similar, it may be travertine from Tafraoute, a city in Morocco.

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