ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER (BETWEEN LEGITIMACY AND DISPARITY)

Ehab Nasr Elden Ahmed Mohamed Department of Architectural, Faculty of Engineering, Mataria, Helwan University, , e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Despite the cultural background similarity of Arab Islamic architects’ seniors and pioneers, and the existence of constants representing legitimacy, the final architectural product varies depending on the individual creativity in relating the architectural elements, either elements that pertain to the identity representation of the inherited architecture or elements pertain to the identity representation of the Arab Islamic contemporary architecture product. That created a specific style for each architect according to the degree of their conclusions, investigation’s strategy of traditional roots in their products and works, which are often associated with certain values and the ambit of their interest to represent the identity of contemporary Arab . In addition to the existence of two main strong motives, the need for affiliation and the need for distinguishing oneself and diversity, in parallel with the presence of the methodological pluralism for every Muslim architect.

Keywords : Architectural Character, Islamic Culture, Identity

Abstrak

Terlepas dari kesamaan latar belakang budaya arsitek Islam Arab senior dan perintis, terdapat legitimasi konstan yang mewakili dari variasi produk akhir arsitektur, tergantung pada kreativitas individu dalam hubungannya dengan elemen arsitektur, baik unsur-unsur yang berkaitan dengan representasi identitas warisan arsitektur atau unsur-unsur berkaitan dengan representasi identitas produk arsitektur kontemporer Islam Arab. Hal itu menciptakan gaya tertentu untuk setiap arsitek sesuai dengan tingkat penalaran mereka, strategi investigasi terhadap akar tradisional terhadap produk dan karya mereka, sering dikaitkan dengan nilai-nilai tertentu dan minatnya untuk mewakili identitas kontemporer arsitektur Islam Arab. Selain adanya dua motif utama, kebutuhan afiliasi dan untuk membedakan diri dan keragaman,hal ini seiring pula dengan kehadiran metode pluralitas untuk setiap arsitek Muslim.

Kata kunci : Karakter Arsitektur, Budaya Islam, Identitas

Introduction Architectural character reflects the society’s Reasons and justifications of conducting the character identity and features. It results from the research cultural pattern, symbols, and social events of the Given the output of contemporary architecture, community, in addition to the economic, political, the following is observed: ideological, historical features, prevailing traditions, ° The absence of architectural and urban identity in customs and values of the society. many Arab cities for several reasons, most notably The success of the architect is measured by the the modern architect’s lack of awareness and extent of her/his ability in consolidating the heritage’s background scarceness. relationship between man and space, and the ° The loss of identity among modern architecture relationship between space and environment. Each students due to deficiency in architectural architect has her/his own characteristic and courses concerned about the Arab-Islamic individual mark. identity, nature and character. When an architect affiliates to a creed, in fact, ° The globalization clear impact on the Arab-Islamic they develop a distinctive human identity that identity. represents psychological tendency with its own ° The Arab architect’s role shrinkage in addressing fundamentals and standpoints. vital issues suffered by the community. ° The Arab Muslim Architect preoccupation in the search for self-cognitive.

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While observing the Arab Architects pioneers’ qualified and essential to produce inspiring architecture, the following is concluded: architecture. In his study on innovative ° The impact of the cultural background and the architects, (Mackinnon) concluded that the most surrounding environment on them. creative architects are the most productive and ° Their awareness of the community’s issues, and intelligent with motivated personalities for attempting to resolve and treat them in accomplishment. convenient ways. ° Expressing Legitimacy, the civilizational yield of ° The insight of creativity, social, ideological the society’s heritage, culturally, socially and sides. urban throughout history 3, is one of the most important responsibilities of modern architects. Research Methodology They should reflect the past as roots, the present The research adopts an analytical approach to as reality and the future as aspiration in their identify the architectural character; its merits and designs, innovations and creations for they attributes, the factors affecting its development and represent a figure of their architecture and structure, and acquires the knowledge of the urban. The past resides amongst us with its constants and variables influencing the architectural architectural, civilizational and cultural heritage, character’s perception. This research studies three imposes itself in the urban space and acts as a leading architects in the Arab region, who possess reference that inspires the architects with distinctive and unique architectural character in approaches on how to deal with the order to confirm that constants and variables are environment, climate and techniques alongside two important factors in forming the architectural with other design parameters. Overall, character. expression of the community’s identity is a necessity in light of global changes. Architectural character ° Contemporaneity with civilizational commitment It is a set of features and distinctive attributes of in association to the heritage while identifying the architect’s personality, or that which describes a and studying it. However, continual search for particular architecture and is not repeated the artistic style which reflects the current era is elsewhere. It is confirmed through the unique important and has a role in confirming the techniques belong to an architect in addressing all architectural character. The search for aspects of architectural design; functional, aesthetic contemporary architectural figure of which is a and constructional. Successful architects can fulfill form of linking our cultural existence with themselves through their works without prejudicing consecutive history episodes and considers the the style 1. Features refer to all the visual present as an extension for the past. Exploitation appearances and elements that compose the of the technological era with all its capabilities in architectural nature. designs and implementation should be The distinctive architectural character challenges considered. the traditionalism ideology, as it deals with the ° Commitment to the society and environment’s history deeply and interprets it through its own concerns; every community has its own needs, understanding and considering the place in a genuine customs and traditions, in addition to the social way rarely replicated elsewhere 2. and economic circumstances. The architect The architectural character is a reason for should grasp it all and abide by it, for the uniqueness, distinctiveness, individual entity and architecture to be a true reflection of the urban identity. environment’s components and its conditions and Architectural character attributes to be compatible with the community’s ° Creativeness Fluency, which is one of the most fundamentals of civilization and culture. important elements of the architectural ° Innovation and imagination, which require character, should be held within the architects’ intelligence and daring to express their ideas. personalities so they can innovate in each work Architects should possess some important produced with reproduction of ideas and diverse attributes and abilities, such as determining alternatives. These renewable additions require a goals, problems solving, research, accuracy and considerable effort for improvement, and co-operation with the working group. architects must deal with different dimensions, Furthermore, understanding problems, circumstances and forms’ relationships development and testing of hypotheses in a innovatively, whilst forming the solid and void in unique style to resolve them. mass and space systems to fulfill the ° The architect should be able to direct and follow psychological, social, artistic and intellectual the modern management systems; for example pleasures. Architect (Sullivan) argues that project planning, setting evaluation methods and emotional and transparent characters are selection of team work.

26 | Journal of Islamic Architecture Volume 3 Issue 1 June 2014 Formation of the architectural character production of buildings and urban in harmony with 1) Talent, acquired and natural skill besides nature’s laws and universal codes on a cosmic level. innate preparedness (blending art with The intellectual and conceptual course was formed science). through an ideological vision characterized by 2) Intelligence, creativity and inspiration. immutability towards one God. Thus, pace, path, 3) Freedom of choosing the vocational legislation, values and traditions’ constancy that orientation. yielded an intellectual and physical productions 4) Architectural Education, knowledge, influenced by that vision. Islamic creed was the main professional awareness and the attitude steer of the emerged architecture contents of those towards globalization. Islamic eras, which reflected on its external forms; a 5) Socialization. clear reflection of the ideological, cultural, 6) To consider cultural heritage and to have a economic and social community elements. historical sense and perception of the past for Islamic architecture varies in its details from one its role in the present. place or period to another (Figure 1), and it is 7) Field visits and spatial privacy. integrated by the unity of religion and belief. 8) Previous experiences, multiple styles and Building’s craft was developed, responded to users’ previous architectural schools, and the gained requirements, achieved their living desires whilst experiences as it is a tool to associate and technology compliance to building’s science has recall ideas. appeared, which faced with its components the climatic and environmental conditions that vary The architect’s role and responsibilities according to time and place. Islamic architecture The title architect, according to the Royal eras have become a reference for innovation and Institute of British Architects 4, is given to a person mimicry. with a specialized qualification, who is registered Though Western architecture is often prevailed and licensed to practice the profession with the the form over the content, but the Islamic responsible commissioner, holds an architecture architecture is Islamic in its content, and it is shaped degree, and takes responsibility for cultural according to the surrounding environment. Islamic expression in the society through space, form and architecture fulfils internally the values and desires historical context. Architects have responsibilities of the individual user, and consistent externally with originating from their missive towards the globe’s the values and desires of the community, which evolution. They have to highlight, preserve and tours and cohabits outside. It has emerged rich with restore the architectural heritage and domestic its formational and aesthetic features, which depend urban under the globalization currents, and on the ornamental units and geometric relationships international political conflicts. stemming from structural foundations, technical Some architects consider expressing the culture and craft and construction materials. Islamic general philosophy prevailing in the society through architecture with its ideological content and architecture is the architect’s main role. Another constructivist formations comprises the Global responsibility is designing most of the urban Architecture Theory 3. environmental components, thus resolves most of Architects should be aware that an architectural the importuning problems while fulfilling the needs, product has to merge the Islamic ideology, modern desires and demands of the owners. The architects technology and social aspects. They should be aware have to balance between them and his role and of the architectural product value, delivery of duties towards the community. significance and iconic values of the recipient. Linking architecture with community helps in Factors affecting the formation and growth of outlining a civilizational architecture’s formula, in the architectural character which legitimacy and contemporaneity are Belief, education, Socialization, cultural heritage interrelated. and the political system are the most important fundamental factors forming a valuable part of the The Architect and Islamic religion architect’s character. They consolidate her/his Muslims of the first generations invented identity and affiliation with their formation, systems to run their cities, till they become an composition and growth. example to be emulated by most of the world’s The most important of these factors are: cities. Islamic religion teachings helped in a) Religious, ideological and social factors developing those systems. Some of the well-known On a national level, the Islamic architecture is principles of Islam and associated with this subject; the product of local conditions linked with the the Muslim has scruples from within regarding God’s intellectual foundations of the Islamic belief. On the and human rights, fair treatment when trading, other side, it is an architecture that sets human should not trifle with weights and measures and

Journal of Islamic Architecture Volume 3 Issue 1 June 2014 | 27 should not commit fraud when trading off and alike. A notable example on that is the experiment of There should be neither harm nor malice, one of the Barefoot college staff 5, established by ‘Bunker Roy’, important principles adhered to by Muslims, and which included research programs that introduced prioritizing the public interest over the personal one amendments into traditional buildings, and injected in association with public facilities’ issues. them with simple and modern techniques easily Narrowing a public road, for example, in favor of applied, such as ‘Geodesic Domes’ invented by ‘R. individual benefit of expanding one house, if it Buckminster Fuller’. The college constructed a total harms the public road, is not allowed. of more than two hundred homes in the neighboring villages of (Tilonia), India. Also, a system for collecting rainwater was devised instead of relying on groundwater only; thus it has managed to cultivate new areas. All of the before has upturned the village population and surroundings from an extreme poverty into a better humanitarian life. Noteworthy, the university trained hundreds of professional architects working in many villages Suleymaniya Mosque, Al -Azhar Mosque, Cairo, (Rajasthan), India 8. Istanbul, Turkey Egypt

b) Technological factors Figure 1. Islamic architecture details’ variations despite of content’s constancy. The domestic building materials and construction technology are considered to be some Islam affirmed in most of its teachings and of the most important architectural forming factors principles on hygiene, taking into account the throughout history. The heritage shows how the neighbor’s rights, removal of harmful objects from available technology and suitable materials were roads. Islamic sharia permitted taking out a private employed, along with resolving the constructional ownership in favor of public interest benefits. Also problems, such as using arches, domes, muqarnas preserving the cemeteries, various utilities such as and the likes to get over wide spans. water, trees and the like, besides other lofty An example on that is architect ‘Sannan’, who principles legislated by Islam to organize people's constructed many mosques using the technology of lives, relationships and homes. Islam was associated building Byzantine churches, as his architecture was with the genesis, emergence and urban of the influenced by his various military travels around flourishing Islamic cities renaissance, and its Europe, and especially the Byzantine architecture improvement in the organization and urban spread throughout Anatolia. construction, thus became a model of civilization, The technological advancement in the construction progress and development. field includes developing the constructional systems, Linking architecture to the community helps in methods and materials along with structural means. outlining a civilizational architectural formula, in It is well known that communities extinct if they which Legitimacy and contemporaneity are cannot adapt to the challenges accompanying human interrelated. That is fulfilled by Muslim architects’ evolvement; achieving coexistence and accordance awareness of that an architectural product has to with the ongoing changes becomes the architect’s blend the Islamic ideology, modern technology and responsibility. By observing the Islamic architecture social reality, in addition to a sense of the development, it conceptualizes its own elements architectural work worth and its delivery of according to those eras’ technologies. Modern significance and symbolic values to the recipient. technology enables new capabilities for creativity and innovation while processing the architectural The architect and the society design in terms of vision and modeling, which aided As a member of the community, the architect is in generating new architectural formations and affected with the current events, which reflects on observing them to rectify potential errors before 6 his work, values and objectives. The patterns and they are implemented . lifestyles of the social environment of Islamic community and its specific connotations influence c) Political factors the architect. Architecture is considered a reflection The architectural remnants from early ages are of the society’s conditions, values and ways of a strong evidence of politics’ influence on thinking. How successful is an architect, is measured architecture and urbanism through history, where by his ability to understand the social needs and they are either representing belief or constructions circumstances, along with analyzing its member’s expressing monarchy and politics endeavoring. In behavior, and therefore fulfils the society’s wishes Islamic architecture, Governors had a great impact and aspirations in her/his designs. on directing the policies of constructing mosques,

28 | Journal of Islamic Architecture Volume 3 Issue 1 June 2014 castles, walls and palaces. That impact appeared integration between Legitimacy and with architects roaming through the Islamic world. contemporaneity (American University in New Cairo) Cairo and Morocco were influenced by Iran and orientation. Turkey; ‘Qoson’ mosque minarets in Cairo were Regardless the architectural character and identity, designed by architects and builders of (Tabriz), Iran. the architects’ interest turns into achieving the The same design of the minister (Ali Shah) mosque maximum economic returns. In many occasions, they (Tabriz) was imitated. That example demonstrates may impose their architectural point of view that the meaning of transferring the properties and conflicts with the user needs. architectural values among the Islamic world, and On a regional level, the Gulf cities represent an the intellectual continuity within the Islamic content architectural flourish due to the discovery of oil and 7. the economic boom in these countries. The City of Currently, the political factor impact appears, Abu Dhabi, , Jeddah and Dubai are clear at times expresses the power of governance, examples of the economic factor impact, as a reinforcing the authority and protecting the gains, at catalyst, for architectural production. other times serves to provide the needs of a particular community. At other times, it pushes forward the development wheel for all of the community classes. Political changes, particularly major political transitions, such as revolutions, and the subsequent changes in the economic features along with the society’s hierarchy structural changes have a deep impact on the formation of the architect’s thoughts and personality. The architect’s character is influenced by the surrounding political circumstances whether to adopt the regime’s ideology or to be neutral.

By the 1952,’s revolution in Egypt, Egyptian Figure 2. The winning project of the Taking Leave dream architects were influenced by the Arab nationalism award-British university, Egypt. idea, and that Cairo is the Arab and Islamic nation capital, of which has had a significant impact on the Cultural factors and the formation of architectural architectural and urbanism prosperity. The awareness permanent headquarters of the is The culture represents all that is acquired and considered one of the most important projects of not congenital. It is acquired through connecting to that period, designed by the Egyptian architect other cultures; pre-university education, (Mahmoud Riad), 1954. The Architect was keen on architectural education, Arts (has its own endorsing the Islamic identity of Arab cities in this psychological, social, and ethical impressions), building. scientific knowledge, schools of thought or new After the 25 th of January 2011 revolution, Egyptians literary, philosophies and theories innovated. Architects cherished a national dream of Egypt’s Culture refers to all material and ethical values, uprising, (i.e. competition of Taking Leave which beliefs, idols, standards, ideologies and mental was adopted by the Center of Sustainability and explanations collected by humans through their 8 Future Studies BUE) , British university (Figure 2). growth and development stages, both socially and Projects like Suez Canal axis and the Path of historically. It is an indicator and a vision of the Development and Reconstruction in Western Sahara artistic, scientific, literature, productive progress by Dr. Farouk El-Baz were introduced. level at a particular stage of the society’s development. d) Economic factors The Arab references and scientific publications Over the history of Islam, the architectural art deficiency led to the adoption of the western thrives with economic growth and vice versa. A good architecture schools and trends, also supported by a example is the ‘Mamluk’ period flourish due to trade variety and plentiful number of magazines, routes’ booming. For the time being, Economic periodicals and foreign books; the Westernization openness ‘Infitah’ policy (1980 - 2010) and the and cultural invasion matter. The communications economic changes influenced the Egyptian revolution and data exchange, on the other hand, architectural character. Diverse architectural have led to cultures overlapping and the knowledge orientations appeared, such as global western, of diverse architectural schools and benefiting from modernity architecture, historical roots and heritage their development 6. In addition, the enormous (i.e. Hassan Fathy designs), revivalism (Supreme development in the software and computer Constitutional Court in Maadi) as well as the applications has led to cultural identity and

Journal of Islamic Architecture Volume 3 Issue 1 June 2014 | 29 community needs marginalization while focusing on radiation. Early Muslim architects adopted a the shape and formation with no content. constructional approach compatible with these In general, architecture is a culture that can be climatic facts and took advantage of them. Featuring observed, and in particular, the building expresses a that, walls were made of stones or bricks with cultural event. Therefore, architects should create a suitable thickness to prevent heat transfer from strong relationship with the place and their designs outside, reducing the openings facing the street as have to be compatible with the cultural context with much as possible and directing them towards interior all its constants and variables. They also have to courtyard. Also, they used climate processors such as consider the constructional inheritance and its wind-catcher ‘Malqaf’ and ‘Mashrabiya’. values where they can be summoned only through a process of “interpretation", which provides a The architect and the place location privacy and distinctive culture to the The location has a special significance; it forms architectural product. That makes it understandable the architect’s sentiment and inspires familiarity and and desired from both users and recipients, and not affiliation into her/his soul. The place is the through imitation. There are models of distinctive outcome of the transformations occurring daily due architectural designs that bring in the local heritage to activities, harmoniousness, interaction and values in its formations, but only the heritage values livelihood with the place. The location for the perceived by interpretation. architect represents memories, events and self- experiences. Each place has its own characteristics stemming from work and life’s style. The place has a great impact on thoughts and behavior. The place is emotionally involved in human’s mind through the small details, such as local building materials (stone, brick, wood, etc...) and decorations. Through perceiving the place, we can read and grasp the architect’s character (Figure 3), her/his entity and feelings including the affiliation to a particular place and its architectural identity. The understanding of any place’s function is by knowing the traditions while the place’s comprehension absence causes architectural identity loss.

Figure 3. Culture between constants and variables. Source: author e) Environmental factors Environmental factors are a set of natural and generated factors affect the human’s health, work, productivity and life in general. One of the architects’ duties is to create a balanced, healthy, safe, comfortable and sustainable urban environment where they utilize convenient means to Residential house Alguenadely house Rashid - Sana'a- Yemen Egypt achieve that. For example, climatic optimums, Figure 4. The place influence on the Arab Muslim facades direction, optimum utilization of the architect’s character. nature’s energies, such as solar energy and wind. Respecting the environment evolved within the Architectural character and the constants from an ethical practices of the Islamic architecture. The Islamic perspective (Standpoint) environment was considered a source for building Here are architectural constants (Figure 7): materials that incorporates the architectural Constancy of belief and concepts, uniting the vision elements, which is engaged in creating convenient of existence and life through the one God, the architectural spaces for living aligned with designs’ content and thought, architectural identity and atmosphere that takes into account physical and affiliation, legitimacy, the place characteristics, the psychological comfort. natural environment and climate, abstraction, Generally, the Islamic environment is well-known by constants of the material culture represented by the drought, low rainfall and powerful sun rays’ traditions, values and standards.

30 | Journal of Islamic Architecture Volume 3 Issue 1 June 2014 The content, from an Islamic perspective, is the Cultural Particularism for any nation is based functional and ideological aspects’ expression in on several axes; some of the most important are its Islamic architecture, so it does not diverge in cultural heritage, which includes the artistic different locations or periods 9. In addition, the heritage of songs, music, folklore, folk drama and content is the main engine for the Muslim’s popular legends passed through generations after architecture designs and thoughts. generations. The desert’s climate and environment requires This inheritance is what saves the nation's identity special processors, such as ‘Malqaf’, ‘Mashrabiya’ and distinguishes it from others. It is the result of and adjacent architectural blocks, compact urban cultural, social, economic, intellectual, religious, tissue, that achieves social cohesion and security. environmental values interactions. Thus, the identity is an attempt to form the Symbolic values; these Architectural character and identity values create unconscious relationship between the Architectural identity is considered an indication of community and architecture products. the distinctive architectural character and a The Arab-Islamic city is considered an outcome description of affiliation to a bigger entity such as of human interaction with environmental, cultural society or nation 10 . The architectural heritage, and natural factors. With that interaction, the Arab representing the identity and region’s nature, is city the architectural and urbanism have been considered as a sensory record and complex visual formulated as they represent a distinctive feature reference which dates and incorporates for the of, and so the cultural globalization is attempting to societies’ relationships and their environment. The penetrate this fabric and dissolve the human heritage’s consistency and continuity mean that the environmental interaction. physical presence of architecture, urbanism and Architects attempt, through the architectural urban content has been elevated through what it identity, to formulate their relationship with the shares from attributes, qualities and capabilities. ambience and their memory with the historical and That allows the heritage to respond to the society’s cultural dimension besides the environmental needs and reflects their visions to become an resources, methods, and constructional techniques effective renewable expression despite its available. persistence. Heritage for the community means an emphasis on the society’s self-nationalism and civilizational.

Architec tural character classification according to the identity

Heritage development Expatriate Reluctant towards Revivalist identity’s affiliation and receptive of modern technology

Individual insurgent Individual Nationalism Introvert nationalism

Ram ses Hilton Hotel, Cairo Cairo opera house , Giza. The culture park for childern Station railway , Giza , Egypt in Cairo.

Figure 6. Islamic character classification according to the identity approaching in architectural works. Source: author.

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Classification of architectural character from the It concentrates while designing projects, on the identity’s viewpoint (Figure 6) environmental long-term impact during these ° Revivalist: A non-extrovert character that is fond projects’ operation. In modern times, judging the of nationalism and bigotry toward its ancient architectural creativity is not based only on the architectural work aesthetics, but also on its heritage, thereby acting on reviving it as it is, interaction with the surrounding local environment without any development or understanding of the and how it employs a full compatibility, ecologically, content. It ignores the modern technology and its with the least of human interaction 11. The architect developments which results replication copies of should be aware of the surrounding environment’s the heritage. constant and variable conditions, and evolves a link ° Heritage development and receptive of modern and harmony between the architectural and technology : This character examines, analyzes and urbanism work with the surrounding environment. apprehends the cultural heritage content, then Administrative systems and regulations developing it in accordance to the modern The architect may consider the issuing licenses’ techniques and technology instructions with localities and municipalities, ° Reluctant towards identity’s affiliation: This regardless the architectural value that suits the local character suffers from the reluctance towards its environment culturally, socially and economically local identity affiliation for several reasons; most. and maybe not setting well with the heritage or the notably foreign education and fascination with civilizational and cultural environment. Therefore, Western civilization, while being raised in an the skilled architect can design outstanding solutions that balance between national laws, functionality, environment that has a nature and a character that aesthetics and formations. they cannot escape from. ° Expatriate: An individual character insurgent upon the past and its replication at modern times due to Architectural character and disparity the lack of proportionality and convenience With the expansion of Islamic countries, more nations and peoples of ancient and classy Affiliation civilizations joined Islam. Islamic architecture was provided with new data, elements and techniques Affiliation is the emotion of belonging to a that contributed through stages of evolution in the group or place (includes the means that express development and diversity of architecture styles and certain habits, specific aesthetic icons, self-identity, arts in Islamic countries technically and etc…), which encourages the person’s correlation aesthetically. Also, innovative expressions and new and her/his belonging to the void and the place to art elements were introduced, where Muslim be designed, while considering the psychological and architects were inspired by these civilizations and biological circumstances which assist in generating utilized whatever suits the traditions and customs different memories and experiences 10 . consistent with the Islamic culture. All of that This affiliation can be individual, collective, reflected on the Muslim architect character historical or spiritual correlation. affirmatively and beneficially. The wealth of building materials provided by a When the architectural and urban void is certain location besides evolution of the interrelated to the societies with a specific technological factor and diversity in the developed affiliation, it is of a strong and meaningful sense for building materials that followed are some of the them, either local or national and that is increased most important factors leading to disparity. Other by satisfying the individuals’ different needs which factors worth mentioning are: the various leads to void’s affiliation. constructional methods and systems, dissimilarity of The architects’ understanding of the society’s the architect’s deep understanding of the characteristics and circumstances besides their intellectual and physical context of heritage, affiliation to the environment produces a modern education and learning, political changes and the architecture that has a very distinctive character. impact of new cultures on the community’s inherited culture are some of the most important factors of The architect and environment diversity. Islamic countries cultures diversity had a great A distinctive architectural character is role in the enrichment of architecture in these characterized by a manner that respects the countries. The architectural styles and elements are environment by reducing energy consumption, closely tied to the cultural atmosphere and location, materials and resources while minimizing the thus change accordingly and vary in shape. constructional and utilization’s effects on the environment. It organizes and considers the harmonization and compatibility between the Architectural character determinants: environment, society and the building itself through Every architect has a distinctive architectural utilizing local natural materials to build and develop character with its determinants that s/he is natural inherited climate treatments to suit convinced with and attempting to apply in her/his modernity. design. Noteworthy:

32 | Journal of Islamic Architecture Volume 3 Issue 1 June 2014 • Functional determinant: It secures humans As well as achieving humanitarian sensual and existence, survival and their needs such as shelter, cognitive considerations of the architectural product protection and comfort. Forming the architectural and sensual yield 12 , in addition to the attempt of space to accommodate the various and vital finding an architectural formula that represents, activities is a necessity. It fulfils functional and pleases and achieves the society’ needs. That is spatial integration in accordance with spatial unlike the Western architectural character, where convenience and requirements of the appropriate productions are the result of the architect's thoughts functions of the construction. and personality solely. • Environmental determinant • Technological determinant It is fulfilled through composing the formational Utilization and adaptation of the available architectural elements to address climatic technology to the utmost is an important feature of conditions such as the sun’s orbit, wind’s the creative architectural character with choosing its direction, solar radiation ratios, as well as its optimum compliant the least damaging to the suitability in addressing the natural and environment environmental land topography and the site’s Analytical study spatial elements. A number of Arab architects’ pioneers were • Cultural and symbolic determinant selected, who have been influenced by Islamic It is the relevance of various architectural architecture, studied its characteristics and elements to the user’s culture on one side and the interacted with its elements affirmatively. Their cultural reality, on the other hand, in addition to curriculum contains distinctive architectural designs achieving the symbolic requirements which that have a unique character or a specific pattern identify and meet the identity, individual and associated with them. They have attempted to group affiliation requirements besides the highlight the contemporary Islamic civilization symbolic connotations. characteristics through an urban concept associated • Aesthetic and sensual determinant with the social, environmental and cultural dimensions, and the relationship balance between That includes the criteria that aim to clarify man, time and place. the expressional language, such as visual composition, balance, contrast, proportions, Selected architects are: rhythm, symmetry and meanings. • Rasem Badran. Palestinian/Jordanian. . • Abdel Halim Ibrahim. Egypt. • Mohamed Makiya. .

Figure 7. Architectural character between constant s and variables. Source: author

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Table 1. Architect ‘Rasem Badran’ works’ analysis

Architectural Projects Architect: Rasem Badran 13 Country: Palestine/

Born: 1945, winner of Aga Khan Award for About Architecture (AKAA). Seventies: Respecting local environment and social life’s Aspects privacy. Adopted the heritage as a domain for discussing changing and the identity matter. architecture Eighties: Searching for contemporary architecture with schools’ particularism. influence Nineties: Reintroducing classical architecture in a modern way while being open to the modern architecture. Architectural Studied architecture and graduated in Germany. education Kasr Al -Hokm, , Saudi Arabia. Influences His father was a plastic artist, travelling and living in many countries, education in some of the most famous architecture schools, grown up in a country with locational and historical characteristics.

2 years in Germany after graduation. Established Practice architectural design office in Jordan. Wining local and national competitions.

Affiliation Belongs to the national Islamic and identity architecture.

Growing up in JERUSALEM impacted his Place architectural character.

Clear impact of Islamic faith on his Ideology character. Natural Concerned about the harmony between surrounding architecture and geographical content and Constants environment habitants’ nature.

Culture Cultural heritage from the father. Al Yarmouk University - Central Library - Jordan. Community Concerned abou t with identity, causes contemporaneity, legitimism and family housing causes.

Symbol and Existence of symbols and messages in his meaning works.

His education in Germany affected his Architectural character. Erudition about modern education architecture schools. Accepting technology additions within his Technology designs. Construction Utilized both national and new materials constructional materials. Variables Architectural form Aspired by the heritage in a modern way.

Al – Beit Foundation – –Jordan Personal Knowledge of the heritage and arising it to aspects serve the modern and environmental needs.

Architectural Heritage development and receptive for the modern character technology.

His distinctive architectural character is concerned about the identity cause. Aspired by heritage in a modern way. Succeeded in translating the social, Summary cultural, architectural, environmental and spatial into a visual language of spaces and buildings that have the Arab-Islamic architecture particularism.

34 | Journal of Islamic Architecture Volume 3 Issue 1 June 2014 Table 2. Architect ‘Abd-ElHalim Ibrahim’ works’ analysis. Architectural Projects Architect: Abd-ElHalim Ibrahim 14&15 Country: Egypt

Born: 1941, winner of Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) for his project of the Children garden About of culture at ElSayda Zaynab 1992. award and The state award for artistic creation 1993. Searching for contemporary architecture with particularism Aspects and Reintroducing classical architecture in a modern way changing while being open to the modern architecture. Architectural Studied architecture in Cairo university and Ph.D. from education University of California, Berkeley. Influences He was raised among artists, Calligraphers and Craftsmen working in the ornamental ceramic factory where his grandfather was a shareholder. The Six-Day War 1967. Inspired by the surrounding environment. Studying abroad. His professor in USA. Academic position after graduation from ‘Assiut’ university Practice then ‘Cairo’ university. Design for distinctive buildings; the American university is the most recent. Belongs to the national Islamic Affiliation architecture. Place The location’s aspiration has the biggest influence on his designing philosophy. Clear impact of Islamic faith on his Ideology character. surrounding The built environment in his designs is an environment extension of the natural environment. Convinced of the culture role and its Constant Culture importance to achieve development. Concerned about with identit y, Community contemporaneity, legitimism and family causes housing causes. Symbolism and abstraction are considered Symbol and his most important corner stones of his meaning designs. His education in US affected his character Architectural with his erudition about modern education architecture schools. Accepting technology additions within his The American University in Cairo Technology designs. Construction Utilized both national and new materials constructional materials. Aspired by the heritage in a modern way. Architectural Considering the local architectural form elements, such as hipped roofs, arches and Variables building with bricks or apparent stones. Emphasizing on the values that represent humanity in architecture, such as privacy, humanity, affinity, self-intimacy and human Personal scale. Confirming the relationship between aspects the building, as a social event, and the future, as a reactant, from the design’s commencement. Architectural 14 Heritage development and receptive for the modern The culture park for childern in Cairo . character technology.

His personal distinctive architectural aims to compose an architecture that reflects local reality and carries a simple formational language perceived by Summary the public and professionals alike. A researcher for contemporary architecture. The existence of social participation since the beginning of the design and the need for project’s affiliation, for its users to be accepted.

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Table 3. Architect ‘Mohamed Makiya’ works’ analysis

Architecture projects Architect: Mohamed Makiya 16 Country: Iraq

Born: 1914. He established the architecture department in ‘’ university and became its Chief. There is a About photographed archive for his works at Aga Khan documentation department. He was considering the heritage as poverty, ignorance and ailment through his study years. Aspects Forties to Sixties: Followed the traditionalism conservative changing school and praised both the prevailing constructional elements and materials such as bricks, ‘Tabuk’. Architectural Studied architecture and graduated in England. education Born and raised in a popular neighborhood middle of historical Baghdad. Studied abroad. A conflict between his Influences Rafidain Bank, Kufa, Iraq 16 . Islamic background and his study abroad. An educational trip to the British countryside with unique character. Established ‘Makiya partners’ office for architecture Practice consultants and design in Baghdad after receiving his Ph.D. He established other branches in many Arab Capitals. Aff iliation Belongs to the national Islamic architecture and identity Affiliation to the place is one of his main Place undoubted beliefs. Clear impact of Islamic faith on his Ideology character. Natural The built environment in his designs is an surrounding extension of the natural environment. environment 16 Complex of the Heir Apparent Constant Convinced of the culture role and its Culture Rifa'a, Bahrain. importance to achieve development.

Community He succeeded in translating the human causes dimension in architecture.

The aesthetic and spiritual values contents Symbol and are important the built environment’s meaning context.

Architectural His education in England is on the opposite education side of his thoughts.

Accepting technology additions within his Technology designs.

Construction Utilized both national and new materials constructional materials.

Sheikh Saeed house Restoration Variables Aspired by the heritage in a modern way. Dubai.U.A.E.16 Architectural Considering the local architectural form elements, such as hipped roofs, arches and building with bricks or apparent stones.

Heritage awareness to revive it in order to Personal serve the time period’s and environmental aspects needs.

Architectural Developing architectural character, aspired by the heritage character and an acceptant of technology.

His distinctive architectural character succeeded in translating the human dimension in architecture. Also, he has a great ability of incorporating the Summary inspiring symbols, historical and inherent connotations in contemporary architecture, besides integrating the rich heritage in details and elements with an utmost convenience of the modern technological culture.

36 | Journal of Islamic Architecture Volume 3 Issue 1 June 2014 they deal with the place connotations that Conclusion cannot be replicated elsewhere. Architects are associated with function, ° The main cause of urbanism deformation in prospects, requirements, needs, capabilities, Islamic countries is the architects’ deficient technologies and techniques were they should education and upbringing that is due to: implement technology in consistency with the 1) Rarity of books discussing the early architectural values, purports, implications and human pioneers’ careers, history and production dimension for each region. compared to their associates in the west. That The research has concluded the following: led to the western’s ideology, content and theories, domination of the architectural library ° Islamic architectural character is the outcome of over their local and national counterparts. Islamic civilization and culture ideology elements 2) Omission of addressing the contemporary Islamic interaction, derived from the religion and civilization architecture and examples of Islamic law (Shari ’a), with local cultures besides successful projects in the architectural studies of the prevailing environmental and climatic theories and history in architecture academies. conditions. It has benefitted from previous It is confined to the inherited architecture’s civilizations and developed them in accordance history and the Western’s architecture theories. with Islamic religion principles and teachings. It reflects the community’s lifestyle and includes customs, traditions, ways of thinking, religious Recommendations beliefs, moral principles and social values which To encourage the construction of Muslim are some of the main reasons of diversity and architectural character based on the following: variation of Islamic architecture produced in different regions within the same period of time. 1) The architect adoption of clear architectural ° Generally, Arab Muslim architects are absent orientation that represents Islamic culture and from the cultural scene. Their work is devoid of civilization. any cultural, political connotations, meanings or 2) Correct in depth analysis of the symbols found implications. Most of the architectural designs in the urban environment, which aids in are not concerned with the social and humanistic achieving a positive co-habitation with it. dimensions. 3) An urgent need to review the architecture’s ° The dissociation of Arab Muslim Architecture’s theories and history curriculums and materials view, due to prevailing western architectural introduced in architecture academies. They education and schools on one hand, and the have to be reformulated and provided with actual environmental, social and economic aiding frames to contain the authentic conditions on the other, which represents the architectural character elements. Also, they same conflict between Classic and modernity or have to contribute in evolving homogeneity and traditionalism and contemporaneity. cohabitation between the architect and the ° A clear and unique characteristics of Arab community while linking legitimacy with Islamic architectural character through Islamic contemporaneity. architecture evolution stages which has acquired 4) Spread awareness, among architecture capabilities and competencies that can keep up practitioners and students, of preserving the with modern developments, and compatible with architectural identity and urban values with its the technology while adapting it to serve the spatial and intellectual dimensions, in addition community’s needs in accordance with the social to civilizational and reputable cultural context. affiliation importance. ° The constructional heritage values and 5) The Muslim architect should absorb the importance are due to providing the heritage’s values and their impact on the architectural product with a spatial privacy formation of spatial identity and character within its own distinctive culture that makes it without reproducing inconsistence designs with understandable and accepted by its users and modern times. They should analyse, criticize recipients. It is ought to re-interpret the and understand thoroughly the western heritage through understanding, observation and architectural schools before creating a analysis, in order to inspire by what is consistent standpoint to reproduce it again’ beside the across the interpretation process and for it to be creative explanation of Muslim’s architectural beneficial for architecture and culture. heritage in order to recreate it in a renewable ° Islamic civilization architecture is not limited to style with a deep understanding of the a particular form or style, but it is the content overlapping relationships between cultures and or character which is affected by Islamic values. the surrounding material environment. It reinstates psychological balance to Muslim 6) The existence of an architectural school of communities to achieve life goals. thought inspired by the architectural Islamic ° Distinctive architectural character’s designs and Arab heritage that examines and criticizes have content, material and symbolic the values of contemporary architectural significances that can be observed through schools in order to be accommodated within an understanding and assessing their works. Also, intellectual system.

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• Educating the community of the architect’s role 7. Abdul Rahman Zaki, 1987. Encyclopedia of while elevate the architects’ awareness of the the city of Cairo in a thousand years. The society’s role in the architectural product Anglo Egyptian bookshop, Cairo. PP, 96. formulation. Considering public erudition 8. Center of Sustainability and Future Studies, programs, with the intellectual awareness and (BUE) The British University in Egypt,Taking cultural guidance for the owners besides Leave Dream Competition participation in the urban environment https://www.facebook.com/groups/28041787 evaluation. 1979753/, Last access 04/03/2014. • Orientation of Building’s visual formulation that debates in richness and harmony with the 9. Iman Mohammed Eid, 1993. Islamic content in recipient, representing heritage values that have architectural thought, Towards a theory of been reintroduced in a contemporary vocabulary Islamic architecture. Master Thesis, Monufia and between a contemporary architecture university, Egypt. elements compatible with the heritage to be 10. Ehab Nasr Elden Ahamed, May 2012. The accepted by the community. problem of Architecture indentity of Campus Building in new Communities. Journal of References engineering Sciences, Assuit University, Vol.40, issue No.2, pp.4. 1. Khaled Abdel-Moneim Mansy, 1991. Architectural and urbanism character and 11. Aly Raafat, 2007. Cycles of Conceptual urbanization control systems in Egypt. Master Creativity- Environmental Cycle(Future thesis, Helwan University. Architecture), Inter-consult Research Center, 2. Mishari Bin Abdullah Al-Naim, 12 February Al Giza, Egypt. 2011. Cultural questions about architectural 12. Rifat Chadirji, 1988. Problematic architecture character. Al-Riyadh daily, Al-Yamamah Press and structural theorizing. The world of Foundation. Issue no. 15573. thought, the National Council for Culture, 3. Abdel-Baki Ibrahim, 1986. Islamic perspective Arts and Literatures, Kuwait. Volume 27, on architectural theory. Planning and Issue 2. PP 13,18. Architectural Studies Center, Cairo. 13. James Steele, Rasem Badran, 2005. The 4. RIBA: Royal Institute of British Architects, Architecture of Rasem Badran: Narratives on catalogue of (RIBA), British Architectural People and Place. Thames and Hudson. Library, www.architecture.com, Last access 04/01/2014. 14. Edited by James steele, 1992. Architecture 5. Ismail Serageldin, 2002. Aga Khan Award for for a changing world, The Age Khan award for Architecture 2001: Architecture for society, Architecture and acadmy editions. heritage and environment. [Online] (Aga Khan 15. Community Ceremonies article, 18-24 March Award for Architecture (AKAA) 2001: 1999. Abdel-Halim Ibrahim interviewed by Community, heritage and environment Fayza Hassan, Al ahram Weekly, issue No.421, architecture), http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/1999/421/profil http://www.weghatnazar.com/article/article e.htm, Last accessed 04/03/2014. _details.asp?id=62&issue_id=4, Last access 12/03/2014. 16. Architect’s archives, Mohamed Makiya 6. Aly Raafat, 1996. Traid of Architectural collections. Creativity (Environment and Space). Inter- http://archnet.org/collections/123, Last consult Research Center, Al Giza, Egypt. access 12/03/2014.

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