The complex seeks to represent interfaith co-existence, preserves the unique character of the religions represented and build bridges between human civilization and the Abrahamic messages.[7][5][9]
Design
The design of the Abrahamic Family House has been prepared by the award-winning architectural and design firm Adjaye Associates, headed by Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye,[11] who unveiled the plan of the project during a New York City event.[12][13]
The three cubic houses of worship sit upon a secular visitor pavilion,[12][13] and aim to represent the diverse worshippers, residents, and visitors of Abu Dhabi. Adjaye highlighted that he wanted to “create a building that starts to dissolve the notion of hierarchical difference – it should represent universality and totality – something higher, that enhances the richness of human life".[12][14] The design of this religious complex comprises three unaligned cubes sitting on a plinth, and each of them has a different orientation.[13] The silhouette of the building makes the cubes look unified, and each of them is illustrated with colonnades, screens and vaults.[13] The site also includes a cultural center that will promote the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence while the unique character of each faith is preserved.[5]
The space's design is similar to that of the Tri-Faith Commons in the US.[15][1][16]
Naming of Church, Mosque, and Synagogue
The three houses of worship have been named after the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayeb, St. Francis of Assisi, and Moses Ben Maimon, a 12th-century Jewish philosopher and rabbinical scholar – Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, respectively.[17][18][9]
In popular culture
The Abrahamic Family House inspired a symphony titled "Symphony of Three" composed by Ihab Darwish, John Debney and David Shire.[19] The symphonic performance commissioned and produced by Abu Dhabi Festival, and co-produced by Ihab Darwish and Robert Townson, brought together vocal ensembles, composers and musicians from Christian, Jewish and Muslim backgrounds to celebrate dialogue among different faiths.[20]
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