The Quest for Contemporary Islamic Architecture
Prof. Dr. S. M. Akhtar
Dean, Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics
Jamia Millia Islamia
New Delhi-110025 India.
Abstract
Islamic Architecture no more needs to be confined to days of past. There is no more time for nostalgia or for basking in the glory of bygone days. Islam is living and beckoning the society today, so has to be Islamic Architecture. Over the last two centuries there has been a design to confine Islamic Architecture to Medieval period precisely from 10th century to18th century, to obscure Islam as well Islamic Architecture from the modern times and for its relevance to the contemporary society and living.
Incidentally this is the time which is more contextual for the Islamic Architecture than it was during the pre industrialization age of the global society. Besides the Changed economic order of the global society, which has dissipated wealth at all level of the cross section of the society, the environmental crisis has further endorsed the need of Islamic Architecture for the contemporary society.
The terminology used for the Architectural Expression of the 20th can also be attributed to Islamic Architecture. The minimalism and thrust on functionalism, carry the philosophy of Architectural Expression of 20th century very close to Islamic Philosophy.
But when it is attributed to a philosophy or way of life or to a religion, then it has to be universal and eternal. So is the case of Islamic Architecture, as the Islam is universal and eternal, the Islamic Architecture has to be universal and for all times that is for present as well for future.
The 21st century Architecture is faced with the issues of rational exploitation of natural resources, maximum development with minimum damage to natural environment. These challenges again can be faced with Islamic Architecture.
Today the issue of core concern for the human existence on earth are focussed on management of Air and water, which has been at centre for concern as one of the most fundamental aspect. Quran speaks repeatedly on these two aspects in all the context.
The complexities of atmosphere which is the essence of like can sustain life with its purity that is being unpolluted. It puts obligation on the total human race to be discreet in handling of the atmosphere.
Paper
Islamic Architecture no more needs to be confined to days of past. There is no more time for nostalgia or for basking in the glory of bygone days. Islam is living and beckoning the society today, so has to be Islamic Architecture. Over the last two centuries there has been a design to confine Islamic Architecture to Medieval period precisely from 10th century to18th century, to obscure Islam as well Islamic Architecture from the modern times and for its relevance to the contemporary society and living.
This design needs to be broken, Islamic architecture needs to be liberated from it’s own shadows. A new perception has to emerge for Islamic Architecture. There has to be a drive to identify and recognise Architecture with Islamic soul for today and call it Contemporary Islamic Architecture.
Incidentally this is the time which is more contextual for the Islamic Architecture than it was during the pre industrialization age of the global society. The architecture is driven by wealth, so in earlier times when wealth was confined in few hand, the architecture had the scope to serve a small section of the society, as in those days wealth used to be confined in few hands of rulers and their feudal extensions the scope of Architecture remained confined to Religious Buildings, Palaces Forts and Tombs. Today when much larger cross section of the society is having economic power, the reach of Architecture has percolated to masses. Now the scope of Architecture starting from creating dwelling for common people spans over work places having wide diversity. Which goes more in line with the philosophy of Islam.
Besides the Changed economic order of the global society, which has dissipated wealth at all level of the cross section of the society, the environmental crisis has further endorsed the need of Islamic Architecture for the contemporary society.
Today when the earth is at very critical threshold of environmental degradation and global vulnerability, the global society needs to focus on Islamic Architecture. Carbon Credits, Green Building, or any other type of accreditations for energy efficiency can be of no use except being another product for brand marketing by a hand full of corporate business houses, who have no other objective except making higher and higher profits. Often they thrive on creating fear psychosis.
When the 19th century had been going through a total transformation ignited due to setting in Industrialization and industrial economy which shifted the global control to the forces which have taken lead in industrialization. The 20th century faced with an order which transformed the Architectural Vocabulary and the terms and classifications used earlier became redundant.
Though the terminology used for the Architectural Expression of the 20th century were not attributed to Islamic Architecture, but the minimalism and thrust on functionalism practised during 20th century, carry the philosophy of Architectural Expression of 20th century very close to Islamic Philosophy. Specially, the transformation from Feudal Architecture to Architecture for Mass, carries Architecture of the 20th century closest to spirit of Islamic Architecture. Truly speaking Bauhaus movement is totally Islamic in absoluteness, where the quest have been for global design for mass production, which eventually aimed to serve the larger global society, librating the architecture from the shackles for feudalism., where the Architects and artisans were totally patronised by the rich and effluent class of the society.
As long as Architectural Classification and categorisation is based on Place, Purpose, or Period of its happening, the nomenclature can be coined with the name of places like, Shiraz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Rome or Egypt, or with period like classical, renaissance, etc or with purpose like Cathedral, Church, Monastery, Seminary or in the name of dynastic rulers like Tughlaks, Mughal, Lodhis. All such type of Architecture may refer to a geographical region, or to ruler at certain period and certain place, which makes Architectural reference local as well confined to a particular period.
But when it is attributed to a philosophy or way of life or to a religion, then it has to be universal and eternal. So is the case of Islamic Architecture, as the Islam is universal and eternal, the Islamic Architecture has to be universal and for all times that is for present as well for future.
Architecture is a living vibrating phenomena. If it is living it has to be for the present and for the future. The thing which has passed is a history, and the physical structures of the past which are not living are Archaeology may be called in certain context monument or heritage. Even at times they are referred as Architecture but that is a paradox or a fallacy.
The 21st century Architecture is faced with the issues of rational exploitation of natural resources, maximum development with minimum damage to natural environment. These challenges again can be faced with Islamic Architecture. The balance between the Animal Kingdom and Man Kingdom on the earth is very perfect. And the Islam advocates for both very intensely and at place the exploitation of natural resources in form of Plant Kingdom and Animal kingdom has not been forbidden but at the same time the excessive action vandalism, mutilation has been prohibited. A discreet and balanced approach not only for coexistence, but for complementing each other has been endorsed and advocated. That gives the message that Natural environment can be supplemented with built environment for better living, but natural environment cannot be subjugated by building greed.
Today the issue of core concern for the human existence on earth are focused on management of Air and water, which has been at centre for concern as one of the most fundamental aspect. Quran speaks repeatedly on these two aspects in all the relevant context. And the world has reached to this situation of environmental crisis just by violating the laid down rules for nature towards exploitation of natural resources.
Quran commands ” And do not do mischief on the earth after it has been set in order,.. (7:56).” Further Quran forbids against destroying crops and progeny “And when he turns away, his efforts in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief”(2:205)
The continuation of life depends on Air, Water, and Soil. Plants, Animals, and Man, all depend on water for their existence and continuation of their lives. Accordingly the Islamic commands on conservation and preservation are very clear and well pronounced. Repeatedly the Importance of water is emphasised, which present society has mutilated very ruthlessly.
“We made from water every living thing…” (Quran 21:30)
“Verily... in the rain that God sends down from heaven, thereby giving life to the earth after its death...” (Quran 2:164)
“It is He Who sends down water from the sky; and thereby We have brought forth the plants of every kind…” (Quran 6:99)
“And you see the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain upon it, it stirs and swells, and puts forth growth of every resplendent kind.” (Quran 22:5)
“And We send down pure water from the sky, thereby to bring to life a dead land and slake the thirst of that which We have created-cattle and men in multitudes.” (Quran 25:48-49)
World is facing qualitative as well quantitative issues of water and both have been dealt exclusively and precisely. Issues related to purity of water verses the contamination of water are well considered and deliberated.
“Have you seen the water which you drink? Was it you who sent it down from the rain cloud, or did We send it? Were it Our will, We could have made it bitter; why then do you not give thanks?” (Quran 56:68-70)
Here again the emphasis is on realisation of availability of water, without which no life can exist.
“Say: Have you considered, if your water were one morning to have seeped away, who then could bring you clear-flowing water?” (Quran 67:30)
The diverse role played by water to sustain life on earth has been explained in its full diversity ad versatility.
“And He caused rain to descend on you from heaven to cleanse you therewith…” (Quran 8:11)
Here again the consideration is not alone on surface water, but also the emphasis is on sea and ocean and the diversity and potentials of the marine ecology.
“It is He Who has made the sea of service, that you may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that you may bring forth from it ornaments to wear, and you see the ships therein that plough the waves, that you may seek of His bounty.” (Quran 16:14)
The potential of water sports too have been identified and endorsed to appreciate the diversity in use of water.
“Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game and its use for food a provision for you, and for those who travel…” (Quran 5:96)
The management of water and its distribution too has been taken in accounts and rules have been set for them, the emphasis has been on sharing the water, instead of confining and accumulating. Today often there are disputes and fights and even wars on sharing of water.
“And tell them that the water shall be shared between them…” (Quran 54:28)
Similarly, Air without which no life can exist too has been dwelt holistically,
“And we send the fertilizing winds...” (Quran 15:22)
“Verily in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of night and day in the change of the winds, and the clouds compelled between heaven and earth surely there are signs for a people who have sense.” (Quran 2:164)
“And He it is Who sends the winds as tidings heralding His grace: until when they have raised a heavy-laden cloud, We drive it to a dead land and cause the rain to descend upon it, and thereby bring forth fruits of every kind.” (Quran 7:57)
The complexities of atmosphere which is the essence of life can sustain life only with its purity that is being unpolluted. It puts obligation on the total human race to be discreet in handling of the atmosphere. The absolute sensitivity towards its fragile nature and intricate balance and safe guard against the potential threat from pollution and contamination is imperative.
Like air and water, the land and soil are essential for the perpetuation of life as a whole on earth encompassing all form of plant and creatures.
“And the earth He has established for living creatures.” (Quran 55:10)
“And among His signs is that He has created you from dust; then behold, you are humans scattered widely.” (Quran 30:20)
“And God has made you grow, as a plant from the earth; then to it He returns you, and He will bring you forth a new...” (Quran 71:17-18)
Same as our home, the land has value as the open spaces, that is what is being practiced today in Architecture, open spaces are as important as the covered spaces, this aspect has lead to evolution of concept like Urban Design and Landscape design or even to the concept of Environmental Design upon which today Architecture practices are harping on without refereeing it as Islamic Architecture.
“...and God has made the earth a wide expanse, that you may traverse its open ways.” (Quran 71:19-20)
“Have We not made the earth a vessel to hold the living and the dead? And We have made in it lofty mountains and provided you sweet water to drink.” (Quran 77:25-27)
Here is a reference for Water shed vegetation as well on the topography of the earth, the importance of flat lad as well undulated land for habitation. Today the Planning practices endorse that flat land alone are of no use for habitation, the combination of flat surfaces and its undulations spread the sheet for the habitation.
“And the earth, after that He has spread it out; from it He has brought forth its waters and its pastures, and He has made fast the mountains, a provision for you and for your cattle.” (Quran 79:30-33)
Striking a balance between various variable like nature and development, as well amongst the various aspects of sustenance has been emphasised, and today’s main challenge in dealing with habitat is to strike a balance among number of parameter in a chase for sustainable development. Often, the situation of devastation is caused in the absence of the right balance.
“And the earth, We have spread it out, and made in it mountains standing firm, and grown in it every thing in balance. And We have provided in it sustenance for you, and for those whom you do not support.” (Quran 15:19-20)
Adversities may occur in the absence of such balance. Fore seeing the growth of population with which man will need more vegetation to sustain. The message for converting and reclaiming the unfertile land into fertile too has been given as a direct direction.
“And a sign for them is the lifeless earth: We bring it to life and bring forth from it grain of which they eat. And we have made therein gardens of palms and vines.” (Quran 36:33-35)
The holistic approach propagated by Islam for the Humanity is the foundation as well trajectory of Islamic Architecture to serve the global society. This has to be realised by one and all.
The recent initiative of the UNESCO to set up a Quran Botanical Garden can be seen as set forward towards Contemporary Islamic Architecture. As it has been reported it seems to be very pragmatic.
“As the environmental conservation concerns, this Quran botanical garden will include a considerable living display of plants mentioned in the Holy Quran and it will be useful to understand, preserve and hand to the future generations an interesting example of botanical diversity. Preserving biodiversity is one of the important fields of UNESCO’s activities and it is well known that biodiversity is an important natural resource to ensure the survival of humankind as well as of all biological organisms. The Quran botanical garden will also be a meaningful opportunity in the field of scientific research, in order to study the sophisticated link between biodiversity and ecosystems. A comprehensive proposal is being prepared in collaborating with a selected team of architects, botanists, engineers, and Muslim scholars by UNESCO Doha office.”
Key Words: Contemporary,
Reference:
1. Various Chapter of Holy Quran