Al-Iqtishad Mushola / CREM Paragon x KIND

Architects:CREM Paragon x KIND

Area:434m²

Year:2025

Photographs:Nilai Asia,Sofian Johan,Adjie Negara

Lead Architect:Adjie Negara

Construction:Arief Firmansyah

Structural Engineering:Rully Pramono Putro

Mechanical Engineering:Aji Suharman

Category:Worship,University

Architects:Sofian Johan Sebastian, Shirly Siswardhana, Bonifasius Bhaskara Bryantama

Collaborator:CREM Paragon

City:Kecamatan Beji

Country:Indonesia

Site and Context – Located on the southeastern edge of the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Economics and Business, Al‑Iqtishad redefines the role of a campus Mushola, shifting from a discreet endpoint to a civic and spiritual threshold within the FEB UI Masterplan. The site descends naturally toward Mahoni Lake, a landscape of deep ecological and symbolic importance. The design minimizes impact on existing contours and vegetation, allowing the building to merge with the terrain. Anchored from the academic axis yet open toward the lake.

Design Concept – Descriptions of Heaven (Jannah) in the Qur'an frequently feature rivers flowing beneath gardens, a recurring image of paradise symbolizing lushness, peace, and eternal abundance. This vision forms the conceptual foundation of Al‑Iqtishad, where Mahoni Lake becomes a living metaphor for that divine landscape. The architecture celebrates serenity and reflection through space, light, and topography.

The Mushola's capacity expands from 145 to 545 jama'ah across two levels following the site's slope. Male and Female prayer areas are vertically organized yet seamlessly connected through ramps. The roof's gentle inclination abstracts the act of sujūd (prostration), shaping both form and daylight, an expression of humility, submission, and harmony with nature.

Material and Climate Strategy – Brick, a defining material in the UI campus identity, is reinterpreted here as a breathable façade. The permeable brick screen filters daylight and facilitates cross ventilation, forming a climate-responsive shell suited to Indonesia's tropical conditions. Lightweight construction and passive environmental control minimize energy use while preserving tactile connection with the surroundings.

Structurally, Al‑Iqtishad adopts a simple, circular geometry inspired by the Ka'bah and Hijr Ismail. While maintaining precise qiblah orientation, the softened form symbolizes inclusivity and continuity. Bridging spiritual symbolism with human scale and landscape rhythm.

Community and Sustainability – An open, lake-facing plaza extends from the Mushola, envisioned as a "melting pot" for all members of the university. It activates the southeastern campus edge, transforming Mahoni Lake into a future waterfront space that connects faith, community, and ecology.

The project is fully funded by Paragon Corp, Indonesia's largest beauty company. The CREM Workshop, Paragon's internal innovation unit, designed the Mushola's loose furniture using upcycled plastic from Paragon's beauty product containers. This integration of circular design practices converts industrial waste into enduring architectural value.

With its restrained form, environmental empathy, and corporate‑academic collaboration, Al‑Iqtishad transforms a modest campus Mushola into a symbol of renewal. Where devotion, sustainability, and design converge beside the living waters of Mahoni Lake.

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