Umbrellas of the Prophet's Mosque: Architectural engineering serving the guests of God
The courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina stand as a testament to the unique harmony between profound spirituality and stunning engineering. The mosque's umbrellas are among the most prominent modern architectural features serving pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques. This monumental project is not merely a means of providing shade; it is a comprehensive technological system designed to offer the utmost comfort and safety for worshippers and visitors, especially given the region's hot climate.
Engineering miracle in numbers
The massive project includes 250 retractable umbrellas, designed to cover the expansive courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque. Each umbrella boasts precise geometric dimensions, with a square base measuring 25.5 meters on each side and rising approximately 15 meters above the ground. Each umbrella weighs around 40 tons. These umbrellas operate on a precise automated system that allows them to open and close in perfect harmony. They open at dawn to provide shade for worshippers from the direct sun and close at sunset to allow natural air circulation, creating a scene reminiscent of blossoming flowers.
Advanced technologies and superior quality materials
The materials used in manufacturing these umbrellas were not chosen arbitrarily, but rather according to the highest international quality standards. The umbrella fabric is made of PTFE, a Teflon-coated fiberglass material, which is highly fire-resistant and possesses superior UV resistance, ensuring a long lifespan and consistent performance. The umbrellas are also adorned with exquisite Islamic geometric patterns and embellished with gold-plated copper elements, lending them an aesthetic appeal that complements the sanctity of the location.
Smart cooling and lighting system
To enhance thermal comfort, the canopy columns are equipped with 436 advanced misting fans that cool the air and significantly reduce temperatures in the outdoor areas, thus alleviating the heat for worshippers during prayers. In addition to cooling, the project features over 1,000 carefully installed lighting units, contributing to a serene and spiritual atmosphere at night and providing ample illumination to ensure the safety and ease of crowd movement.
Capacity and overall impact
The significance of this project lies in its immense capacity; a single canopy can shade more than 900 worshippers, thus providing a combined shaded area for over 228,000 worshippers simultaneously. This achievement reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to developing the Two Holy Mosques and harnessing all available technological and human resources to serve the pilgrims, making their visitation and worship experience more comfortable and tranquil, and solidifying Madinah's position as a modern Islamic destination that blends tradition and contemporary design.
