Friday, December 28, 2007

Is There a Muslim Architecture? - Update

The difference between "building" and "architecture"

Some thoughts:

- Muslim architecture is a confused and mishmash affair. So, it just barely fits in the category.

- Architecture is primarily about the carefully organized and planning of space and materials in order to erect a structure.

- Architecture also implies a history and a progression.
  • In my opinion, and studies, Muslim buildings are not carefully organized. There are very few blue-prints around for Muslim buildings
  • They are not really planned, and appear to rise out of an organic growth – start in the middle and just keep on growing, for example.
  • There is no historical antecedent nor progression in Islamic architecture. There is a historical presence, but no real progress or clear antecedent.
I'm working on this thesis, and will provide a more detailed commentary on it some time soon.