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University of Washington
Department of Architecture, Spring 2001
[Computational] Geometry in Islamic Architecture
Instructor: Mamoun Sakkal
Muqarnas, part 1: basics.
Muqarnas is the Arabic word that describes a traditional element unique to Islamic architecture, in which small nich-like components are combined with each other in succesive layers to enclose a space and produce surfaces rich in three-dimentional geometric compositions.
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Fig. 1. Parts of the Muqarnas block I call these components "Muqarnas Blocks." These blocks change the surface of a space enclosure in a three-dimentional way due to their unique shape. Although they can take many different variations in shape, it is possible to simplify the typical block into basic parts that represent its geometrical function. This model is produced in FormWriter by the triangle primitive, and combining the triangles to form pyramids and prisms. All images on this website were produced by importing the models created in FormWriter to Infini-D software for final rendering. |
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Fig. 2. Muqarnas blocks families The blocks used in a composition are related to each other geometrically. In regular compositions, the angle of increased by one in each sucessive block. For example, the 45 degrees family of muqarnas blocks has three block with 45, 90, and 134 degrees as shown in this figure. The program written in FormWriter to describe the block allows one to obtain all family blocks by changing one variable. |
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Fig. 3. Muqarnas blocks interior surface variations Each block can have different interior surface configuration without affecting the basic geometry of the block. The program that describes the blocks allows one to obtain all interior surface variations by changing one variable. |
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Fig. 4. Muqarnas dome The blocks of each family of muqarnas blocks will fit with each other to compltely enclose space. The smaller blocks are at the top of the dome. In each sucessive layer, the angle of the blocks is increased. Model of the 30 dgrees family dome is shown here. A program was written in FormWriter to produce all possible families of muqarnas blocks by changing only one variable, the smallest angle in the family. |
The blocks are also composed with each other according to rules that changed from region to region. In part two I show examples from Turkey and Armenia.
