Traditional Complex Modularity in Islamic and Persian Architecture: Interpretations in Muqarnas and Patkane Crafts, Focusing on their Prefabricated Essence

Muqarnas are a traditional architectural ornament and decorative craft of Islamicand Persian architecture, which resemble stalactite rock formations.Among the most characteristic artifacts and original inventions of medievalIslamic Architecture, they are a structure formed out of small pointed nicheswith rhythmic modularity and infinite compositions. They were built to breakdown vaults and domes into multiple facets with the purpose of unifying adome’s transitional zones into a compositional unity.Early Muqarnas installations are found in Northeastern Iran and Central NorthAfrica. Significant advances in design and construction techniques continuedto 17th century. We can see countless and unique pieces examples of thiscraft in 15th, 16th and 17th century from Iran to Spain.Although the installation of the Muqarnas was on site, they can be consideredas one of the earliest, and at the same time complete samples of modularizationand partial prefabrication. This paper proposes using modern technologysuch as parametric modeling and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) productionto understand and revitalize this complex, modular geometry.In traditional design, the conception and drafting of the Muqarnas was basedon a highly coded system. Its geometry needs to be decoded to its basic modulesin order to be understandable. Basically, two dimensional representationsof the complex three-dimensional Muqarnas form were abbreviated andshortened to provide a very practical way of abstracting the threedimensionalcomplexity to simple modules to simplify its construction.Here is a brief explanation of the construction of a Muqarnas vault: First aplastered slab was built under the vault that was to receive the Muqarnas.Then a one-to-one scaled working sketch of the Muqarnas was etched on thementioned slab. Edges of each row were then defined on this two dimensionalfull scale pattern and then a one-inch horizontal thickness of all the tiers ofvault were cast. Cast plates were bonded to the vault and walls. A plumbline was used as to coordinate the vertical location of tiers to etched plan onthe ground. Vertical arches were then fabricated out of wood and were addedbetween the horizontal layers. These shaped niches complete the skeletonframework of the installation. Finally, a quick drying plaster was used to coverthe whole structure to provide a seamless look.Although many of the components were built on site, this paper asserts thatthe entire procedure can be considered as a prefabricated construction. Everypart was built separately in series based on the required quantity and dimensionsof each module of the two-dimensional plan. Then the components wereassembled to create a complex whole.My intention here is to propose new and innovative interpretations of Muqarnasby using parametric modeling to achieve new varieties of geometry. Sincethe concept of numerical control is based on abstraction of commands it canbe matched with the traditional ways of coding this geometry and generate ahighly complex spatial structure—fusing traditional and contemporary modularconstruction in a new 21st century reimaging of the traditional Muqarnas.

Volume Editors
John Quale, Rashida Ng & Ryan E. Smith

ISBN
978-0-935502-85-5