Week 5- Islamic and Romanesque Design

 

Weekly Summary

This week we read about Islamic and Romanesque Design. Both of these styles were expressed through strong religious movements, yet in very different ways.

Islamic design was developed throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia. Mosques served as a very central space for worship in these countries. Common features of the mosques included courtyards and covered halls of columns. They also used decorative elements like horseshoe arches, muqarnas-filled domes, and geometric tilework. Some of the most popular sites are the great mosque of kairouan, the blue mosque in istanbul, and the taj mahal display the islamic architecture designs of both structural innovation and decorative detailing. The Alhambra in Spain uses beautiful garden details and highlights the islamic and european influence.

On the romanesque side of design, you can really see the growth of christianity and the rise of feudalism. This era began around 800 AD under charlemagne. Romanesque churches were huge with stone vaults, thick walls, semicircle arches, and decorative carvings. Each of these things had a unique meaning used to teach religious stories. Some of the most famous examples include Fontenay Abbey, the Pisa Baptistry, and Cluny Abbey. The interiors of these romanesque designs were decorated with painted walls, gilded objects, and heavy stone furnishings. Residential life, on the other hand, was much more simplistic, with wood homes for commoners and cold stone castles for the noble.

Favorite Examples

Blue Mosque (Islamic)—famous for its beautiful tilework and stained glass.

Taj Mahal (Islamic)—has a very symbolic meaning of love and paradise

Alhambra (Islamic)—use of muqarnas and gardens

Pisa Baptistery (Romanesque)—beautiful use of marble in structure

Fontenay Abbey (Romanesque)—just stunning

Current Applications

ISLAMIC:

Aga Khan Museum—located in toronto. Uses geometric forms, courtyards, and patterned light

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi showcases marble domes and detailed tilework on a grand scale. 

ROMANESQUE:

Basilica of the national shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC— romanesque massing, rounded arches, creating a sense of permanence.

The Forum Shops at caesars place (LV)- echoes romanesque and roman classical elements using arches, stone facades, and vaulted ceilings.

One Step Further

Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in honor and memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The taj Mahal was completed between 1632-1648. This building uses white marble, which reflects Islamic emphasis on symmetry, gardens, and paradise. The Taj Mahal is a symbol of enduring love; it is a very famous masterpiece.

Closing Reflection

Islamic and Romanesque design both deeply emphasize faith-based art and architecture. Islamic features are more structured, using intricate detailed decoration and symbolism of paradise, while Romanesque buildings focus more on strength and protection. Romanesque also teaches religious stories and practices with their art and architecture sculptures. Even though these styles came from different practices and cultures, they both show how design can truly impact community values and reflect spiritual life!