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Mega Project Makkah USD1.

6 billion thats the amount of compensation to be paid for the buildings demolished in this latest round of Masjidil Haram expansion. The astonishing figure come from the fact that Mecca commands the highest real estate price in the world of USD140,000 per square meter. Even the 8 year old Hilton Mecca Hotel will not be spared. This colossal project which is termed as the Third Saudi Expansion of Masjidil Haram will significantly alter the face of Masjidil Haram and Mecca itself. Sixteen international architect firm submitted their proposal, among them Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid. To guide the overall vision of the project, the International Panel for the Visioning of Haram Makkah is set up under the auspices of His Majesty King Abdullah al-Saud. Malaysia is proudly represented by Prof. Ismawi Hj. Zen of International Islamic University Malaysia. Amidst his busy schedule, he still managed to have a session to share his insight on the project in a special talk on 29 January 2009. I received the call to be in the panel when I was bargaining for cheap t-shirt in Seoul, Korea, Prof. Ismawi recalled with a grin. Prior to this project, he developed master plan for Rompin and the IIUM campus. He also has been invited to lecture at King Abdul Aziz University. Of the 16 architecture firms, they are divided to visionary group and application group. The visionary group can propose futuristic ideas without much restriction while application groups must look for pragmatic ways to redesign Masjidil Haram and its surrounding area. The past two expansions had been carried out by Bin Laden group under the decree of previous kings. This is the first time ever that the King of Saudi Arabia asserted that he wanted to consult the people for the expansion of Masjidil Haram. He cites that as the Custodian of the Two Holy Places, it is his obligation to cater for the pilgrims. There are several key issues affecting this project chiefly the staggering number of the pilgrims itself. The current figure stands at 2.5 to 3 million people per hajj season and this is expected to balloon to 8 million in five years. With all the people coming in, the supporting services will be severely strained such as accommodation, transportation and hygiene. Evacuation plan and procedure also must be formulated should there be any fire or security breach. Some of the proposed plan called for the establishment of satellite towns to house the pilgrim with rail transit service ferrying them to central Makkah. Furthermore, the plan also calls for rail services to link up Mina as well. However, it is rather questionable whether the rail link can cope during the peak days of hajj. Even the construction materials come under scrutiny in achieving functional and aesthetic purpose. A Japanese firm proposed the usage of compressed cardboards that will be in the

form of modified timber. It will absorb the heat during the day and release it during the night. This will surely be a relief from the current unforgiving marble flooring. Using recycled materials will also boost the green credential of the project. As it is now, the environmental impact of hajj is still not properly managed with archaic procedures in taking care of garbage. Another proposal put forth envision powered chutes to suck out the refuse out of Makkah to be sorted and recycled. Water supply is also another area of concern despite the constant supply from zamzam well. Uncontrolled development around Makkah area could threaten the underground aquifers that feed it. The consumption rate also needs to be curtailed, with a target of reducing the ablution usage per person from 1.5 liter to 0.5 liter. Large seasonal swings also made it impractical to simply add volume to Masjidil Haram capacity. Apart from difficulty in maintenance, the excess will be in contradiction with the Islamic value of moderation. An out of the box idea envision Masjidil Haram as a collapsible structure that can be expanded and contracted at will. Prof. Ismawi reiterates the importance of sustainability, Islamic architecture is not simply about aesthetical features and calligraphy. We need to go back to the concept of khilafah which men are the custodian of earth. Thus, Islamic architecture needs to be sustainable and be sensible to the needs of its occupants. Looking Back If history can serve as a guide, then the construction of the riwaq around the courtyard by Sinan can be a guiding spirit. Backed by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent and the mighty Ottoman Empire, he could erect a grand and luxurious Masjidil Haram. Instead, he just complements the colonnades of Abbasid marble capitals to mark the area of the courtyard. Sinan argued to with Sultan that any addition must glorify the house of Allah and not to overwhelm it. It is the Kaabah as the centre of addition and must not be distracted by other elements. No fort nor fortification is needed as it is always Allah will protect the Kaabah.

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