MUGHAL CHARBAGHS 4
CHARBAGHS IN CARPETS 5
A MODERN CHARBAGH 6
CHARBAGH PLANS 7
GARDEN OF THE SOUL 8
GARDEN OF THE HEART 9
GARDEN OF THE SPIRIT 10
GARDEN OF THE ESSENCE 11
CARPET TYPOLOGY 12
SYMBOLS AND MOTIFS 13
HERATI MOTIF CARPET 15
CYPRESS TREE MOTIF CARPET 17
CYPRESS TREE 18
FINDING THE CRUMBS 19
AGEING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE 22
HARD INFRASTRUCTURE 23
FLOWING WATT[ER] 24
TRANSMITTER TOWER 25
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS 26
CIRCUIT CITY 27
GARDEN OF TRANQUILITY 28
WATT[ER] SUBSTATION PLANT 29
CARTOON TEMPLATES 30
CARTOON MAPPING 31
KNOTS PER INCH 32
TRADITIONAL WEAVES 33
HYBRID KNOTS & WEAVES 34
WEAVE PATTERNS 35
CONSTRUCTING THE DIAMOND DIODE 36
WOVEN LANDSCAPE 37
TRANSATLANTIC CABLES 38
WOVEN LANDSCAPE 39
WOVEN SYNTAX 40
PAZYRYK CARPET 41
WATT[ER] PUMPING STATION 44
RAILWAY CONTROL CENTRE 45
FOUNTAIN OF POWER 46
CHARBAGH WATER CHANNELS 47
THE TRAVELLER’S PATH 48
THE GARDENER’S FIELD 49
Sana Tabassum MArch Architecture 2022 2023 Unit 18 Pascal Bronner & Thomas Hillier ARCT 1058 Advanced Architectural Design 01 Project Themes
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IN CARPETS
MUGHAL CHARBAGHS
CHARBAGHS
Charbaghs, otherwise known as paradise gardens were an integral part of Mughal architecture and landscape design. Often depicted in paintings and literature, charbaghs represent heaven-like qualities which were a means of creating an earthly paradise for Mughal emperors. The word charbagh means four gardens, a spiritual representation of the heart, soul, spirit and essence amongst other symbols.
The charbaghs are also depicted in Persian carpets which are known for their intricacy and high level of detail due to the ancient hand-knotted method. This is a skilled craft which produces designs of a high quality. Symbols and motifs are integral in the composition of Persian carpets as they are often a form of storytelling.
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is
can be
and key
CHARBAGH CHARBAGH PLANS
charbagh plans
Envisioning a carpet which combines the elements of a paradise garden and the detailed architectural style of the Mughal period. Water is the principle element of charbaghs and
often centrically located where water channels meet to form a fountain or other decorative feature. The charbagh plan
arranged to form several smaller square gardens within each other, creating a complex yet structured plan. Keeping in line with the spatial qualities of a charbagh is shown through this collage such as the division of sections, a walled outer perimeter
structures at the ends. A MODERN
A modern take on the garden of the soul, these tapestries include elements such as cypress trees, which represent health and death and are dotted with pharmaceutical medicine. A reference to herbal medicine is at the centre of the composition, which is surrounded by garden elements such as a fountain.
Pavilions provide shade in the hot climates of the Islamic regions where charbaghs are most common. In the garden of the heart, these pavilions are used as meeting points for men and women courting one another and may also provide outdoor spaces for festivities to be held.
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GARDEN OF THE SOUL GARDEN OF THE HEART
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Possessions and material objects are believed to accompany us through death. In this composition, the relationship between religion and afterlife is explored, playing on themes of heaven and paradise whilst being framed as a contrasting tapestry divided by water.
The essence of these charbaghs usually celebrates the water element whilst also seen as a way for emperors to show their wealth and desires to the rest of society.
GARDEN OF THE SPIRIT GARDEN OF THE ESSENCE
Herati This pattern consists of a diamond framework and a single floral head, surrounded by acanthus leaves curling outwards. Gül It is floral motif that follows the French style and has one large flower surrounded by four smaller ones. Cypress Tree A symbol of agelessness and longevity in Iranian culture. Often used to represent immortality. Peacock Have a lineage associated with nobility and abundance. The peacock’s massive, colorful plumes evoke level of beauty as well as protection from danger. Boteh or Paisley This pattern looks like paisley or a teardrop as it is pear-shaped with an extending arch of flowers that represent the garden of paradise. This symbol reflects fertility. Göl This design makes use of an octagonal pattern that repeats itself to create an elephant’s foot. It is commonly seen in Turkish rugs. Afshan: Khila village Hunting scene Charbagh garden Herati Medallion Moharamat Outer guard border Main border Inner guard border Medallion Field Corner bracket 12 13 There are various types of carpet designs but each one will generally follow a similar anatomy. This set of elements can be compared with that of charbaghs and the way in which each component represents something in particular. A closer look at the patterns used in Persian carpets and their symbology. Carpet weavers would strategically design and weave certain carpets so that they are harmonious, symmetrical and tell a story throughout. CARPET TYPOLOGY SYMBOLS AND MOTIFS
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chandelier gucci logo
makeup
sneakers CARPET
handbag
skateboard
component
3D
perspective The classic herati pattern, which often represents power is replaced by modern day materialistic objects to create a similar configuration. Inspired by ‘hype’ culture, the pattern is constructed through items such as designer wear, objects which emit light and use electrical power and are assembled to form a chandelier-like structure.
This test uses the various herati pattern configurations as well as collaged elements to form a simple carpet design. The pattern itself can be used at various scales to form medallions or borders.
HERATI
MOTIF
plan view
16 17 rotary dial landline cordless mobile smartphone tree pattern leaf element The cypress tree, representing health and foreshadowing death is created by telecommunication devices of various time periods. The result is a 3D object which is translated into a 2D rendition of the original symbol. This carpet design makes use of the cypress tree pattern in various perspectives to form patterns which are separate yet still linked together.
TREE MOTIF CARPET
CYPRESS
cyphone render of 3D tree structure plan view of 3D tree structure herati perspective view cyphone pattern herati render of plan view 001 004 003 002 005 hybrid pattern 001 hybrid pattern 002 hybrid pattern 003 hybrid pattern 004 hybrid pattern 005 MOTIFQ1P430 10M 0M 20M 30M 40M 50M 60M 80M 90M 70M 18 19 To form a more harmonious and intricate pattern, the cypress tree has been modified to include more objects. After forming a carpet that uses the elements previously designed, this study looks closer at the hybrid motifs and the ways in which scale plays an important role in how each section of a carpet is structured. CYPRESS TREE FINDING THE CRUMBS
The charbagh of paradise, Pairideza, looks to resolve modern-day climate issues which are becoming increasingly popular in society. In order to design a community and city which enhances the spatial experience of man with nature, the garden utilises concepts used in carpet construction.
The scales and patterns are derived from materialistic objects of desire which contribute to the climate crisis, representing similar qualities and attributes of their ancient counterparts depicted in various carpet designs across South Asia. Creating a hybrid set of components to construct this city will allow the formation of the same atmospheric qualities of Paradise as described in Islamic literature. By re-imagining these elements and using the garden typology to correspond to the four elements, four cardinal points and the spiritual representations of each garden, we can bring microcosm and macrocosm into harmony.
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Crossness pumping station Papplewick pumping station
Cities around the world face ageing infrastructure. An example is water mains pipes in London which are carefully being replaced to meet the demands of a growing population and water usage. However, there are pumping stations around London which have been preserved to a high standard to celebrate the ornate details of the space.
AGEING
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE HARD INFRASTRUCTURE
Cities around the world face ageing infrastructure. An example is water mains pipes in London which are carefully being replaced to meet the demands of a growing population and water usage. However, there are pumping stations around London which have been preserved to a high standard to celebrate the ornate details of the space.
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A fountain constructed from various computer hardware and objects. This is an example of the ways in which waste material will be repurposed and transformed into elements which make up the paradise garden.
FLOWING WATT[ER]
The flowing watt[er] becomes the primary conductor of the transmitter tower which is used across electrical infrastructure in the proposed carpet. This reinforces the power from recycled objects and turns it into usable energy.
TRANSMITTER TOWER
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Imagining a hyper-connected city where infrastructure is adjusted to be as efficient as possible whilst inserting control points to form a new layer of an existing landscape.
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS
CIRCUIT CITY Printed circuit boards also form a language of their own, similar to carpets where components are carefully located and surrounded by connection passages. The circuit board can prove to be a template for the conception of a decentralised version of paradise.
MOTIFQ1P430 28 29 Using previous hybrid patterns, an architectural concept is created using forms and shapes commonly used during the Mughal period. This square or crumb envisions a small pavilion space which is enclosed, similar to that of a charbagh. GARDEN OF TRANQUILITY The transmitter tower becomes a part of a larger substation component, incorporating infrastructural elements such as water pipes and pumping equipment in a configuration which creates a unique motif. WATT[ER] SUBSTATION PLANT
30 31 In order to create detailed and complicated patterns with a large colour palette, designers and carpet weavers use a ‘cartoon’, a drawing on gridded paper of the carpet design where each square represents a single knot. Traditionally this method is done by hand and used as a reference during the weaving process.
TEMPLATES
process of starting with a cartoon design allows the carpet designer to craft a story behind the patterns and symbols used in a carpet. The process depends on the size, type and style of carpet as well as the knots per inch. A carpet with a higher KPI can take longer to weave but will be equally higher in value and price.
CARTOON
The
MAPPING
CARTOON
plain weave weft faced plainweave diagonal slits dovetailing double interlocking soumak weft wrapping brocading zili Persian knot (senneh) asymmetrical Turkish knot (ghiordes) symmetrical 32 33 When simplified, digitised patterns become less clear to visualise however they can take on different textural qualities depending on the type of knot technique chosen. Generally, Persian knots are symmetrical whereas Turkish knots are symmetrical and often preferred for larger carpets which include repeating patterns. KNOTS PER INCH Threads and weave patterns carry the weight of a history behind them. These weaves may be significant religiously or aesthetically but each one is often linked to a tribe or place and the generational skills involved in crafted that weave. TRADITIONAL WEAVES
connection traces 34 35
original patterns hybrid patterns pond bridge diamond diode water rippling
These patterns have been overlaid and woven together to form new versions which are complex and evolved. Each pattern is associated with an element situated within the paradise garden or a circuit board.
HYBRID KNOTS & WEAVES WEAVE PATTERNS
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In order to develop original patterns, the hybrid weaves have been modelled in 3D.
CONSTRUCTING THE DIAMOND
DIODE Similar to rope making, the weaves are constructed with individual threads that are twisted and arranged using the same method as a carpet weave. This forms a diamond pattern which can be viewed from various perspectives as well.
WOVEN LANDSCAPE
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Photographs
showing sectional views of transatlantic cables which often run for thousands of kilometres, carrying international traffic of data.
carry
TRANSATLANTIC CABLES
Threads used in New Pairideza will be made from transatlantic cables which
power, information and energy across the city.
WOVEN LANDSCAPE
The substation is woven with a new layer of syntax, adding to the overall symbolism behind the component. The threads become part of the architecture, latching on to pipes and other machinery.
One of the oldest carpets in the world, the Pazyryk carpet becomes a symbol of generational history. This sets up a blueprint for the project going forward to create an unfinished version of New Paradise.
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WOVEN SYNTAX PAZYRYK CARPET
New Pairideza will be constructed through a series of components carefully designs and intervwoven with hard, architectural infrastructure to create a city which is interconnected but has qualities similar to a Mughal charbagh. The garden is not only a symbol of paradise and its celestial qualities but a representation of the human ego. With this new woven landscape, the idea that nature and ecology must conform to its superior kind is developed and neatly swept under the carpet.
The components work as a pair; the weave pattern works as a foundation for the overall symbology within the carpet. The hybrid infrastructure represents a new method of architecture which has traces of the past and hopes of the future combined together to create larger and complex infrastructural elements. New Pairideza serves its citizens first, using nature and the existing city or landscape underneath as a basis for the ultimate ethereal experience.
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STATION RAILWAY CONTROL CENTRE Water pumping station interwoven with a diamond diode weave pattern which represents flowing water. A railway control centre woven with a pathway weave to represent transport. These threads also have different textural qualities.
WATT[ER] PUMPING
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CHARBAGH WATER CHANNELS
fountain of power combines the water pumping machinery with a fountain which sits on top of an electrical tower. This component serves as a central feature within the garden since water is known to be the core feature of charbaghs. Water infrastructure plays an important role within paradise, serving as both a symbol and a necessity. The charbagh water channels work in harmony with the fountain of power to transport water across the garden through channels and conduits that are carefully integrated within the existing water system. The threads, or pipes run throughout the carpet to create channels which strengthen the weaves across garden. Water Fountain Water Pumping Machine Water Channels Water Pumping Stations
FOUNTAIN OF POWER
The
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THE
PATH
THE GARDENER’S FIELD
TRAVELLER’S
Transport within the garden takes on a hybrid representation, using old and new modes of transportation to provide access to all by layering them together. Paths in a charbagh allow for exploration and help to divide districts within the garden.
The gardener’s field is a representation of public areas and soft infrastructure which is an amenity for society. The greenhouse symbolises a desire for the perfect climate, surrounded by a field of greenery and plants that have been left to the elements. In Pairideza, citizens are able to cultivate their passions and hobbies through nature.
Pathways
Railroad Transport Fields of Greenery Public Parks
