Geometric Analysis and Design in Islamic Architecture
Summary
Islamic architecture has long been celebrated for its intricate use of geometry, manifest in the repeated interplay of symmetry, proportion and rhythm. At its core lies a system of rules governing the division of circles, construction of regular polygons and deployment of grid frameworks to generate endlessly tessellated motifs. From the two-dimensional ornament of mosque façades and tilework to the three-dimensional muqarnas vaults of domes and iwans, designers historically relied on compass-and-straightedge constructions to encode symbolic meaning, reinforce structural harmony and articulate cultural identity. Recent advances in digital scanning, algorithmic design and parametric modelling have revitalised this tradition, enabling scholars to decode hidden pattern grammars, reconstruct damaged heritage and embed these forms within sustainable contemporary practice. By bridging centuries-old craft with present-day computational tools, research in geometric analysis not only deepens our understanding of formal principles but also advances applications in cultural preservation, environmental performance and urban design.
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Geometric Analysis and Design in Islamic Architecture publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in geometric analysis and design in islamic architecture across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Islamic geometric pattern (IGP): Ornamental design based on repeated geometric shapes, often using regular polygons and stars to create tessellated motifs.
Tessellation: Arrangement of shapes covering a plane without gaps or overlaps, fundamental to many Islamic ornamental designs.
Muqarnas: Three-dimensional decorative vaulting element composed of niche-like cells, often analysed via projection plans and grid systems.
Star polygon: Non-convex polygon formed by connecting non-adjacent vertices of a regular polygon, frequently appearing in Islamic ornamentation.
Grid system: Underlying network of lines used to construct and determine proportions of geometric patterns, such as square, triangular or spider-web grids.
References
- Application-based principles of islamic geometric patterns; state-of-the-art, and future trends in computer science/technologies: a review. Heritage Science (2023).
- Sustainability Implications of Utilizing Islamic Geometric Patterns in Contemporary Designs, a Systematic Analysis. Buildings (2023).
- A Recognition Technique for the Generative Tessellations of Geometric Patterns in Islamic Architectural Ornaments; Case Study: Southern Iwan of the Grand Mosque of Varamin. Buildings (2024).
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