century. Nowadays, its

designs vary in accordance with the desired purpose and shape.

 

 

 

Prevalent Theories in Islamic Architecture:

 

At the end of 19

 

th century and beginning of 20th

century, several architectural schools appeared in the west.

The focus of their curricula was on the materialistic values of the industrial revolution. The schools called for

 

an architectural reformation in which shapes are simplified to replace former decorations which were based

 

on visual excitement.

 

 

 

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There is no doubt that dominant thought, significant events and beliefs of the community influence

 

architecture. This can be observed by those who studied the history and theories of architecture. For example,

 

Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Classical and Islamic architectures were somehow affected by the prevalent thought

 

at that time.

 

Post modernism architecture breached all previous architectural concepts and became more individual. For

 

example, ornamentations and symmetry disappeared. Also, it erased the architectural identity and constructive

 

structure. Then, deconstruction architecture emerged. It opposes the principle of heritage resurrection. Its

 

proponents learnt a lesson from the shortcomings of other architectural approaches such as immobility. This

 

can be exemplified by the architects: Peter Ezman and Bernard Chomez whose works were compiled in

 

the book entitled "Deconstruction Architecture". Thus, Deconstruction Architecture marked the collapse of

 

aestheticism.

 

The intellectual integration between heritage and modernism shows the human and Islamic principles which

 

are necessary for architectural reformation. In this regard, architecture serves as an example for

 

other civil sectors.

 

The tasks assigned to the architect whether in the Islamic or western world are so tough that present, past

 

and future should be expressed by his designs. Therefore, Islamic and modern architecture (i.e. functional and

 

analytical approaches) need to be incorporated today. The French architect, Yuji Fjuleh Lodok, pioneered

 

modern architecture. To reformulate the Islamic theory of architecture, demerits of the past should be skipped.

 

During the Mamluks reign in 1259, Islamic architecture regressed because of pushing politics into architecture.

 

It is essential to adopt new architectural theories despite the fact that they may not fill the gaps in previous

 

theories. Unlike architecture, science is based on the revocation of former theories.

 

Discussion:

 

1In his book entitled "Islamic Cities in the Middle Ages" and research paper "Islamic city and community",

 

Eralbydos, a specialist in urbanism, highlighted the role of Arabs in the construction of cities. He stated that

 

"Islamic Arab conquers did not demolish ancient cities". He disagreed with the European orientalists who

 

claimed that Arabs and Islamic conquers ravaged the cities of the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Most oriental studies which addressed the political and economic significance of the Arab world should

 

be neglected because they glorify intolerance. The following aspects of the Islamic architecture ought to be

 

modernized:

 

C

 

 

shape

 

 

C

 

 

religious and spiritual aspects

 

 

C

 

 

moderate architectural theories

This can be attained by identifying the perspective on which the interaction between Islamic architecture

 

and other civilizations should be built. Furthermore, subjective criticism of the Islamic concept of arts and

 

architecture need to be ignored. For example, prohibiting decorations does not represent the Islamic

 

mainstream.

 

Besides the previous aspects of modern Islamic architecture, the following matters should be considered:

 

 

 

1. Adapting with climate:

 

A building should adopt with climate because it becomes a part of nature (i.e. a tree or stone) once it is

 

constructed. This means that it is exposed to the effects of sun, rain and wind like other objects in nature.

 

Climatic balance was taken into account in most ancient architectural civilizations including the Islamic

 

architecture.

 

2. Respect of site:

 

The construction site should be respected especially when it comes to digging, filling up and

 

uprooting trees.

 

3. Ecology and Conserving Energy:

 

Susan Maxman thinks that the building should harmonize with the surrounding nature, people's lifestyles

 

and community's powers. All ancient nations considered environmental factors when they designed

 

their buildings.

 

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156

 

4. Using environmentally friendly construction materials:

 

The construction materials of ancient civilizations comprised stone, mud and wood. These materials were

 

available in nature, so no energy was needed at the manufacturing, installing and maintenance stages. Also,

 

alternatives must be found for the construction materials which have potential dangers on health and

 

environment.

 

Conclusions:

 

It has been noticed that some architects are turning back to the original traditions of architecture. Their

 

perspective is influenced by the circumstances of the current age. They achieved a tremendous success in the

 

Arab world because they took modernism and the factors which affect architecture into consideration. They

 

also collaborated with such prominent architects as Henning Larson, because some Islamic buildings were

 

designed by none-Muslims.

 

To develop an Islamic theory of architecture in which modernism and originality are paralleled, architects

 

need to conduct more theoretical studies. On top of that, they should improve the applied approaches of Islamic

 

architecture and gain the support of national organizations which are charged with the responsibility of reviving

 

Islamic architecture.

 

REFERENCES

 

J. Sauvaget: La Mosquee Omayyade de Medine, Paris, 1947.

 

Arnold, Sir Thomas W. Painting in Islam, New York, 1965.

 

Brand, Barbra. The Emeror Akhhar’s Khamsa of Nizami, London, 1995.

 

Islamic Art and Architecture 650-1250 Marilyn Jenkins, 2002.

 

Peltre, Christine, Orientalism in Art, New York, 1998.

 

Vernoit, Stephen, Discovering Islamic Art, London, 2000.

 

Antoniades, Anthonyc. Poetics of Architecture: Theory of Design, New York, 1990.

 

Van Pelt, Kobert Jan, Architectural Principles in the age of Historicism, New Haven Yale 1991.

 

Nattgens, P., The Story of Architecture, London, 1993.

 

Theories and History of Architecture, Manferdo Teturi, London, Granada, 1980.

 

A History of Western Architecture, David Watkin, 1996