Islamic Architecture Project 2

APA Reference

Keywords

Kahera, A. I. (2002). Sacred space in Judaism,Christianity and Islam. Gardens of the Righteous, 341.

Religious architecture, sacred space

Antonakaki, T. (2007). A comparative study of a church and mosque. 6th International Space Syntax Symposium, İstanbul, 14.

Light, Symbolic, Sacred, Cosmic

Theme of Paper Sacred spaces in Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Definition

Method

Religious architecture is a sacred art which adorns the edifices raised by men and women for their uses.

Religious architecture is concerned with the making of sacred space for contemplation and worship.

The notion of “sacred space” then depends on three variables: First, the specific aesthetic image of the edifice; second, the nature of the link between the edifice and acts of worship; third, it includes ritual meaning and laws that are considered to be sacred.

Religious architecture, Byzantine church , Ottoman mosque Thessaloniki, Symbolic role of light

Light’s symbolic role has been related to the sacred, religious and cosmologic beliefs or even to gender. The sun was viewed as the supreme celestial body, often thought of as a deity, and was vested with cosmic powers of sacred nature.

In the Byzantine religious architecture, the sunlight penetration in the interior and the solemn impression on the worshippers arranged the plan of the buildings. The movement of daylight during the liturgy defined the main axis of the building’s plan. The second vertical axis of guided light defined the position of the image representing the deity

Kilde, J. H. (2008). Sacred Space. New York: OXFORD University Press.

Religious, ritual, Christianity

Introduction to Christian architecture and worship

Church buildings influence worship practices, facilitating some activities and impeding others. They focus the attention of believers on the divine, and they frequently mediate the relationship between the individual and God.

The Christian use of central plans grew out of the cults of the ‘‘special’’ dead, or those who were perceived as holy in some way, at the same time creating space that brought air and light into the house. In terms of exterior, the walls themselves seem to be mere tracery, supporting tall, gleaming windows filled with deeply colored glass that dominate the room, refracting sunlight into a spectrum of shimmering color.

Bennett, K. M. (2008). LIGHT IN ARCHITECTURE: .

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING , 111.

Light, emotion, qualities, religious, experience

Light in architecture: natural and artificial lighting techniques that brighten our sacred spaces.

Daylight qualities change according to the buildings orientation and as the sun moves across the sky producing different lighting effects in the morning than in the afternoon.

Different types of electric lamps produce different qualities and from exterior to interior.

For daylighting, the strategies will be creating openings along the side walls. Daylight enters the spaces through gaps and also acts as a line that defines each space and shows the movement of light. Artificial lighting is used in the sanctuary space to cast warm coloured light onto the columns, seating, floors and walls that increase the contrast in colour temperatures of the space.

theology and symbolism. (2002). Religious Architecture, 10.

Symbolism, theology, sacred, mystery

Theology and symbolism of church building

Early Christian architecture reverses the peristyle temple, turns it inside out, concentrate on the inside: the basilica type.

The addition of the transept helped to focus on the most important point (convergent of axes).

In Russia, there was a fusion of the centralized and the basilica type that lead to the cross type.

Sacred Architecture 1) Which part of the mosque is sacred to you?

Every part of the mosque is considered very sacred. It has nothing to do with the form.

Even if there is only 4 pillars, if the religious is there within the prayer’s heart, wherever is sacred.

2) How do you, as a prayer, preserve the cleanliness of the sacred spaces of the mosque?

There are certain rules to obey like to remove your shoes before entering the mosque to pay your respect and to use prayer rugs. Eating and drinking in the mosque is also prohibited. People who preserve the cleanliness deserve a reward.

3) How is the form of the mosque?

From the exterior, it is proportionate and taller than the surrounding buildings to attract more attention and to gather the Muslims around the neighbourhood. It is better if the mosque is extended horizontally because it affects the spaces especially the main prayer hall. It provides the opportunity for the prayers to be at the first row which is closer to God. 4) What are the elements that make the mosque such a sacred building?

The religious itself plays the main role. However, the geometrical pattern of the interior of the mosque enhances the quality of space and is capable of uniting the people into the mosque.

5) Which part of the mosque receives a lot of natural lighting?

The prayer hall as it is the primary space of the mosque receives most of the natural lighting. Passive design especially natural lighting is fully utilized to save energy and to cut the expenses of the mosque. However, it can be a distraction to the prayers.

6) What is the importance of the arts and calligraphy in a mosque?

It serves as a decoration and the remembrance of Allah. It shows the power and sense of God. 7) The interior of the mosque is decorated with steel screens of geometry marquetry to enhance the interior aesthetics and to separate the spaces such as the men and women spaces. There are also crystal lighting fixtures in the mosque.

8) Which one of the seven principles is the most importantin the function of spaces of the mosque?

Haya which is modesty is important. From the teachings of Islam, it is very important to separate the spaces between men and women. The space where the women are should be located far from the men.

9) Which space is that and why do you choose that space?

The main prayer hall is chosen as the space because only men are closer to God. "The

Prophet of Allah stated: 'Man is the guardian of his family and every guardian has responsibilities towards those under his guardianship'."

10) Which part of the mosque applied the principle of centrality?

The Mihrab where the prayers faces to during the praying. It is directed to the qibla and placed at the center of the main prayer hall so it is focused and gives the impression of an arched doorway to Mecca.

Application of 7 Principles Principles

Architecture as Tawhid: Unity and Uniquity of Allah

OOI SHIN TZE 0302058 Photo

Explanation

This external prayer hall is a more informal and open one. There will be events held here occasionally and acts as a shelter for the homeless people. Rows of carpets are provided to ensure the cleanliness of the sacred building.

Architecture of Ihtiram: Respect, propriety or adab (good manners) to God, fellow man and oneself.

The internal prayer halls are in a rectangular layout form. It is located at the centre of the building as a focal point. The glass surrounding it allows natural sunlight penetration enhancing the sacredness of the space. The men are allowed to be at the main prayer halls.

Architecture with Iklas: Sincerity

Architecture through Integration of Mathematics-Geometry – The façade of the building is symmetrical and a repetition of geometrical patterns.

Application of 7 Principles

OOI SHIN TZE 0302058 The octagonal shaped minarets acts as a medium to spread their prayers.

Architecture for Iqtisad: Balance

Architecture as Pursuit of ilm: Knowledge

There are a lot of arches seen in the mosque as well as at the exterior of the mosques. This is to achieve Islamic composition for aesthetics.

Knowledge is the light of truth. The al-Quran is displayed in the prayer hall for the Muslims to refer back the teachings of their religion.

Application of 7 Principles

Architecture of Haya: Modesty

OOI SHIN TZE 0302058

Although it is not compulsory for women to go the mosque, the mosque has preserved the dignity of the Muslim women. There is a separation of space between the women and men. There are privacy screens for them to change their clothes and clean themselves before entering the prayer hall.

Application of 7 Principles

Architecture as Dikr: Remembrance

OOI SHIN TZE 0302058

The geometrical decoration is found in most the spaces of the mosque.

These decorations enhance the spatial aesthetics of the mosque. The scriptures found as decoration shows the existence and the power of God.