VIRTUAL ISTANBUL HERITAGE(S)

Abstract

This research examines how light can operate as a shared sacred language in the Abrahamic Family House, a unique interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi that houses a mosque, a church, and a synagogue within a single urban ensemble. Considering the immaterial character of light, which permeates all three religious traditions, light is treated as one of the most important building materials in this project. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative, project based case study approach from a combined designer–researcher perspective, focusing on the lighting design strategy through which electric light choreographs the worshipper’s journey from approach and shared forum into each sacred volume and towards ritual focal points, where light guides and supports social and religious interactions. The central question is how to maintain a coherent lighting language and a unified, harmonious atmosphere while still expressing distinct religious identities across mosque, church, and synagogue within a single complex. First, the buildings, religious requirements, and daylight settings are analyzed. This is followed by a critical review of the artificial lighting concept and its layering, including technical and aesthetic design decisions such as luminaire typologies, light distributions, mounting logics, and control strategies. The findings offer transferable insights for architects and lighting designers working on multi faith and culturally plural sacred environments with highly diverse user groups