Application of geometric ornaments over Islamic architectural elements

Abstract

Islamic geometrical patterns (IGPs) are one of key ornaments, which are widely used as decoration, over building elements in Islamic world of architecture. This research identifies the relation of building elements and their decorative patterns where it eventually indications to establish a guideline to use of IGPs based on building elements. For instance, in domes, Muslim architects used “combination of different geometrical patterns” technique to overcome variation of diameter form dome’s base to apex. Another case is Minaret, which is usually less decorated with geometrical patterns. This might be due to accessibility and visibility issues. Hence, relatively, more simple types of geometrical patterns can be found over this element. A thorough survey of ornaments of hundred well-survived buildings through Muslim world of architecture has been conducted for this purpose, which reveals how types of decorative patterns are associated with architectural properties of building elements.