Architect Yussef Agbo-Ola has created a tent-like temple informed by Sharjah's topography and biodiversity as part of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial.
Occupying a classroom within the former school that is now the triennial's headquarters, the temple was designed by Agbo-Ola of London environmental design practice Olaniyi Studio as a place for incense burning and reflection.
Named Jabal: 9 Ash Cleansing Temple, the structure was made from jute, hemp and cotton yarns knitted into a fabric to encourage reflection on how climate change is impacting Sharjah's biodiversity.
Yussef Agbo-Ola created a temple for the Sharjah Architecture Triennial
"Jabal: 9 Ash Cleansing Temple is a living architectural entity for honouring non-human life and endangered species in the womb of a scared mountain," Agbo-Ola told Dezeen. "It honours ephemeral rituals across architecture, performance and art within Bedouin, Yoruba and Cherokee communities that respect the natural world and practice environmental consecration," he continued.
"This sacred structure is an apparatus for collective aroma rituals of bakhoor or incense burning and invites visitors to partake in breathing ceremonies within the inner altars of the structure."
The installation is called Jabal: 9 Ash Cleansing Temple
The tent-like structure, which is surrounded by dried mud, has a form and colour intended to evoke the Jebel Jais Mountain in Sharjah's neighbouring emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
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