Muqarnas: Geometrical and Stereotomic Techniques in Ancient Islamic Architectures: Ceilings and Domes of Mameluk Buildings in Old Cairo (original) (raw)
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Geometry of Muqarnas In Islamic Architecture
Geometry of Muqarnas In Islamic Architecture, 1981
Geometry of Muqarnas in Islamic Architecture A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture at the University of Washington, 1982. Chapter 1. History: Muqarnas in General, Muqarnas Domes. Chapter 2. Research Status. Chapter 3. The Geometry of the Muqarnas Block: Definitions, Principals of Block Generation, Families of Blocks. Chapter 4. The Geometry of Muqarnas Compositions: Definitions. Methods of Muqarnas Dome Compositions. Catalog of 45º Family Regular Compositions. Chapter 5. Application Possibilities: Materials and Technology, Architectural Uses. Contains a bibliography and two appendixes on Computer Graphics and Graphic Representations from other Authors. This profusely illustrated thesis received All College Award for graduate work, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, 1982, and Best Thesis Award, Department of Architecture, University of Washington, Seattle, 1982.
Muqarnas Domes and Cornices in the Maghreb and Andalusia
Nexus Network Journal
Muqarnas domes and cornices represent a unique element in Islamic architecture. Muqarnas embody a form of architectural ornament with a cellular structure. This style includes an endless variety of longitudinal friezes and, in particular, generates a system that builds astonishing vaults consisting of complex combinations of units that are challenging to distinguish. The geometric divisions of a squinch create a large number of mini-squinches that produce various Muqarnas arrangements. The Muqarnas architectural ornament can be understood by juxtaposing the different individual forms together to cover a space, creating a vault, dome or linear cornice. Here, we aim to investigate the origins of the Muqarnas cellular structure and to establish the substantial difference between the Muqarnas located in the Eastern and Western regions. Emphasis is then placed on the methodologies for assembling and building the Muqarnas in the Maghreb and Andalusia.
An analytic study on architectural decorations in early Islamic architecture
2014
Islamic architecture dating back to about 1400 years ago, has been affected by territories under the Islam dominance from the view point of the form as well as architectural decorations. That is why some critics has considered the form similarities as a weak point in the Islamic architecture, while others are denying any derivation in Islamic architecture and believe that its principles have been extracted from the Islam religion. In this regard, Iran as a country having a civilization which both affected and was affected on/by the adjacent civilizations may be assumed as the basis for the Islamic architecture formation at the very beginning centuries and may overcome the related ambiguities.The present article attempts to consider the effects of the pre-Islamic patterns on Islamic architectural decorations during the first to fourth centuries (Hijri). Therefore, we firstly provide definitions and concepts as requirements of such study in the field of religious art and architecture ...
The Use of Muqarnas in the Transitional Zone of Domes in Egyptian Islamic Architecture
Orient
The local brick dome technique had already existed when muqarnas started to appear as a feature in the transitional zone of domes in Egyptian architecture. Based on a detailed analysis of the transitional zone of domes in Egypt dating from the Fatimid to the end of the Mamluk era, 126 examples of muqarnas can be classified into four types according to their forms and geometrical features when projected onto a horizontal plane from above. These four types can be subdivided into fourteen sub-types. Based on a morphological classification, six stylistic periods are identified as follows: The first period is from the 1050s to the 1230s, when the vernacular technique of the brick dome might have evolved into the muqarnas with a trefoil arch. The second period is from the 1240s to the 1310s, when a geometric change occurred based on the local tradition of muqarnas using multi-foil arches. The third period is from the 1320s to the 1360s, when the influence of stone muqarnas from Syria became evident. The fourth period is from the 1370s to the 1400s, when the local development of muqarnas based on corbeling and the multi-foil arch was preferred. The fifth period is from the 1410s to the 1450s, when the trend of the fourth period was promoted and innovations were made. The sixth and final period is from the 1460s to the 1510s, when the complete form based on the local tradition appeared. Through this analysis of the use of muqarnas in the transitional zone, it is clear that foreign influences were at some points important to their development. However, adopting, compromising and subliming these influences with local tradition or aesthetics constituted the major way in which the style and use of muqarnas in domes evolved in Egypt from the eleventh to early sixteenth century.
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