The design, created by Wolff Architects in Cape Town, South Africa, was inspired by traditional artworks, structures and natural features of the DRC, as well as by the Bahá'í sacred teachings, particularly by the spiritual concept that God's bounty is unceasingly flowing over all people. The patterns that will adorn the outside of the dome of the central edifice will express this idea in a style reminiscent of the artwork of various Congolese peoples.

Commenting on the design, the architects stated: "We were inspired by an image of 19th century Congolese architecture which showed the most beautiful structures that appear to have finely woven bamboo facades with a parabolic roof made of palm leaves. These houses were located amongst giant baobab trees. ... The undulating roof of the temple makes reference to this history." [BWNS1438; BWNS1649]

A section drawing showing the temple's interior (top) and an elevation drawing of the temple's exterior (bottom).

Some team members of the firm Wolff Architects Nokubekezela Mchunu, Alexandra Böhmer, Bayo Windapo, Takalani Mbadi, Paul Munting, Temba Jauch, Matthew Eberhard, and Alex Coetzee.

The groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future national Mashriqul-Adhkar was held at the temple site near Kinshasa. The event, which coincided with the celebration of the Birth of Báb, was broadcast on national television and was host to government officials, representatives of religious communities and traditional chiefs. [BWNS1460]
• Photos of the event. [BWNS]
• The design of the national Bahá'í House of Worship of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[BWNS1438]

The Bahá'í World News Service provided an update on the construction of the National Temple in Kinshasa. [BWNS1493]
• The reinforced concrete slab that will form the floor of the central edifice has been finished and the moisture barrier has been laid.
• Work on additional buildings on the site was steadily advancing.
• Earthworks were being prepared for the grounds outside the central area.
• A visitors' center was being built near the entrance to the site.
• Elsewhere on the site, several existing buildings were being renovated. One building was being used as a construction office. In the future, these buildings will be used as educational facilities and as offices for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

A report on the progress of the construction of the National Mashriqul-Adhkar was provided.
• The concrete structural elements that make up the lower portion of the edifice and will support the steel superstructure of the dome and surrounding canopies was being completed. Work on the upper gallery was progressing.
• The two ring beams that support the dome had been completed.
• More than 90% of the concrete for the building had been poured.
• Work on the grounds and on the auxiliary structures was continuing. The walls and the roof of the visitor's centre had been completed.
• The secretary of the country's Bahá'í National Spiritual Assembly, Lavoisier Mutombo Tshiongo, reported that, "At the same time, we are seeing an intensification of action inspired by what the temple represents. Everything is increasing, from devotional gatherings, educational efforts, and other initiatives taken by families and youth, such as cleaning rivers and water sources, to formal activities in the areas of food security and agriculture, education, health and empowerment of women." He attributed the increasing pace of activity to a growing appreciation of the relationship between worship of God and service to humanity that is being cultivated through conversations about the national House of Worship. [BWNS1521]