dc.contributor.author | Sabbagh, Abdulmajeed M. | en |
dc.date.accessioned | 2019-02-15T14:19:45Z | |
dc.date.available | 2019-02-15T14:19:45Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2010 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1842/33802 | |
dc.description.abstract | This thesis is about muqarnas, a type of three-dimensional decorative finishing strip using
concave elements. It is a kind of corbel used in Islamic architecture both as a decorative motif
and as an enriched block or horizontal bracket. It is generally found under the cornice and
above the bed -mould of the Corinthian entablature, and at the same time, it hides the
transitional zones between various surfaces (e.g. arches, domes, capitals, windows, ceilings,
minarets, mihrabs, minbar, façade). It can take a number of forms and in some circumstances
resembles stalactites. It has been applied, artistically, to different materials (e.g. stucco, stone,
marble, wood, faience and polychrome) in unique, regularly spaced, geometric arrangements. | en |
dc.description.abstract | The muqarnas is an important feature in Islamic architecture because of its social, cultural
and symbolic meanings. The research aim is to critically analyse the muqarnas and to shed
light on its genesis, nature and evolution. This will be followed by an attempt to transform the
muqarnas to suit modern use without losing its meaning. This study will highlight the
importance of providing a simple software program for modelling the muqarnas, relevant to
the field of Islamic architecture, epigraphic design and art such that it can be appreciated by
contemporary practitioners, especially contemporary viewers, who will find different options
in the model (muqarnas blocks) that will allow them to assess alternative designs and have them ready for use in the form of computerised two -dimensional and three-dimensional
drawings. | en |
dc.description.abstract | The thesis begins with a first chapter comprising an introduction to the background, aim,
objectives, methodology and the significance of the research. The second chapter is a review
of the history of muqarnas and offers an interpretation of all the figures that combine to make
the muqarnas types, spatial compositions in interlocking values. The chapter also explores the
cultural and compositional units (cube, sphere, wall, columns and arches) and the properties
of the organic rules of the muqarnas. The third chapter is an analysis of the proportional order
and harmony of each element of the muqarnas units in Islamic architecture. The fourth
chapter puts an intellectual and subjective perspective on the properties of the muqarnas,
concentrating on structural transformation in Islamic art and architecture using structuralism
and associated theories. The fifth chapter reviews the performance of the muqarnas design
processing program `Generator of Mugarnas'. This program can be used to visualise data
generated from the blocks of muqarnas, to create a user interface and to convert two-dimensional plans into three- dimensional muqarnas data. The program is based on the
original muqarnas types and allows for efficiency of working with materials, textures, colours
and light. The final chapter concludes with a brief overview of the significance of the study. | en |
dc.description.abstract | This innovative approach to the modern world will introduce the aesthetics of the muqarnas
to a new audience, and rekindle the interest of designers, artists and architects. Using the
program they will find alternatives ready for use in the form of computer -generated muqarnas
drawings which will help them, as they are easy to use, saving time and effort. The author has
made contact with professionals who are interested in using muqamas and those who are
looking to invest and publish the software program when it has been fully developed and
tested. | en |
dc.publisher | The University of Edinburgh | en |
dc.relation.ispartof | Annexe Thesis Digitisation Project 2019 Block 22 | en |
dc.relation.isreferencedby | | en |
dc.title | The Muqarnas in contemporary art and epigraphic design: developing technical vision in the design of the muqarnas | en |
dc.type | Thesis or Dissertation | en |
dc.type.qualificationlevel | Doctoral | en |
dc.type.qualificationname | PhD Doctor of Philosophy | en |