Islamic

Islamic (750 - 1492) No Islamic religion, No Islamic design.  No Mohammed, No Islam.

Islamic design was like Romanesque; was centered on religion.  Islam's founder; Prophet Mohammed.  He dedicated his entire life on spreading the religion of Islam.  His efforts were successful that Islam was wide spread from Africa, Europe, and even in Asia.  Regionally the design style varies, but the diverse styles makes Islamic design very interesting.  For example; In Mesopotamia, Persia, North Africa, Saharan Africa, Spain, and Anatolia, mosques shares features.  Those features include; Prayer hall, ablutions fountain, and qibla wall with mihrab. 

Terms;

Ablutions fountain - It is typically located in the center of mosque, where they perform ritual.  It has sort of same purpose as Christian baptismal fountain in basilica.



Qibla wall - Wall that prayers face when engaged in ritual.



Mihrab - Prayer niche in the Qibla wall.


As religion spreads all over the world, mosque needs more space for prayers.  The mosque has large courtyard in the center, surrounded by series of column that repetition definitely creates illusion that courtyard is bigger than actual size. Interior has many decorative materials.  Walls were almost looks like carpet-like appearance.
Great Mosque of Kairouan, Tunisia (820 - 836)


Mosque of Sultan Ahmed I, Istanbul, Turkey (1609 - 1617)



It is very clear to see that indescribable amount of detail works has been done by hands.  It implies that Islam religion is supported by many and the prayer's support is very strong.


Current Application of Islamic designs

Each designs shares many features from Islamic design.  The ceiling design almost mimic the carpet textile,  window decoration and color of light coming through mimic the blue glazed brick with window decoration ( famous from Persia), series of columns creates the arches, just like Prayer Hall, Great Mosque of Kairouan.

I love seeing fusion of very modern building or interior space with historical design features. It makes building / space very contemporary unique, they are all stands out in the world today.