1st Track : Evolution of Mosque Architecture through the Ages
Role/Contribution
Presenter
Research paper Title
Evolution of the Arch in Islamic Architecture: Adaptation, and Multifaceted Roles in Mosque Design
Personal Biography
The author started her tenure as a Lecturer at the Department of Architecture, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology in 2003 and has been an Assistant Professor since April 2011. She graduated from AUST in 2000 and subsequently worked as an Architect at an Architectural Consultancy Firm. She earned her MPhil in Architecture from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2009. Her research focuses on ‘Mosque Architecture’, ‘Heritage Conservation of Bangladesh's Historical Buildings’, and ‘Shape Grammar’. In April 2024, she received the AUST Internal Research Grant (AIRG) for her research study on "Archetypal Analysis of Regional Styles for the Houses of Nagar Kasba: A Study on Style, Themes and Motifs of Ornamentation."
Paper Abstract
Evolution of the Arch in Islamic Architecture: Adaptation, and Multifaceted Roles in Mosque Design
Abstract:
This paper examines the development and pivotal role of the arch in Islamic architecture, tracing its origin, integration into mosque design, and its adaptation across various Islamic cultures. Initially introduced for its structural capabilities, the arch quickly became a significant element in Islamic architectural aesthetics and functionality. The arch was incorporated into mosques, exploiting its potential for creating expansive and spiritually resonant spaces. This paper analyzes evolution of the arch across different regions, highlighting its adaptation to local style and structural needs. This adaptation demonstrates the versatility of arch, evolving from semicircular forms to more complex shapes like pointed and horseshoe arches, which served larger spans and aesthetic intricacies. Through a detailed analysis of historical examples and architectural practices, the study underscores the arch's enduring legacy and its integral role in the expression of cultural and religious values in Islamic societies. This comprehensive exploration not only enriches our understanding of Islamic architectural innovations but also highlights the cultural significance of the arch in shaping architectural identity across diverse Islamic regions.
This paper provides an in-depth exploration of the refinement of arch and its pivotal role within Islamic architecture, encompassing its introduction, integration, adaptation, and multifaceted roles. The initial adoption of the arch in Islamic architecture marked a transformative period, showcasing its ability to fulfill both structural and spiritual needs. Islamic architects skillfully integrated the arch into mosques, where it became a fundamental element enhancing architectural and aesthetic harmony.
The study further examines the evolution of arch across different Islamic societies, each adapting its form and function to align with local artistic and engineering contexts. This adaptability underscores the versatility of arch, morphing from simple rounded forms to more complex iterations like the pointed and lobed arches, each addressing specific structural challenges and aesthetic preferences.
The paper explores the development and multifaceted roles of arch in Islamic architecture, which extend beyond mere structural utility. It explores how arches shape spatial organization and spiritual ambiance, contributing to the symbolic representation of divine attributes in the architectural landscape. The capability of arch to create vast, uninterrupted internal spaces is particularly highlighted, facilitating the communal and introspective aspects of worship within mosques.
Through architectural analysis and case studies, this research not only traces the historical route and technical innovations of the arch but also reflects on its broader cultural significance, affirming its integral place in the legacy of Islamic architectural heritage. This nuanced understanding enriches our appreciation of how Islamic architects have leveraged the arch not just as a building component but as a medium of cultural and religious expression.
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