The Effect of Minimalism on User Experience and Spirituality in Mosques: A Case of Bahrain

Abstract

Mosque architecture has continuously evolved over time; contemporary mosque designs incorporate modern trends including minimalism. This research explores the effect of minimalist architectural design on user’s spiritual experience in contemporary mosques in Bahrain. The aim of this research is to study the impact of minimalism on worshippers' emotional, cognitive and spiritual engagement. The study adopts a Mixed-Methods approach supported by a theoretical framework drawing on architectural phenomenology, spirituality, minimalism in architecture, Islamic concept of humility and cognitive load theory. The theoretical framework highlights that simplified spaces reduce mental effort, enhance focus, and facilitate contemplation. The methodology includes a phenomenological analysis of three selected mosques in Bahrain, along with user survey assessing concentration and spiritual experience of worshippers. The results indicate that minimalist mosque architecture promote spirituality by lowering cognitive load, reducing sensory distractions and fostering humility, indicating it as an effective approach to contemporary mosque design in Bahrain.