AWA was on one of two finalist teams for this competition entry.  Our concept for the lighting design was inspired by two primary concepts that intertwined closely with the final design solution.  The creation of the “Pearl in the Sky” at the apex of the Al Faisaliyah II tower structure provided an important guiding theme.  Additionally, water, as the source of creation of life on earth in Islamic history and scriptures, and particularly, the position of the mosque on this body of water which created a “Pearl in the Water” also guided design approaches throughout the entire creative process.  Both of these aspects, which are tightly centered on the axis to Mecca, were amalgamated to augment the special significance within the Islamic culture. We illuminated the architectural features at the corners of the tower from base to apex to communicate the feeling of a surge of energy floating up the tower to the lantern of light at the top, which serves as a signpost directing city inhabitants to the site. Small points of light dotting the façade create the illusion of stars and of the tower blending into the night sky.  Light from within the mosque glows through exterior screens which reveal that there is something significant contained within.