# Sunken Cube Sanctuaries The Manco Architects Conceptual Mosque Reforms Tradition By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-02-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manco-architects-conceptual-mosque References: [worldarchitecture.org](http://www.worldarchitecture.org/world-buildings/world-buildings-detail.asp) & [manco.tr](http://www.manco.com.tr/English/ProjeDetay.aspx?pid=534) The design of a traditional temple for [Islamic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nakkas-boytu) prayer in Turkey took a contemporary turn in the Manco Architects Conceptual Mosque. Thinking outside of the box, the designers decided to stray from the conventional domed structure and exploit the immaculate simplicity of the square. The depressed edifice embraces a colossal space for [communal worship](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ismaili-center-houston), of which a strict rectilinear program is planned. The Manco Architects Conceptual Mosque will also have an [open outdoor sanctuary](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doshi-retreat) of the same scale, acting together as sacred spaces that modernize the milieu of religion. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Rectilinear Sanctuaries:** Designing religious spaces with rectilinear program and geometric simplicity to modernize the milieu of religion. - **Open-air Sanctuaries:** Creating outdoor spaces for communal worship that accompany indoor spaces for religious ceremonies. - **Non-dome Structures:** Exploring alternative architecture to traditional dome structures in religious buildings. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Religious Architecture:** Designing modern religious spaces that embrace simplicity and minimalism. - **Construction:** Utilizing innovative building materials and techniques to bring unique designs to life. - **Tourism:** Creating cultural and religious attractions for pilgrimage and tourism. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Classically Designed Geometric Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mamluki-lancet-mosque.md) - [Geometric Cone-Shaped Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bab-al-salam-mosque.md) - [Red Brick Geometric Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bait-ur-raiyan-mosque.md) - [Perforated Pink Concrete Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zebun-nessa-mosque.md) - [Mosque-Inspired Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/islamic-arts-biennale1.md) - [Brick Volume Cylindrical Mausoleums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shah-muhammad-mohshin-khan-mausoleum.md) - [Ceramic Vault Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muqarnas-pavilion.md) - [Tranquil Courtyard Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanctum-house.md) - [Cube-Shaped Skyscraper Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mukaab.md)