YODEZEEN Studio Reimagines Worship Spaces in the Middle East
In Saudi Arabia, where architecture is evolving within a broader dialogue between tradition and contemporary living, new expressions of spiritual space are beginning to emerge. YODEZEEN’s contemporary mosque, designed for a 12,000 m² private royal estate in Riyadh, reflects this shift through a more introspective and refined approach. Rooted in the principles of Islamic architecture, the project reinterprets tradition through a lens of restraint and clarity, translating centuries-old spatial logic into a contemporary architectural language. The result is not a reinterpretation of style, but a recalibration of experience — where space, light, and proportion shape a quieter, more personal connection to faith.
The design process was grounded in in-depth research into Islamic architectural typologies, ensuring full alignment with spiritual and functional requirements. Orientation, circulation, and ritual use were carefully studied and resolved, forming the invisible framework of the project. Within this structure, YODEZEEN introduces a sculptural, minimal language defined by clean geometry and a controlled material palette.
“We were interested in reducing the architecture to its essence — creating a space where nothing distracts from the act of prayer, and where material, light, and proportion work together to shape a sense of calm.”
Artem Zverev, YODEZEEN’s co-founder and lead architect
Italian travertine and finely detailed fluted plaster articulate the architecture with a sense of quiet permanence, while custom wall elements add a layer of subtle expression. Underfoot, natural wool carpets reinforce both tactile comfort and authenticity. Light is treated as a primary material, shaping the interior atmosphere throughout the day and enhancing the sense of calm and focus.
To preserve the spatial clarity of the mosque, the ablution area (wudu) was designed as a separate volume located across the street, connected through a dedicated passage. This approach allows the main prayer space to remain uninterrupted and contemplative, while maintaining full functional accessibility. Inclusivity was considered from the outset, ensuring ease of use for people with limited mobility — an essential yet often underrepresented aspect of religious architecture.
“When designing this mosque, we didn’t start with the walls or the roof — we started with how the space feels in a single moment of prayer.”
Artem Voskoboinyk, YODEZEEN’s team lead and lead architect of the project
Sustainability was approached through both material and spatial strategies. Travertine was selected for its durability and thermal performance, supporting long-term resilience in the region’s climate. The use of natural wool minimizes synthetic content, while the separate ablution facility incorporates water-saving systems — an essential consideration in an arid environment. Construction processes were optimized to reduce waste and ensure longevity in both form and function.
YODEZEEN’s Modern Mosque has been named a finalist in the BOY Awards by Interior Design Magazine, one of the leading international design competitions. The project was recognized for its contemporary interpretation of Islamic architecture, combining spatial clarity with cultural sensitivity in the Saudi context.
Through this project, YODEZEEN continues to explore how architecture can give form to intangible values — translating spirituality into space with clarity, precision, and respect. The mosque stands as a reflection of a new architectural direction in the Middle East, where tradition is not replicated, but thoughtfully reinterpreted to align with contemporary life.
