Contemporizing Islamic Architecture: Adaptive Design in Middle Eastern and Central Asian Mosques

Shameel Ahamad; Zahra  Yasmoon

doi:10.26418/ijeas.2024.4.02.116-129

Authors

Shameel Ahamad School of Architecture, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
Zahra Yasmoon School of Architecture, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6184-2792

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26418/ijeas.2024.4.02.116-129

Keywords:

contemporary islamic architecture, cultural contexts, form and meaning, religious edifices

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of globalization on contemporary Islamic architecture within the religious building typology in regions spanning Middle Eastern and Central Asia. The primary objective is to scrutinize the transformative paradigm by assessing its equilibrium between functional requisites and the preservation of cultural heritage, thereby elucidating common threads and regional differentiations. Methodologically, the research employs a comprehensive approach encompassing case studies, literature reviews, and meticulous photo analysis to elucidate the intricacies of modern Islamic architectural exemplars. It involved developing a conceptual framework and reviewing previous studies to build a theoretical foundation. This was then applied to selected projects. Key findings were that the spirituality of Islamic decorative designs stems from aesthetics linking form and meaning. Spirituality implies an inner vitality and timelessness. Contemporary materials and methods can retain the authenticity of Islamic decoration if the content and meaning are preserved. Through this examination, the research aims to uncover an insight into the socio-cultural ramifications of architectural evolution. By synthesizing multifaceted perspectives, this study provides a robust foundation for architects. It offers scholars and enthusiasts a nuanced comprehension of the processes underpinning the contemporizing of religious edifices within diverse cultural contexts.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abdel, H. (2021). Mosque of Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Gargash: Dabbagh Architects. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/968265/mosque-of-mohamed-abdulkhaliq-gargash-dabbagh-architects

Aksamija, A. (2016). Integrating Innovation in Architecture: Design, Methods and Technology for Progressive Practice and Research. Wiley.

Al-Asad, M. (2012). Contemporary Architecture and Urbanism in the Middle East. Univ. Press of Florida.

Broug, E. (2023). Islamic Architecture: A World History. New York, New York : Thames & Hudson.

Camlica, S. (2022). A Tall Tower with a Clock on the Top of It. [Graphic]. https://unsplash.com/photos/a-tall-tower-with-a-clock-on-the-top-of-it-h4xfkBpFPmo

Donnyhoca. (2009). Mihrab of the Şakirin Mosque, Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey. Example of Creativity in 20th Century Islamic Architecture. [Graphic]. https://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Moschea_di_%C5%9Eakir&oldid=130492823

EAA. (2013). Sancaklar Mosque. EAA - EAA-Emre Arolat Architecture. https://emrearolat.com/project/sancaklar-mosque/

Erzen, J. N. (2011). Reading Mosques: Meaning and Architecture in Islam. The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 69(1), 125–131.

Ettinghausen, R., Grabar, O., & Jenkins, M. (2021). Islamic Art and Architecture 650-1250 (2nd ed). Yale University Press.

Frishman, M., & Khan, H. U. (2002). The Mosque: History, Architectural Development & Regional Diversity (1st paperback ed). Thames & Hudson.

Hadid, Z. (2017). King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center. Zaha Hadid Architect. https://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/king-abdullah-petroleum-studies-and-research-centre/

Hillenbrand, R. (2022). Islamic Architecture: Form, Function and Meaning. Edinburgh University Press.

Holod, R. (1997). The Contemporary Mosque: Architects, Clients, and Designs Since the 1950s. New York : Rizzoli. http://archive.org/details/contemporarymosq0000holo

Holod, R., & Khan, H.-U. (1997). The Mosque and the Modern World: Architects, Patrons and Designs Since the 1950s. Thames & Hudson.

Karim, K. H. (2003). Islamic Peril: Media and Global Violence (Updated ed). Black Rose Books.

Khan, H. (2008). Contemporary Mosque Architecture. Isim Review, 21(1), 52-53. https://hdl.handle.net/1887/17213

Khorrampour, M. (2019). Low Angle Photography of Building Under Blue Sky [Graphic]. https://unsplash.com/photos/low-angle-photography-of-building-under-blue-sky-kbZ6PxpSbgE

Lorica, B. (2020). Trends to Watch in 2021 and Best Books of 2020. Gradient Flow. https://gradientflow.com/trends-to-watch-in-2021-and-best-books-of-2020/

Nasr, S. H. (1987). Islamic Art and Spirituality. State University of New York Press.

Petersen, A. (1999). Dictionary of Islamic Architecture (1. publ. in paperback). Routledge.

Rabbat, N. (2020). Islamic Elements in the Architecture of Puglia, by Christiane L. Joost-Gaugier. Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, 79(4), 481–482.

Ravenscroft, T. (2021). Dabbagh Architects Creates Calligraphy-Covered Contemporary Mosque in Dubai. Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/2021/08/26/dabbagh-architects-mosque-late-mohamed-abdulkhaliq-gargash-dubai-uae/

Rizvi, K. (2015). The Transnational Mosque: Architecture and Historical Memory in the Contemporary Middle East. The University of North Carolina Press.

Serageldin, I., & Steele, J. (1996). Architecture of the contemporary mosque. Academy Editions.

Snøhetta. (2018). King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture [Graphic]. https://www.archdaily.com/898775/king-abdulaziz-centre-for-world-culture-snohetta

Sternberg, M. von. (2019). Case Study: Cambridge Central Mosque [Graphic]. https://www.cibsejournal.com/case-studies/case-study-cambridge-central-mosque/

Verkaaik, O. (2013). Religious Architecture: Anthropological Perspectives. Amsterdam University Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt6wp6sx

Zwart, R. (2008). Great Mosque of Djenné [Graphic]. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Great_Mosque_of_Djenn%C3%A9&oldid=1229029895