Style Analysis and Interior Design Renovation Study for Al Othman Mosque in Kuwait: Eclectic Style

Interior Designers shall be able to identify the style of buildings when starting a renovation project. Accordingly, this research illustrates that knowledge of eclectic design styles is essential to the success of buildings rehabilitation, especially for those projects completed in the mid-20th century. The study shows that eclectic design styles are common in an open, global city, especially at certain periods, and where materials and techniques are scarce. Thus, like many modern buildings built in the mid-twentieth century, Abdullah A. Al Othman Mosque, located in the Hawally district in the state of Kuwait, employed an eclectic style intentionally or unintentionally. The researcher found many elements within the projects that belong to the Islamic, Victorian, Tuscan, modern, and Art Deco styles. The paper gives an overview of the project, describes the elements that make up an Islamic Mosque, defines in a broad sense the eclectic style, and outlines its benefits, especially to Interior design works.

This study is qualitative and descriptive, based on data collection, and aims to construct a theoretical framework. It seeks to build an understanding of the formal structure of the interior design of the building. It took Al Othman Mosque as a case study and analyzed its Interior design elements specifically within the prayer room, in order to identify its style. The analysis was part of a renovation project that aims to renovate the mosque to its original condition at the time of opening in 1958.

This paper confirms that designers may resort to eclectic style in modern projects, and in places where the available materials are scarce. The value of eclectic style lies in the freedom it gives to designers and builders. Designers may arrive at successful projects using the eclectic style by selecting modest materials and colors.