EXPLORING THE “LIVING MOSQUE”: USAGE PATTERNS, USER PREFERENCES, AND FUNCTIONAL EXPECTATIONS IN MOSQUE ARCHITECTURE

Mosque spaces and facilities traditionally serve as places where Muslim communities can pray, gather, and socialize. However, the functional role of the mosque in social life has begun to decline. This study addresses the question: How are mosques currently used, and to what extent do these spaces meet users' expectations? To explore this, an online survey was conducted with 521 participants from Türkiye, examining their usage patterns, preferences, and functional expectations regarding mosque experiences. Additionally, a workshop was conducted to develop strategic-level proposals on the identified issues. The findings highlight a disjuncture between how mosques are currently used and their potential utilization. The study also identifies discrepancies between the priorities of academia and architectural media compared to those of the general community, as well as gaps between the socio-spatial functions offered by mosques and those desired by the public. Notably, only 18.2% of respondents feel that mosques adequately meet their functional needs. Moreover, mosque usage patterns, as well as functional expectations, were found to vary significantly based on users' gender, age, and education levels. The public wishes to experience the mosques as the center of education, culture, and social life. This study contributes to the field by introducing the "Living Mosque" concept, providing a comprehensive analysis of mosque usage and perceptions in Türkiye, and shedding light on the gaps between existing practices and user expectations. It also proposes strategic-level solutions for enhancing mosque facilities, providing valuable insights for future research, and practical improvements in mosque design and management.