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.