Abstract
Abstract Using decorative elements is an inseparable aspect of Iranian architecture. Architectural ornaments in many buildings, including the minarets, represent the architect’s craftsmanship. As such, the minarets in Isfahan have different types of brickwork ornamentations, such as 90-degree herringbone (Khofteh-Rasteh), basket weave bond (Hasiri), and other complex types. Additionally, the highest minarets are usually constructed in a truncated conical shape to reduce their overall weight and ameliorate their stability against the wind, and lateral forces. Therefore, while the geometric integrity of brickwork patterns should be maintained, all the ornamentations are applied on a shrinking surface area. However, the practical solutions for the construction processes in these structures haven’t been sufficiently investigated. Hence, this study aims to explore the methods of brickwork projection on the minarets and analyse the changes in girih patterns at different height levels. Accordingly, after surveying the selected single minarets in Isfahan, they were modeled using drafting software applications and then analysed.
Highlights
The minaret is an architectural type with symbolic significance in the Middle East
While the geometric integrity of brickwork patterns should be maintained, all the ornamentations are applied on a shrinking surface area
The exterior surface is usually ornamented with brickwork patterns that are designed through mathematical and geometric calculations
Summary
The minaret is an architectural type with symbolic significance in the Middle East. The exterior surface is usually ornamented with brickwork patterns that are designed through mathematical and geometric calculations. Some studies about Islamic geometric patterns discussed the method of designing girih patterns through angled lines and circles [5, 6]. Even though exploring the diverse methods and their practical implementations have been in the focus of many studies, the practical solutions to design girih patterns in the minaret’s brickwork as well as making essential changes in these structures are being addressed for the first time in the present study; correspondingly, the changes from the bottom of the minaret to its top (A to B) or from its exterior surface to the interior one (C to B) will be investigated in this article (Figure 1). The data collection method has been through architectural surveying and field research, and the accuracy was achieved through a brick-by-brick architectural survey at different height levels in both minarets with simple brickworks and those with intricate girih patterns. The usage of girih in the brickwork ornamentations on minarets with truncated conical shapes will be analysed here
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