Case studies
Abu Dhabi Mosque
Fantini Mosaici Milano: Main Contractor
Budri Intarsio Italiano, Mirandola: Subcontractor
Project: Spatium Studio Associato di Architettura, Milano
The year 2007 saw the opening of the Abu Dhabi Mosque – the second largest in the world after the Medina Mosque – following three years of non-stop work. This project was the perfect showcase for the ultimate in Italian creativity and flair. The floral geometrics make for an elegant combination of various types of marble, inlay work and mosaics, thus lending this enormous construction an all-new, modern and sophisticated look. The interiors with floral inlay work in Bianco Lasa produced by Budri cover five walls, each measuring 1200 square metres. The alternated polished, bushhammered and sandblasted surface lend a three dimensional effect to the giant daisies and an appealing lustre to the inlay work (photo on the left). White daisies are alternated with brightly-coloured mosaic daisies produced by Fantini Mosaici, Milano. The interior walls stand 25 m high. Budri also produced 3600 square metres of interior wall inlay in polychrome marble with a “Marmorino” plaster finish. The particularly glossy effect is produced by the contrasting matt surface (“Marmorino” plaster), which sets off the lustre of the inlaid marble. Noble Lapis lazuli and Sodalite marble was used to create the floral and branchwork motifs. The outdoor square was paved entirely according to a giant inlaid floral bouquet, fourthousand inlaid and mosaic panels (2,10 m x 2,10 m) cover a total area of approximately 17000 sqm. This is the largest floral inlay ground plane in the world.