99 Domes Mosque

Design Philosophy and Numerological Meaning

The most striking main attraction of this building, as its name suggests, is the presence of 99 domes adorning its roof. The number 99 was not chosen arbitrarily, but rather represents the Asmaul Husna, or the 99 beautiful names of Allah in Islamic teachings. Architecturally, the use of dozens of domes with tiered sizes creates a dynamic and rhythmic visual effect.

The domes are arranged concentrically, starting from the largest main dome in the center to the smaller domes surrounding it. The color gradient used—dominated by a warm palette of red, orange, and yellow—gives an impression of spirit and energy. These colors were chosen to provide a sharp contrast with the blue background of the Makassar sky and the waters of the Makassar Strait, especially during sunset moments.

The Touch of Ridwan Kamil's Masterful Hand

Masjid 99 Kubah is the design of renowned Indonesian architect, Ridwan Kamil. As an architect known for his parametric and symbolic design approach, Ridwan Kamil conceptualized this mosque without following the typical Indonesian traditional mosque style, which usually features a pyramid roof or a single large dome.

This design adopts a modern architectural style that emphasizes repeating geometric shapes. Ridwan Kamil aimed to create a building that not only functions spiritually but also possesses global iconic value. The structure is designed to withstand saltwater corrosion, given its location right on the coast, using composite materials and color panels resistant to extreme weather.

Historical Context and Construction

The construction of Masjid 99 Kubah began in 2017 during the administration of South Sulawesi Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo. This project was part of the integrated development of the Center Point of Indonesia (CPI) area, a reclaimed land projected to become a new economic growth center in Eastern Indonesia.

The construction process took several years with quite complex technical challenges, especially in precisely and waterproofly assembling dozens of domes. The mosque was built on an area of approximately 2 hectares, with a building area of 72 x 45 meters. Although the work experienced several stages of delay, the mosque eventually became functional and began to be widely used by the public since early 2022.

Structural Innovations and Architectural Details

Structurally, Masjid 99 Kubah has uniqueness in its load distribution system. Given the very large number of domes, the mosque's roof structure requires a complex steel frame system to support the load of each dome. The use of reinforced concrete in the main structure provides extra sturdiness to withstand strong winds from the sea.

The interior of the mosque offers a different spatial experience. The mosque's ceiling reveals geometric patterns formed by the arrangement of the domes above, creating a dramatic play of light and shadow. Natural lighting is maximized through gaps around the base of the domes, so that during the day, the main mosque space receives sufficient light circulation without excessive reliance on electricity.

In addition, the mosque has two main floors and one basement level. The ground floor is used as a multipurpose room and supporting facilities, while the upper floor functions as the main prayer hall capable of accommodating thousands of worshippers. The spacious veranda area allows sea breezes to enter the building, creating a cooling natural ventilation system.

Cultural and Social Significance

For the people of South Sulawesi, especially the residents of Makassar, Masjid 99 Kubah has transcended its function as a physical building. It has become a new identity for the "Kota Daeng" (Makassar City). Its presence has shifted the visual dominance of Losari Beach, which for decades was Makassar's sole icon.

This mosque has also become a magnet for religious tourism. Tourists from outside the region often make this mosque a primary destination to witness its architectural uniqueness firsthand. This has had a positive impact on the social and economic ecosystem around the CPI area, where interactions between residents and creative economic activities have begun to flourish around the mosque area.

Visitor Experience and Surrounding Landscape

Visiting Masjid 99 Kubah provides a complete sensory experience. As visitors approach the building, they are greeted by the magnificent scale of the structure and the vibrant colors of the domes. At night, the facade lighting system (LED) makes the mosque appear like a shining jewel in the darkness of the coast.

The landscape around the mosque is designed as an open public space. There is a large courtyard often used by residents to relax while waiting for prayer times or simply to enjoy the sunset view. Its strategic location, directly facing the sunset, makes this mosque one of the best architectural photography spots in Indonesia.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Indonesian Modern Architecture

Masjid 99 Kubah is proof that the architecture of a place of worship can evolve without abandoning its philosophical roots. Through the combination of Ridwan Kamil's design intelligence, the spiritual meaning of Asmaul Husna, and the boldness in color usage, this building has set a new standard in contemporary mosque architecture worldwide. It is not merely a building of concrete and steel, but a visual poem celebrating God's majesty on Sulawesi land. With all its uniqueness and grandeur, Masjid 99 Kubah will continue to stand as a beacon of spirituality and a source of pride for Indonesian architecture for generations to come.