Published on the occasion of the inaugural AlMusalla Prize 2025, part of the Islamic Arts Biennale, Rooted Transience explores how adaptable spaces and cultural memory can shape the future of Islamic architectural practice.

Co-edited by Prince Nawaf Bin Ayyaf and Faysal Tabbarah, the book weaves together essays, reflections, and intimate conversations around the architectural typology of the musalla, revealing its many layered and evolving meanings.

The book was launched alongside the exhibition Rooted Transience, curated by Faysal Tabbarah at the Abbazia di San Gregorio during the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2025.

The inaugural AlMusalla Prize (2025 Edition) was awarded for the design of a modular space for prayer and contemplation open to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Integrating faith, art, and architecture, the musalla will form part of the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, the first Biennale dedicated to the arts of Islamic civilization.

Inspired by the historical, cultural, and architectural significance of the Biennale's iconic site, the SOM-designed and Aga Khan Award-winning Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, the AlMusalla Prize celebrates the ideas of diverse architectural teams from different cultures within the Arab world and beyond.

This publication offers a reflection around diverse practices, by academics, architects and writers, featuring contributions from:

Khaled Azzam, Nasser Rabbat, Hanif Kara, Ziad Jamaleddine, Wesam Al Asali, Noura AlSayeh-Holtrop, Ali Malkawi, Azra Aksamija, Farrokh Derakhshani, Lina Ghotmeh, Moath Alofi · Jood AlThukair