What is it about?
The findings indicate that changes in mihrab geometry produce only relatively small differences in overall acoustic performance. For example, STI differences between the original and alternative mihrab geometries remained below 0.10, while SPL differences were generally small, except for one case, which recorded a difference of approximately 3 dB(A). The study therefore suggests that prayer hall volume, ceiling configuration, roof geometry and interior surface materials play more substantial roles in determining mosque acoustic performance than mihrab geometry alone. This provides useful evidence for architects and conservation practitioners seeking to improve mosque acoustics without unnecessarily altering traditional mihrab designs.
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Why is it important?
The research covers six mosques with different architectural characteristics, including pyramidal-roof and dome-roof typologies, spanning traditional vernacular and Neo-Colonial architecture. The study is particularly valuable because it considers differences in prayer hall volume, architectural style and historical development. The study translates observed mihrab characteristics into three simplified prototypes: - Box: recessed geometry with a flat ceiling condition. - Trapezoid: recessed geometry with an inclined ceiling condition. - Rounded: semi-circular concave geometry. These configurations were introduced into the six mosque models under controlled simulation conditions. This is a meaningful methodological contribution because it allows a more systematic comparison of mihrab geometry. The study offers a useful bridge between architectural heritage, building performance and contemporary design technology.
Perspectives
My interest in mosque acoustics goes beyond measuring sound levels or improving speech intelligibility. I am particularly interested in understanding how architectural forms, spatial configurations and traditional design elements influence the way people experience sound within religious buildings. In this research, we investigated a long-standing architectural assumption concerning the acoustic function of the mihrab. Through computer-based simulations of six Malaysian mosques, we examined whether different mihrab geometries could significantly improve acoustic performance. An interesting finding was that the influence of mihrab geometry was relatively limited compared with the broader architectural characteristics of the prayer hall, including its volume, roof configuration and interior materials. For me, this research reinforces an important principle: architectural heritage and environmental performance should not be treated as competing priorities. Instead, acoustic knowledge and digital simulation can help architects make more informed decisions while respecting the cultural and historical identity of religious buildings. I believe that the future of architectural acoustics lies in integrating scientific evidence, architectural understanding and cultural sensitivity to create meaningful and high-performing built environments.
Associate Professor Nazli Bin Che Din
University of Malaya
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: INFLUENCE OF MIHRAB GEOMETRY ON ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIAN MOSQUES USING COMPUTER SIMULATION, PLANNING MALAYSIA, October 2026, Malaysian Institute of Planners,
DOI: 10.21837/pm.v24i44.2310.
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