01 sak lecture on islamic architecture at kfupm on 19th november 2013

CONTEMPORARY
ISLAMIC
ARCHITECTURE

1

CONTENTS
HISTORY OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
1) Time line.
2) Exemplary Monuments.
ANALYSIS OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
1) Design Principles
Introduction .
A. Unity .
B. Functionality.
C. Pursuit of Knowledge.
D. Creativity.
E. Professionalism.
F. Identity and Diversity.
G. Sustainability.
CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE
1) Classification
Universal Architecture .
Developed Islamic Architecture .
2) Directions of Application .
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
CONCLUSION

2



I waited for things to happen.
I found out it is best to move forward for
things to happen.

4

ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE TIMELINE


PROPHET
MOSQUE

Medina-KSA
(1AH/621AD)

DOME OF THE
ROCK
Jerusalem- Palestine
(79AH/684AD)

GREAT MOSQUE
OF DAMASCUS
Damascus- Syria
(92AH/706AD)

CITY OF
SAMURRA
Samarra- Iraq
(232AH/847AD)

5
HISTORY OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE - Chapter1: TIMELINE



MOSQUE OF
UQBA
Kairowan- Tunisia
(261AH/875AD)

AL AZHAR
UNIVERSITY
Cairo-Egypt
(361AH/971AD)

QUTB COMPLEX
AND MOSQUE
Delhi-India
(523AH/1129AD)

JANNATULUREIF GARDENS
Granada-Spain
(688AH/1290AD)

6



AL-HAMBRA
PALACE
Granada-Spain
(738AH/1338AD)

SULTAN HASSAN
MOSQUE
Cairo-Egypt
(756AH/1356AD)

HERAT FRIDAY
MOSQUE
Herat- Afghanistan
(849AH/1446AD)

SELIMIYE
COMPLEX
Edirne-Turkey
(976AH/1569AD)

7



SHAH MOSQUE
Isfahan- Iran
(1038AH/1629AD)

TAJ MAHAL
Agra-India
(1057AH/1648AD)

BADSHAHI
MOSQUE
Lahore- Pakistan
(1083AH/1673AD)

AHMADIYYA
MADRASSA
Aleppo- Syria
(1165AH/1752AD)

8



MUHAMMAD ALI
CITADEL
Cairo- Egypt
(1264AH/1848AD)

LAHORE
MUSEUM
Lahore-Pakistan
(1311AH/1894AD)

AL-GOURNA
VILLAGE
Gourna- Egypt
(1367AH/1948AD)

PROPHET
MOSQUEReconstruction
Medina- KSA
(1410AH/1990AD)

9

Example
Prophet’s Mosque, Madinah, Saudi Arabia


Prophet’s Mosque, Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
In 621 A.D., the mosque was simple and
small adjacent to Prophet’s (P.B.U.H)
house.

10

Example



Madinah, during the late 19th century,
11
was enclosed by a wall

Example



Madinah, in the late 19th century

Madinah, in the mid 20th century

12

Example



Madinah is expanding and developing in radial direction
but the central district still lies around the old city.

Today, Prophet’s mosque is built over an area equaling to
area of the Madinah in 621 A.D.
13


Example



The Prophet’s Mosque is planned to expand further in future in the
west and the north directions. The green highlighted area shows
the existing mosque, whereas, the white highlighted area shows
the planned expansion of the mosque.

The model of Prophet’s Mosque showing the complete
mosque after the planned expansion.

14

Exemplary Monuments

(1-a) Dome of the Rock



 Jerusalem, 79AH/684AD
 Founded
by
Umayyad
Caliph
―AbdulMalik bin Marwan‖.
 Part of Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, to
shade the worshippers close to the ―Rock‖
in the centre of the mosque.
 Project Manager was ―Raja’ bin Hayawa‖
 Octagonal plan, composed of three
galleries around the rock, surrounded by a
wall with four gates. The central space is
constructed over 4 piers and four
arcades, covered by a gilded dome.
 Construction: the walls were built of local
stone, with cedar wood trusses for the
roof and the dome.
 Highly decorated from outside and
inside,
originally
with
mosaics.
Decorations included calligraphy and
flowering context.
HISTORY OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE – Chapter 2:

Reserved
several
times,
external
decorations were replaced with ceramics in
the 19th century reservation works.

Dome of the Rock; a plan. It shows the unique
octagonal shape of the layout, which is connected
16
to Islamic references by some researchers.

Exemplary Monuments

Exemplary Monuments

(1-b) Dome of the Rock



Dome of the Rock,
Exterior view. Mosaic
and marble geometric
decorations
applied
by the Ottomans in the
19th century. That
included
several
calligraphic banners in
the Thuluth style.

Dome of the Rock, Interior view. Rich
Umayyad decorations in marble and
mosaics, that included calligraphy and
floral patterns.

Exemplary Monuments

17

Exemplary Monuments

(2-a) Al-Hambra



 Granada- Andalus, 1333 AD
 A palace complex that was originally
constructed as a fortress in 889, and was
converted into a royal palace in 1333
by Yusuf I; a local Sultan of Granada.
 Post-Islamic modifications
include
Royal Palace of Charle’s V & St. Marry
Church
 Architect: Nasrid Rulers, Calligraphers &
artisans
 Plan: Court of lions, Court of Myrtle
Trees, Royal Baths, Hall of Ambassadors,
Hall of two sisters.
 Construction: Stone, marble & wood
 Decoration: Highly detailed calligraphy
work in stucco, wood, ceramic, marble
and metal, which gives an illusion of
geometrical patterns from a distance.

Exemplary Monuments

Al Hambra Palace, Plan.
Different areas of Nasrid
periods demonstrate the
space flow, with a unique
sequence between the
open and closed spaces.
18

Exemplary Monuments

(2-b) Al-Hambra



Al Hambra
Palace, Details.
This palace was
designed with
beautifully
integrated
landscape, light
effects,
ventilated
spaces, with
highly detailed
interior
decorations.
It represents
the zealous
Islamic
Architecture in
the Iberian
Peninsula.

19

Exemplary Monuments

Exemplary Monuments

(2-c) Al-Hambra



Poetry about Al-Hambra:
It's materialized, to visit Al-Hamra Palace.
Tracing, I was zealous:Who built ? Who wrote the version??
Oh, what a splendid poem and sensation !
Published and nay.
What was buried with its narrators !
What is identified throughout ages !
if birds and roses lament,
if trees and rocks utter amazement,
Victory is destined by Allah the Creator.
Though days and ages alter.
Be sage and sedate.
Be tolerant, never haste.
Al Hambra Palace, Spain. Court of Lions was the main area of the
palace where Sultans lived. The court was designed with central
20
water fountain, which also served the purpose of a clock.

Exemplary Monuments

Exemplary Monuments

(3-a) Selimiye Complex



 Edirne- Turkey, 1569-1575 AD
 Constructed by Ottoman Caliph Selim
II.
 The complex (kulliye) includes a school,
a student accommodation, a hospital, a
bazar, and other annexed services
besides the central mosque.
 Project Architect was ―Mimar Sinan‖
 The mosque included an octagonal
system for the piers to hold the dome,
which was surrounded by four
minarets. Both of the dome and the
minarets were of the world highest
when constructed.
 Highly decorated with mosaics and
calligraphy from inside,
with the
multiple
dome
feature
that
characterizes the Ottoman style.
Selimiye Complex, Plan. This royal complex included
several services for the public; such as a mosque, a
school, a hospital, a bazar and a cemetery.

Exemplary Monuments

21

Exemplary Monuments

(3-b) Selimiye Complex



Selimiye Complex, the prayer
hall. The interior details show
high
central
dome
with
ventilators
for
light
and
ventilation. The interior is
decorated with calligraphy and
other patterns. Externally; the
four tall minarets define a cubic
space that incubates the central
dome.
22

Exemplary Monuments

Exemplary Monuments

(4-a) Taj Mahal



 Agra- India, built 1632-1653AD
 Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan as a memorial complex. The story
says that it was in memory of his wife
Mumtaz Mahal.
 The mausoleum, where the emperor and
his wife are buried, is the central part of
the complex. It is elevated on a central
terrace, where two other identical
buildings where flanking it from either
sides. The western building is a
sandstone mosque, while the eastern one
is a guesthouse that is called ―jawab‖.
The complex and its gardens were
enclosed from three sides with a
sandstone wall provided with a
monumental gate (darwaza), while a river
penetrated the site from the fourth side.
External components included additional
gardens and an external cemetery.


Taj Mahal, Agra, India.
The overall master plan shows the following components:
(1) Mehtab Garden, (2) Taj Mahal Flanked by Mosque and
Meeting House/Library. (3) Main Garden of the Taj Mahal
Complex. (4) Entrance Garden with four gates
23

Exemplary Monuments

Exemplary Monuments

(4-b) Taj Mahal



 The mausoleum is constructed of white
marble, surrounded by four 40m–high
minarets. Its form is composed of a
chamfered cube topped by an ―onion‖
dome of almost the same height of the
base surrounded by smaller domes on
the corners.
 Constructed Its exterior is highly
decorated with flower decorations and
calligraphy, with the domes topped by
lotus flower.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India. Plan view showing the Taj
Mahal with the landscape designed on the concept
of Char Bagh
24

Exemplary Monuments

Exemplary Monuments

(4-c) Taj Mahal



Taj Mahal, Agra, India. The intimate details in Taj Mahal complex are not
limited to buildings, the gardens also provided one of the most beautiful
landscape examples of India. The controlled form design is well integrated
within colorful and various decorations and materials.

Exemplary Monuments

25

Exemplary Monuments

(4-d) Taj Mahal



Taj Mahal, Agra, India. The frames, the calligraphic banners, the colorful marble and the engraved marble screens. All of
these are parts of the unique architectural design of this complex.
HISTORY OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE – Chapter

2: Exemplary Monuments

26

Exemplary Monuments

(5-a) Suheymi House



 Cairo-Egypt, 1211AH/1796AD
 Named after its last Sheikh Suheymi, who
died in 1928.
 Originally built in 1648 by A. Tablawi along
the Darb al-Asfar, a prestigious and
expensive part of Medieval Cairo.
 It was extended to the north and improved
by the then new owner (Ismail Shelebi- from
1211AH/1796AD),
incorporating
neighbouring houses into its layout.
 Currently, it is a three-storied large mansion
built of stone, rather considered as a small
palace with a total floor area of around 2,000
m2.
 Characteristic of the architecture of its
period, it was generally divided into two
major zones: a semi-public guest zone
(Salamlik ) and a private family zone
Suheymi House, Cairo. The spacious house
(Haramlik ) around a courtyard (sahn) in the entrance towards the crowded street area.
centre.
HISTORY OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE – Chapter 2: Exemplary Monuments

opens its

27

Exemplary Monuments

(5-b) Suheymi House



 The simple street elevation hides several
interesting features in the interior. Starting
from the majaz in the entrance lobby, the
visitor
finds
a
water
fountain,
delicate wooden latticework (mashrabiyya) on
all windows, a Tahtabsh/Maq’ad feature,
various halls (Qa’a), and a steam bath
(hammam), besides a small garden with plants
and palm trees in the courtyard.
 Plant and geometric decorations in addition
to calligraphic lines could be found in several
locations of the house.

Suheymi House, Cairo, Egypt. View of central
courtyard showing Mashrabiyas, which provides
visual privacy and cools warm air before entering
the interior space.

28

Exemplary Monuments

Exemplary Monuments

(5-c) Suheymi House



Suheymi House, Cairo, Egypt. Various
Spaces
of
the
house 29 are
shown, expressing the vernacular
HISTORY OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE – Chapter 2: Exemplary Monuments architecture.

Design Principles

INTRODUCTION



 Design Principles to be discussed in this chapter are the following:
1) Unity
2) Functionality
3) Pursuit of Knowledge
4) Creativity
5) Professionalism
6) Identity and Diversity

31
ANALYSIS OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE – Chapter

1: Design Principles

Design Principles

(A) Unity



 Unity in Islam starts from the unified
belief of the entire nation in one God,
one Book and one Prophet.

 The Islamic nation developed a set of
literature very early in its history;
Quran and Hedith. They characterized
the creed and the lifestyle of the
Muslim in much of its details.
 Other significant unifying elements of
the Muslim Culture were Arabic
language (as being the sole language to
recite Quran) and the common history
of Islam.


 Thus, the philosophies of the Muslims
(or those accepted by the Muslims)
were continuously refined to adhere
with the mentioned resources.

1

32

Design Principles

(A) Unity



Quran

Hedith

Islamic
Philosophies
Language History

Unifying Resources

Cultural Interaction

Islamic Architecture
33



Design Principles

(B) Functionality



 Example (1)- The Mosque:
 The simple plan of the mosque is
distinguished by its circulation
flow:
1) Clear gateways that lead from
the public context into the
mosque.
2) A semi public space, where a
courtyard or an arcade are
common solutions.
3) The main worshipping hall;
which is sometimes covered by
a dome.

 Other common components of
the mosque plan are the minaret,
the mihrab and the minber.
4) The Minaret: provided to call
for prayers and to guide
worshippers to the mosque.
5) The Mihrab (~niche): provided
to indicate the orientation of
the prayer (qibla) from the
mosque inside.
6) The
Minber
(~pulpit):
provided
in
the
grand
mosques where the Friday
speech is delivered.

34


Design Principles

(B) Functionality



4

3

5

2

1

6
Sulaimaniyya Mosque, Istanbul built on 1558 AD. The flow of spaces and the characterizing components are
identical in the common architecture of the mosque .

35


Design Principles

(B) Functionality
 Example (2)- Security and Defense (fortress):



 The squared plan of the fortress is distinguished by its main
components:
1) A clear gate with defensive details
2) Security towers on the corners and along the external walls.
3) Garrison quarters at the front.
4) An annexed prayer hall, separate or within the frontal
sectors.
5) A buffering court for circulation organization.
6) beyond the court: Leader’s reception and offices.
7) Leader and employees quarters flanking the court.
8) Upper Floor: Leader’s quarters + Defensive services

36


Design Principles

(B) Functionality



 Example (3)- The Bimarstan (hospital):
 The squared plan of the palace is distinguished by its main
components:
1) A clear gate with defensive details
2) Security towers on the corners and along the external
walls.
3) Garrison quarters at the front.
4) An annexed prayer hall, separate or within the frontal
sectors.
5) A buffering court for circulation organization.
6) Leader’s seat and employees sector beyond the court.
7) Leader and employees quarters flanking the court.

37


Design Principles

(B) Functionality



 Example (3)- The Caravansaray (Inn):
 It provided accommodation for commercial, pilgrim,
postal, and especially official travelers.

 The term kārvān-sarā was commonly used in Iran and
is preserved in several place names.
 The normal caravansary consisted of:
1) a square or rectangular plan
2) centered around a courtyard
3) with only one entrance

4) arrangements for defense if necessary.
5) at least provided security against beasts of prey and attacks
by brigands.

38


Design Principles

(C) Pursuit of Knowledge



 A constant research process was
initiated by Muslims to respond to the
needs of the Muslim community.

 This process took place in two
directions, either by adapting the
previous techniques or by employing
their expertise and workmanship.

 The earliest example of a construction
feature adapted from other cultures
was in the days of the Prophet SAAS
(year 5AH/624AD), which was a
defensive trench in Medina. The idea
was introduced by a Persian
companion (Salman) according to a
public consultancy process upheld by
the prophet himself.

 As abovementioned in section 2
(Functionality); the Muslims were
aware of the purposes of their
buildings, thus they were not passivecopiers to the works of others.

 Early Islamic Architecture in Syria
and Iraq also show the influence of
previous styles and techniques.

 A constant effort of modification took
place to approach high quality and to
settle
efficient
professionalism.
Additionally,
reviewing
the
contributions of other nations was
uninterruptedly
held
without
sensitivity.
39


Design Principles

(C) Pursuit of Knowledge



Salman Farsi, a Persian companion of
Prophet (PBUH) gave the idea of creating
trench as a defense strategy.

Great Mosque of Kairouan, Tunis, built on
670 AD was designed and built with the
influence of Roman Architecture.

40


Design Principles

(D) Creativity








Islamic state spread over a vast
geographical area in the range of 100
years after the Prophet. Its extension
from today’s France to China enriched
its cultural resources, and widened its
architectural views.

The Muslim builders started to assign
their well-defined design programs to
the experienced architects of the time.
The latters couldn’t have transferred
these programs into designs without an
enormous input of creativity.

 The spark of creativity was delivered
to the later generations of architects,
so that no ―Order‖ for design was
ruling the profession anymore.
 Unlike most of the previous
civilizations, the Muslim architect
was free from any pre-imposed
models to judge his performance.
 Late Islamic states attempted to
establish some order for there
architectural styles, such as the
Ottoman Architect Sinan, which did
not last and did not spread.

These architects managed to create
 As a constant review for their
several monuments for the first time in
products; they were closely watched
by their employers and by the
history in the early years of Islam, such
scholars as well.
as the Dome of the Rock and the
Umayyad Mosque of Damascus, Lahore
Fort, in addition to the Ruling Palaces of
Kufa, Damascus and Medina.
ANALYSIS OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE – Chapter 1: Design Principles

41

Design Principles

(D) Creativity



Dome
of
the
Rock, Jerusalem, Palestine,
an
innovative
design
with
well
proportions and intricate decoration.

Lahore
Fort, Lahore, Pakistan, shows
creating in designing of the main
gate to Fort

Lahore Fort, Lahore, Pakistan, The
Naulakha Pavilion is a prominent
white marble personal chamber
with a curvilinear roof, located
beside the Sheesh Mahal Courtyard,
in the northern section of the Lahore
Fort.

42


Design Principles

(E) Professionalism



 Experience: The great Muslim builders
used to employ experienced architects
for their major buildings, such as the
Dome of the Rock which was designed
and managed by Yezid b. Sallam and
Raja b. Haywa. Sinan is another
famous example who provided the
Islamic Architecture with great master
peices over the 16th century including
Taj Mahal. Even non-Muslim architects
were employed for their expertise (e.g.
Umayyad Prophet Mosque in Medina,
Kufa Complex, Qusair Amra).

 Procedures: The design in the Muslim
practice followed a well-defined
procedure. A great example is the
design of kufa city in the 638AD, which
followed the steps of:

- Design Strategy (by Omer I, the caliph)
- Design program (by Saad, the ruler)
- Design Concept (by Abul-Hayyaj, the
principal designer)
- Detailed design (by local architects)

 Regulations: Strict regulations ruled
the practice of architecture in the
traditional Muslim practice. Some of
these regulations were imposed by the
state (such as the width of roads and
the neighbor rights. Other regulations
were following non-written norms,
such as privacy and environmental
issues.

43


Design Principles

(E) Professionalism
 Respect: It is obvious how the
traditions
of
each
state
were
established early in these states and
respected by younger generations of
architects. Examples of the Persian and
Ottoman styles are not unique in that
sense. In India, Morocco, Andalusia,
the Mamlouks any almost all other
examples the steadiness of the style
outlines appear.



Prophets’ mosque, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, was design
and constructed by employing non Muslim architect

Taj Mahal, Agra, India, an example of perfection and
professionalism.


44

Design Principles

(F) Identity and Diversity



 Muslims lived within an active
interaction with external cultures, which
also influenced their Architectural
products into diversity, supported by the
freedom of creativity practiced by
Muslim architects.

 Consequently,
the
architectural
manifestations
of
those
Muslim
communities shared certain directions,
which affected the design lines
throughout the Muslim history.
 A significant identity for the Islamic
Architecture was developed by the
uninterrupted practice for centuries.
which created unique Architectural
procedures, technologies and archive for
the Muslim nations.

Palace of Seville, Spain, which shows the influence of
Gothic Architecture, yet maintains the identity of Islamic
Architecture

45


Design Principles

(G) Sustainability


Sustainability is another design factor which is reflected in
Islamic Architecture.
Sustainability of a building refers to its ability to comfort the
building by using passive design techniques without using
fossil fuel energy and to reduce negative impacts on the
environment by using locally harvested materials.
In addition to this, it also refers to provide improved indoor
environment quality by using daylight and natural ventilation,
and to provide water for the end users from endless sources.
Lastly, it also refers to sustain its structure over hundreds of
years. Sustainable buildings are economical to built, operate
and maintain.

Al Hambra Palace, Spain, a master piece
of early Islamic Architecture, which was
designed on the concepts of sustainability
46



Design Principles

(G) Sustainability



The buildings of Islamic Architecture were designed as climate
responsive by using passive design techniques such as:
- Ventilative cooling
- Radiative cooling,
- Evaporative cooling,
- Mass effect cooling,
- Minimizing temperature variations by massive walls and
cladding façade cladding material.
- Solar heating.

Bin Yousef Madrassa, Morocco. An
example of climate responsive
building, using radiative, ventilative
and evaporative cooling

Al Hambra Palace, Granada, Spain.
Passive Solar Heating, evaporative
and ventilative cooling was used by
using wide and low height
courtyards with high arches

47


Design Principles

(G) Sustainability



These buildings were also environment friendly as they used:
- Locally harvested materials
- Building interior spaces were responsive to out door
environment.
- Sustainable water sources were used for landscape and
bathing.
These buildings were constructed with massive walls to:

Generalife, Spain, an example of
integrated indoor and outdoor
spaces.

- Give structural stability
- Provide insulation for the buildings to
keep the interiors cool in summer &
warm in winter.
Madrassa Tilla Kori, Samarkand. Built
with massive walls to give structural
stability and provide insulation



Shalimar
Bagh,
Pakistan.
Sustainable water source (Canal 48
originating from River Ravi) was
used for fountains and irrigation

Introduction


 The professional mediums has not yet established a set of standards
to be called ―Contemporary Islamic Architecture‖.

 However, ―Contemporary Islamic Architecture‖ refers to the current
practice with Islamic references or serving Muslim functions or
communities.
 Such a scheme is expected to work as an endeavor to re-establish the
links between heritage and recent practices (Agha Khan Award for
Architecture 1995)
 It should also respond to the current problems of the practice; such as
architectural expression, quality of design, humanitarian concepts
and place identification (Agha Khan Award for Architecture 1995).
50
CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE– INTRODUCTION

Classification

Criteria



 As a criteria to indicate the current practices of Islamic architecture, it is supposed
that the Contemporary Islamic Practice of Architecture has the following
characteristics:
 It shows reference to some style(s) of the Islamic Architecture.

 Might show a mixed Islamic style (not necessarily local) in the components
selection.
 Influenced by of the modern styles in architecture.
 Accommodates modern technologies of construction.

 Follows the contemporary design philosophies and procedures.

52
CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE– Chapter 1:

Classification

Classification

Lines of Practice



 Architectural practice in the Muslim World is divided into three lines:
 Universal Architecture:
This line represents the practice that follows the recent universal styles of
architecture, with no interest in incorporating any regional or traditional
elements or lines.
 Developed Islamic Architecture
Includes a certain amount of references to the Islamic Architecture or to the
local/regional heritage.
 Traditional Architecture:
The architectural output has
traditional/regional components.

an

overwhelming

reference

to

the

53

Classification

Classification

Universal Style



 This line of practice is meant to be an
extension to the common universal
practice, following the lines of the
day; such as Modernism, PostModernism, International or the
current Formic styles.
 In this direction this line has no
intended reference to the Islamic
Architecture, where it follows the
principles and the factors of practicing
Architecture of the Modern world.
 This style was strongly introduced in
the post-colonial period. That was
encouraged by the new construction
technology of the modern world, and
by the western education and
professionals of the time.


 Muslim professionals responded to
both the decision makers and the
business men of, who were convinced
of the style as a symbol of success and
development.
 Even supposing that a Muslim
Architect practiced it, this line would
still be culturally disconnected from
the basics of the Islamic Architecture.
 Therefore, this line of practice could
be considered as a ―Universal‖
practice implemented locally, rather
than a part of the current practice of
an Islamic style.
54

Classification

Classification

Universal Style



 The
contribution
of
such
architects/designers is appreciated
internationally.
However,
there
products cannot be considered as
Islamic Architecture rather than an
important part of the profession in its
universal position.

Saudi Economic Association,
Saudi Arabia

55

Classification

Classification

Universal Style - Examples
 Zaha Hadid
 Abu Dhabi Performing Arts
Centre 2007- UAE
 King Abdullah II House of
Culture and Art 2008- Jordan



Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre, UAE

King Abdullah II House of Culture and Art, Jordan

Classification

56

Classification




 Fazlur - Rahman Khan (The Einstein of Structural Engineering)
 Sears Tower 1973 - Chicago - USA
 Hajj Terminal 1982 - Jeddah- KSA

57
Sears Tower, Chicago, USA

Hajj Terminal, Jeddah, KSA

Classification




 SOM
Khalifa Tower 2004- Dubai- UAE

Burj Khaleefa (Burj Dubai), musical fountains, Dubai, UAE
CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE– Chapter

1: Classification

Burj Khaleefa (Burj Dubai), tallest building
of the world, Dubai, UAE

58

Classification

 National Bank HQ
Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
Jeddah- KSA
1983



 The building is an attempt from the
architect to create a monumental
building that holds both the characters
of modernity and rationality according
to its sensitive location in the heart of
the traditional city of Jeddah.

NCB HQ – Jeddah
Showing the traditional context of
the city in the foreground

Classification

59

Classification

NCB HQ – Jeddah / continued



 "...In the center, three columns allowed
openings and offices to be rotated to any side.
The dramatic 100-foot-wide facade openings
were designed to provide daylight without
direct sunshine. Light filters into the three
courtyards through these openings, reaching
the inhabited spaces only indirectly. The
shaded cavity of the building reduces air
temperatures slightly before cooling is
completed by air-conditioning machinery.
Above the level of the first office floor, warm
air is drawn up the building's small triangular
core and vented in the center of the roof.

60

Classification

Site Plan and floor plans, NCB HQ-Jeddah

Classification

NCB HQ – Jeddah / continued



The office areas are protected from the sun's
glare by gray glazing, and the glass-walled
executive offices on the top floor are shielded
by a pierced wall covering a 10-foot recess
behind the building's outer surface; these
recessed windows are akin to the shuttered of
screened balconies of traditional Saudi
architecture.
A
computerized building
management system adjusts the climatecontrol machinery as external thermal
conditions change."
— from Carol Herselle Krinsky. Gordon Bunshaft
of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. p268-271, 273.

61

Classification

Section view, NCB HQ-Jeddah

Classification

 Franco Audrito and SAK
 Yanbu Cement Co. Staff HousingKSA



Yanbu Cement Co. Staff Housing- KSA
62

Classification

Classification




 Franco Audrito and SAK
SAK Consultant Yanbu Cement
Co. Administration Building - KSA

Yanbu Cement Co. Administration Building- KSA

Classification

63

Classification

Developed Islamic Style



 This style tries to incorporate the traditional lines and elements within the
recent practice of architecture.
 As per Rifaa Chderji, the product shows a hybrid architecture.
 This architecture represents the creativity of the architect within a background
of keeping his cultural distinctiveness.
 The architect in this line accepts the modern construction technology and
regulations as effective factors, rather than the recent artistic and architectural
trends.
 Rifaa Chderji- Iraq and Rasem Bedran-Jordan are of the representatives of this
line, via some of their works.

64

Classification

Classification

Developed Islamic Style- Examples
Atlantis Hotel, Dubai, UAE



65

Classification

Classification

Four Seasons Hotel, Qatar



66

Classification

Classification




Jabal Omar Project, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
T.R Hamzah & Yeang

67

Classification

Classification

ElKhereiji Head Office– Jeddah
SAK Consultant



68

Classification

Classification

Al Andalus School – Jeddah
SAK Consultant



69

Classification

Classification

Al Andalus School – Jeddah
SAK Consultant



70

1: Classification

Classification

Mosque– Jeddah .
SAK Consultant



71

Classification

Remal Media House



72

Definition

Contents



 Meaning of the Term
 Variations of the Term
 Origins of the Term

 Criteria

74

DEFINITION

Definition

The Meaning of the Term- 1



 The definition of Islamic Architecture has been a controversial topic
amongst researchers.
 Cultural background influences the understanding of the term.
Arabs/Muslims see it as their heritage, while others imagine it as
exotic, mysterious, and aesthetically curious, carrying the whiff of fardistant lands. (Rabbat 2012: 1)
 Traditional Muslim literature did not introduce the term, mainly because
their architectural styles were globally leading. The term ―Islamic‖ by then
did not provide an accurate definition among other styles in the Muslim
regions.

75

DEFINITION

Definition

The Meaning of the Term- 2



 The Architecture produced for and by Muslims to serve Islam as a
religion, referring, consequently, only to the architecture which did serve a
religious function (e.g. mosque, madrasa), or it may mean all the
Architecture produced in the Muslim Lands (Michell 1978: 10)
 Mostly, the term means that architecture which is recognized as being
related to Islam, Islamic civilization or to the Islamic communities.
 Practice of the ―Islamic Architecture‖ in its traditional forms faced a major
setback by the weakening of the Muslim world since the early 19th
century.

76

DEFINITION

Definition

Variations of the Term



 Islamic Architecture (Grabar 1974, Hillenbrand 1994)
 Muslim Architecture (Richmond 1926, Creswell 1932)
 Architecture of the Muslim Communities (Agha Khan Award for
Architecture - AKAA)
 Architecture of Islam (Fletcher 1896)
 Muhammadan Architecture (Briggs 1924)

77

DEFINITION

Definition

Origins of the Term- 1



 The term cannot be traced in the traditional Muslim literature. Muslims simply referred
to their architecture as Umran, Imarah or any close term.
 Because of the western interest in introducing the historic styles of Architecture in the
early 19th century, ―Architecture of Islam‖ was introduced as part of the timeline of the
history of Architecture (Fletcher 1896, Rabbat 2012).
 In the early 19th century, Eurocentric terms appeared in the western literature such as
Saracenic, Mohammedan, Moorish and Oriental.

78

DEFINITION

Definition

Origins of the Term- 2



 By the end of the 19th century; literature about the field (e.g. Fletcher 1896, Reviora
1914, Briggs 1924, Richmond 1926, Creswell 1932, 1952) settled to the term in various
expressions related to Islam.
 For recognition between historic styles of Architecture; the term ―Islamic‖ was
established amongst Art historians, and continued to be widely employed till date
(Grabar 1973, Hillenbrand 1994, Hoag 1975, Jairazbhoy 1972).

79

DEFINITION

(3)
DIRECTIONS OF
APPLICATIONS

Contents









Master Plan
Plan Layout
Façade Design
Construction Technology
Decorative Elements

82

3: DIRECTIONS OF APPLICATIONS

Master Plan



83

DIRECTIONS OF APPLICATIONS

Master Plan



 Following their involvement in major projects in
the Middle East, several architects (Local &
International)
characterized

submitted
by

their

master-plans

some

local

traditions, habits, culture and other factors that
affected the master- plan.
 According the classification mentioned in Chapter
(04-01) above, such projects’ styles could be
classified as ―Developed‖ or ―Traditional‖.

84


Manifestations
Master Plan- Examples
 Qasr Al-Hokm- Riyadh
Rasem Badran



 Gourna – Egypt
Hassan Fathi

Qasr Al Hokm, Riyadh, Sauid Arabia
New Gourna Village, Gourna, Egypt

85


Manifestations
Master Plan- Examples



 Al Hasa Urban Planning Project
/Hofuf
SAK Consultants

86


Plan Layout



87


Plan Layout



 The current plans incorporated several components and their
articulation referring to the traditional plan designs.
 Common plan components currently employed include the gallery, the
courtyard and the mall.
 Common plan articulation include axiality, solid-void sequences,
bending entrances, etc.

 Local culture and tradition affected the life style and use of the space
affected the plan layout.
88


Plan Layout

OKAZ Press Complex in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


Plan Layout
Use of Entrance Lobby
-To provide a transition space.
-To create spaciousness and to welcome the
guests.

Concept of atrium in OKAZ building has been derived from entrance lobby of Islamic
Architecture buildings.


Plan Layout
Planning on Axis
- Circulation is directional and based on axis.

Use of Atrium
-To create a central gathering space with
daylight, ventilation and water element

.

Floor Patterns
- Integrated geometrical floor patterns were

used to create visual interest

.


OKAZ Press Complex in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


Plan Layout



King Fahd Library Building, Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Plan Layout
Use of Lobby
-To provide a transition space for
users before entering into the main
building.

Use of Atrium
-To provide daylight and natural
ventilation in the surrounding corridors

.
King Fahd Library Building, Madinah, Saudi Arabia



Plan Layout
Dar Al Zikr Al Hakeem School



Plan Layout
Planning on Axis
- Circulation is directional and based on axis.

Use of Corridors
- Shaded corridors helps air to circulate
through them.

Courtyard Planning
- Naturally ventilated courtyards with daylight
provides a healthy space for the students.

Dar Al Zikr Al Hakeem School, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


Plan Layout



Tahfeez Al Quran School, Madinah, Saudi Arabia



Plan Layout



Natural Ventilation
- Use of natural ventilation in the covered
playing areas and corridors.

Tahfeez Al Quran School, Madinah, Saudi Arabia


Plan Layout



Ministry of Justice Court Buildings, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


Plan Layout



Use of Lobby
-To provide a transition space for users
before entering into the main building.

Use of Atrium
-To provide a daylight and natural
ventilation in the surrounding corridors.

Ministry of Justice Court Buildings, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


Plan Layout

Development of Souk Al Shabi (Traditional Markets) in Saudi Arabia



Plan Layout
Central Sitting Space
-To facilitate people to take rest and enjoy the
environment during shopping.

Floor Patterns
-Integrated geometrical floor patterns were
used to create visual interest.

Development of Souk Al Shabi (Traditional Markets) in Saudi
Arabia



Façade Design



102


Façade Design



 Talking about Sultan Hassan Complex in
Cairo: ―The proportions of this building are
amongst the greatest I have seen.‖ Frank
Lloyd Wright.
 The current practice referred to the traditional
sources either in elevation components or in
the forms of the building.
 Components and their articulation:
 The arch is one of the commonly
employed components to resemble the
Islamic style. It is widely found in the
current practice.
 Wooden and steel screens are widely
employed to add Islamic reference to the
style.
 Gates, riwaqs (porticoes), buttresses,
engraves and stone laying was
employed as well.

Sultan Hassan Complex, Cairo, Egypt.


103

Façade Design



 Other components take place regionally, such as the vault, several
shapes of arches, the material and the color of the façade.
 opening/mass rhythms, façade patterns, and proportions of
elevations and openings where a rich source for current practice.
 Form:
 Regarding form, the traditional Islamic compact urban fabric, did not
encourage much to give priority to form design. However, the
symbolic form of the Mosque is frozen by its traditional components,
such as the dome and the minaret.
 On the other side, traditional isolated buildings such as pavilions,
mausoleums, palaces and tall buildings where reference to the current
practice.
104


Façade Design

Ministry of Petroleum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia


Façade Design
Use of Atriums
-To provide daylight
-To provide ventilation
-To create spaciousness

Ministry of Petroleum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia


Façade Design



G. Group Office Tower, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.



Façade Design


Emphasis on Entrance
- Entrances are emphasized to welcome
guests
- To add an element of unity in the facade

Use of Arches
- To provide shade for the pedestrians and to
facilitate natural ventilation
-To add aesthetic value to the building form

G. Group Office Tower, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Inspiration from Tilya Kori Madrassa, Samarkand,
Great Mosque Damascus


Façade Design
Use of Geometric Screens
- To provide shade to the fenestration.

- To add aesthetic value to the façade.

King Fahd Library Building, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia



Façade Design

Aramco H.Q. Building, Dammam, Saudi Arabia


Façade Design

Elaf Taiba Hotel in Madinah Munawarah, Saudi Arabia


Façade Design
Marshrabiya
- To provide a transition space between indoor
and outdoor. This helps to reduce the
temperature of the air entering into the
building.

Use of Arches in the Corridors
- To provide shade for the pedestrians and to
facilitate natural ventilation.

Elaf Taiba Hotel in Madinah Munawarah, Saudi Arabia.
Inspiration from Cordoba Mosque and vernacular
mashrabiyas of Saudi Arabia


Façade Design

Elkhereiji Villa, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


Façade Design
Water as an Essential
Landscape Element
-To create micro climate in dry seasons by increasing
humidity level and reducing dry bulb temperature.

Elkhereiji Villa, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


Façade Design

Private Villa, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


Façade Design

International Medical Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Part III: CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE– Chapter


Façade Design
Recessed Panels in
Elevation
- To create shadows to improve insulation of the
walls and keep interiors cool.
- To break monotony of flat walls.

Use of Arches
-To create shadows, depth
and rhythm in elevation.

International Medical Center,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Part III: CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE– Chapter 3:


Façade Design



Community Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Façade Design
Water as an Essential
Landscape Element
- To create micro climate in dry seasons by increasing
humidity level and reducing dry bulb temperature.

Mashrabiya
- To provide a transition space
between indoor and outdoor.
This helps to reduce the temperature
of the air entering into the building.


3: DIRECTIONS OF
APPLICATIONS

Decorative Elements



120


Manifestations

Decorative Elements



 Internally and externally, decorations is a part of architecture universally.
 Contemporary Islamic architecture has emphasis on such elements, with
special focus on traditional sources.


Dense
walls,

decorative
domes,

and

elements
minarets

appear

mainly

especially

as

on

the

mosques’

calligraphic

scripts.

Nevertheless, geometric and flowered lines are also provided (e.g. King
Saud Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Mosque).
 Islamic decoration motifs can be found also on residential buildings (e.g.
El-Kheriji

House),

commercial

buildings

(e.g.

G.

Group

Office

Tower), Hotels (Elaf Taiba Hotel), hospitals (e.g. International Medical
Center), in addition to other building types.
121


Manifestations

Decorative Elements- Examples



 Calligraphic decorations emphasize mainly on the ―Thuluth‖ calligraphy
style.
 Moroccan and Egyptian geometric decorations are common in the
architecture of Saudi Arabia, while Indian decorations appear on the
eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, in countries such as UAE and
Oman.

122


Manifestations

 King Saud Mosque - Jeddah



123


Manifestations




 Sheikh Zayed Mosque - Abu Dhabi

124


Manifestations




 International Medical Center - Jeddah

125


Contents



 Adopting Architectural Elements
 Adopting Concepts of Sustainability

127
FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Adopting Architectural Elements

Contents


The following are some of the architectural elements that could be
adopted in the future Islamic Architecture buildings.







Mashrabiyat & Screens
Mucarnasat
Calligraphy
Geometrical Patterns
Arches
Domes

128
FUTURE DIRECTIONS



Globalization is effecting people, culture, art
and architecture. We believe architecture is
effected and will be effected continuously in
future due to the different forms of media,
communication, traveling, technology and
other factors. Future Islamic Architecture can
still use architectural elements such as
mashrabiat, mucarnasat, calligraphy, geometrical
patterns, but in a global and creative way.

Globalization is effecting people, culture, art and
architecture.
129
FUTURE DIRECTIONS



 Mashrabiyat & Screens
Mashrabiyat can be used in the future Islamic
Architecture to continue:
- Providing a transition space for the building to
allow hot air to cool down before entering into it.
- Providing shade for the window.
- Providing visual privacy.

Top: Elaf Taiba Hotel,
Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
Left: King Fahad Library,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Right: Community Center,

130
FUTURE DIRECTIONS



 Mucarnasat
Mucarnasat can be used in the future Islamic
- Adding aesthetic value to the interior space
- Enhancing acoustics of interior space

Alhambra Palace, Garnada, Spain
131
FUTURE DIRECTIONS



 Calligraphy
Calligraphy can be used in the future Islamic
- Delivering messages to the end users and
educating them
- Creating interior designs on walls and breaking
the monotony of walls

Right: Tahfeez Al Quran School, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
132
Left: Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
FUTURE DIRECTIONS



 Geometrical Patterns
Geometrical patterns can be used in the future
Islamic Architecture to continue:
- Creating floor patterns and guiding the people to
find their way.
- Creating interior designs on walls and breaking
the monotony of walls

Examples of geometrical patterns used for flooring
and for wall decoration
FUTURE DIRECTIONS

133



 Arches
Arches can be used in the future Islamic
- Creating interest and enhance aesthetics of the
building facade.
- Adding depth to the building façade
- Casting shadows and increasing façade insulation
- Facilitating natural ventilation to take place
G. Group Office Tower, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

134
FUTURE DIRECTIONS




135
FUTURE DIRECTIONS




136
FUTURE DIRECTIONS




137
FUTURE DIRECTIONS




138
FUTURE DIRECTIONS




139
FUTURE DIRECTIONS




140
FUTURE DIRECTIONS




141



 Domes
Domes can be used in the future Islamic
- Increasing volume of interior space and facilitating
natural ventilation to take place.
- Enhancing acoustics of the interior spaces.
- Enhancing visual appearance of the building.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

A private House,

142

Adapting Architectural Element of Domes



143




144




145




146




147

Adapting Concepts of Sustainability

Contents



The below mentioned concepts of sustainability could be
adopted in the future Islamic Architecture buildings.




Passive Design Strategies
Environment Friendly Buildings Strategies
Indoor Environment Quality Strategies

148


Passive Design Strategies



Future Islamic Architecture can incorporate passive design strategies such as:
Ventilative cooling,
Radiative cooling,
Evaporative cooling and
Earth Mass Effect Cooling
Minimizing Temperature Variations by using Insulation
Solar Heating
To reduce:
Energy Consumption
Global warming
Ozone Depletion
149
FUTURE DIRECTIONS




Environment Friendly Building Strategies
In addition to this, future Islamic Architecture can also follow
the principles of environment friendly buildings such as:
- Using locally harvested and manufactured materials
-Reusing building instead of demolishing and constructing new
buildings
To reduce:
-Pollution and carbon emissions associated with transportation of
materials from foreign countries
-Pollution and carbon emissions associated with harvesting and
manufacturing new materials
- Demolition waste storage in landfill areas
- Reduce time and money
- Global warming
- Ozone Depletion
FUTURE DIRECTIONS

G. Group Office Tower, Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia
150




Indoor Environment Quality Strategies
Furthermore, future Islamic Architecture can also use Indoor Environment Quality
strategies such as:
- Daylight penetration in the interior of the buildings
- Fresh air supply in the interior spaces
To reduce:
- Electricity consumption
- Carbon emissions
- Ozone Depletion
- Global Warming
- Suffocation (Carbon dioxide level) in the interior spaces

151
FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Ministry of Petroleum Building, Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia

Conclusion



A successful Architect in any place and time
is the Architect who can apply the following
equation successfully

Function + Beauty + Economy =
Successful Project
153

Conclusion



The architecture that consider the human
scale and environment gives satisfaction and
enjoyment to the users and viewers, this
could be seen in many of the works of Sinan,
Frank Lloyd Wright, Hasan Fathi, Le
Corbusier.
154

Conclusion



The Relation Between Art & Architecture
Here are some architects that were successful
in applying this relation:
Miss Van Der Rohe
Walter Gropius
Abdul Wahed Al Wakil
Abdul Aziz Kamel

155

Conclusion


Think

Study

Design

Review

Creative
Production

156

Conclusion



A New World of architecture is possible

We need to set an Architecture and Art Compass in our societies to show the
direction we are moving to.
We need to have the knowledge and vision that help us rebuild our environment.
We are part of the World but we should not be a copy of any other World or city
or society.
Cultural Museum in China reflects Islamic
Architecture in North Western China. 5
Story, 25,302 m2, a massive atrium in the
middle, green design elements, automatic
shading to help keep the building cool. It is a
landmark designed by Sure Architecture
157

Conclusion



Architectural Styles can be developed using our Knowledge and Creativity.
A knowledge based society is an important step for change of the individual and
society.
A new era of Islamic Architecture and Art can be establish that could have a
positive and rewarding effect on people’s life.
Green environment and sustainable architecture and products, Water and Energy
Saving technologies could be part of the new era of Architecture.

Arab Cultural Center in USA.
Design by Monalab for the
Mosaic Foundation Islamic
Web
158



Symbolic Architecture

159



It was a dream, then an idea then a possibility
Then it became a reality
160

01 sak lecture on islamic architecture at kfupm on 19th november 2013

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