Design & Soul: The Great Mosque Of Cordova Vs. The Alhambra
December 21st, 2010 10:26 AM
The architectural landmarks of our world offer us an experience that is beyond their magnificent appearances - they affect us on a deep level allowing us to alter our state of mind and be in harmony with those human creations.
Two such wonders are The Great Mosque of Cordova and the Alhambra in Granada. Both in Andalusia, the southern region of Spain, both built by the Moors who ruled that area over a period of several hundred years. As with many Muslim buildings, natural elements were used to inspire and bring serenity, as Palm trees and water represent the Oasis, a powerful symbol for a culture that originated in a desert landscape.
The first is a place of prayer: built at the end of the 8th century, it has become a center of learning and collaboration of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. That time between 900 and 1262 AD is referred to as ‘The Golden Era’ and is maybe the one time in our history that the three religious movements collaborated on many levels: holding philosophical debates and enriching each other with art and poetry as well as sharing significant scientific achievements in medicine, mathematics and astronomy.
The structure is austere: a forest of structural stone coulombs representing Palm trees, and super imposed arches stretched above them. Looking through this simple and precise grid, we feel as if we are gazing into eternity. Any way we look and as we become accustomed to the repetitive and minimal design elements, be it directly ahead or on an angle, we are able to turn our focus inward for reflection or prayer. The Miharab (the alter) is highly ornate and in high contrast to the simple main prayer hall. The ever-changing light filters into this otherwise dark space and is reflected from its coloured glass mosaic. Here too, the worshiper can connect to Nature directly - to the sun, the source of life.
The Alhambra in Granada was a palace built for the Moorish ruler around the10th century and kept evolving up to the 19th century.
It can easily overwhelm visitors with the sheer variety of its spaces, its profusion of hidden corners and its staggering range of intricate ornamental detail. Most of its buildings represent Muslim architecture and art: Deep elaborate arches, geometric tile work, floral ornaments, intricate carved and gilded jesso, and Arabic script of fine poetry and calligraphy interlaced on its walls. The remarkable landscaping intertwines with the structures and brings much symbolism to this place. In the Court of the Lions channels represent the four rivers of Paradise described in the Koran as where in The Court of the Myrtles (It’s name derives from the sacred Myrtle shrub) a large pool magically reflects the imposing structures surrounding it while shallow basins feed the pool at its narrow ends. Throughout the grounds serenity is created with the sound of water flowing and with the reflections of the changing light. Not surprisingly, the waters are used for irrigation and provide some relief in the hot summer days.
The Great Mosque of Cordova embodies design at its purest form: the almost bare structural elements and rhythm move us into a meditative state in which we can reach inward and access our inner experiences.
The Alhambra in Granada uses the space as an art form: The opulence of detail lifts our spirit to one of visual ecstasy with appreciation for human’s creativity.
Environments, natural ones as well as man’s creations affect us in many different ways. When we consider our surroundings while wanting to create new spaces we need to consider what would be the purpose of that space: not only for its functional attributes, but also for the kind of a spiritual experience we wish to have evoked in ourselves. The desire to find stimulation or serenity, sense of adventure or of security, simplicity or opulence – each will determine which approach we need to take while designing that space.
Daniella Amit is the co-owner of In Residence Design Group Inc. Phone: 604.551.3842
daniella@inresidencedesign.com
www.inresidencedesign.com
Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Dec 06 - Jan 07
Two such wonders are The Great Mosque of Cordova and the Alhambra in Granada. Both in Andalusia, the southern region of Spain, both built by the Moors who ruled that area over a period of several hundred years. As with many Muslim buildings, natural elements were used to inspire and bring serenity, as Palm trees and water represent the Oasis, a powerful symbol for a culture that originated in a desert landscape.
The first is a place of prayer: built at the end of the 8th century, it has become a center of learning and collaboration of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. That time between 900 and 1262 AD is referred to as ‘The Golden Era’ and is maybe the one time in our history that the three religious movements collaborated on many levels: holding philosophical debates and enriching each other with art and poetry as well as sharing significant scientific achievements in medicine, mathematics and astronomy.
The structure is austere: a forest of structural stone coulombs representing Palm trees, and super imposed arches stretched above them. Looking through this simple and precise grid, we feel as if we are gazing into eternity. Any way we look and as we become accustomed to the repetitive and minimal design elements, be it directly ahead or on an angle, we are able to turn our focus inward for reflection or prayer. The Miharab (the alter) is highly ornate and in high contrast to the simple main prayer hall. The ever-changing light filters into this otherwise dark space and is reflected from its coloured glass mosaic. Here too, the worshiper can connect to Nature directly - to the sun, the source of life.
The Alhambra in Granada was a palace built for the Moorish ruler around the10th century and kept evolving up to the 19th century.
It can easily overwhelm visitors with the sheer variety of its spaces, its profusion of hidden corners and its staggering range of intricate ornamental detail. Most of its buildings represent Muslim architecture and art: Deep elaborate arches, geometric tile work, floral ornaments, intricate carved and gilded jesso, and Arabic script of fine poetry and calligraphy interlaced on its walls. The remarkable landscaping intertwines with the structures and brings much symbolism to this place. In the Court of the Lions channels represent the four rivers of Paradise described in the Koran as where in The Court of the Myrtles (It’s name derives from the sacred Myrtle shrub) a large pool magically reflects the imposing structures surrounding it while shallow basins feed the pool at its narrow ends. Throughout the grounds serenity is created with the sound of water flowing and with the reflections of the changing light. Not surprisingly, the waters are used for irrigation and provide some relief in the hot summer days.
The Great Mosque of Cordova embodies design at its purest form: the almost bare structural elements and rhythm move us into a meditative state in which we can reach inward and access our inner experiences.
The Alhambra in Granada uses the space as an art form: The opulence of detail lifts our spirit to one of visual ecstasy with appreciation for human’s creativity.
Environments, natural ones as well as man’s creations affect us in many different ways. When we consider our surroundings while wanting to create new spaces we need to consider what would be the purpose of that space: not only for its functional attributes, but also for the kind of a spiritual experience we wish to have evoked in ourselves. The desire to find stimulation or serenity, sense of adventure or of security, simplicity or opulence – each will determine which approach we need to take while designing that space.
Daniella Amit is the co-owner of In Residence Design Group Inc. Phone: 604.551.3842
daniella@inresidencedesign.com
www.inresidencedesign.com
Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Dec 06 - Jan 07
Photos
