How is geometry used in Islamic art?

Geometry. A common feature of Islamic art is the covering of surfaces covered with geometric patterns. This use of geometry is thought to reflect the language of the universe and help the believer to reflect on life and the greatness of creation.

What is the mathematics involved in Islamic art?

Islamic design is based on Greek geometry, which teaches us that starting with very basic assumptions, we can build up a remarkable number of proofs about shapes. Islamic patterns provide a visual confirmation of the complexity that can be achieved with such simple tools.

What is a Muqarnas in art?

A form of decorative vaulting in Islamic architecture. In muqarnas, the surface of a vault or dome is subdivided into niche-like cells that have no load-bearing function. Also know as stalactite vaulting or honeycomb vaulting. Web resource here.

What is the difference between a barrel vault and a groin vault?

Barrel Vault vs Groin Vault: An Overview A barrel vault is the simplest type of ceiling vault, and a groin vault is the result of two intersecting barrels. A groin vault is distinctly curved, but it also has some angles. They both have historical significance, and they have been used in architecture for many years.

What did barrel vaults replace?

Barrel vaults are known from Ancient Egypt, and were used extensively in Roman architecture. They were also used to replace the Cloaca Maxima with a system of underground sewers.

What are Muqarnas vaults?

Muqarnas (Arabic: مقرنص‎; Persian: مقرنس‎), also known in Iranian architecture as Ahoopāy (Persian: آهوپای‎) and in Iberian architecture as Mocárabe, is a form of ornamented vaulting in Islamic architecture. It is the archetypal form of Islamic architecture, integral to the vernacular of Islamic buildings.

Where is geometry used in Islamic art?

For centuries, Islamic geometrical patterns (IGPs) have been used as decorative elements on walls, ceilings, doors, domes, and minarets.

What is sacred geometry in Islamic art?

The geometric designs in Islamic art are often built on combinations of repeated squares and circles, which may be overlapped and interlaced, as can arabesques (with which they are often combined), to form intricate and complex patterns, including a wide variety of tessellations.

How is geometric pattern used in Islamic art?

In the Alhambra (14th C), Spain (above), geometric pattern is perfectly integrated with biomorphic design (arabesque) and calligraphy. These are the three distinct, but complementary, disciplines that comprise Islamic art. They form a three-fold hierarchy in which geometry is seen as foundational.

How does Islamic art represent nature and objects?

The use of patterns is part of the way that Islamic art represents nature and objects by their spiritual qualities, not their physical and material qualities. The repeated geometric patterns often make use of plant motifs, and these are called arabesques.

What are the four basic shapes of Islam?

These Islamic geometric patterns are elaborate artistic designs made by repeating, interlacing, and combining basic geometric forms in large arrays. Islamic geometric patterns are formed from four basic shapes: circles, squares, stars, and multi-sided polygons. The circle and the square are the most basic shapes.

Are there any geometric patterns in the Quran?

Book covers for the Quran are usually decorated using geometric patterns in the borders or the entire cover. The interior texts are sometimes also stylized with calligraphic decoration. The three non-figurative types of Islamic decoration are calligraphy, arabesques, and geometric patterns.