ADAPTING DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE VOCABULARY TO REFORMULATE GEOMETRIC COMPOSITIONS OF ISLAMIC FACADES - CASE STUDY: PROPOSED MODEL FOR ISLAMIC FAÇADE THROUGH DIGITAL VOCABULARY

Abstract

Islamic architectural facades characterized by many distinguished vocabularies that formed its character; as arches, ornaments, al-Muqarnas and mashrabeya etc. However, during the modern era, the Islamic heritage regions faced many changes and transformations of its character, either by new buildings that were built according to modern or unplanned styles, or by random and unplanned developments. However, recently and with the beginning of the twenty first century and with the great breakthrough in the digital tools and techniques, it facilitates new horizons in the architectural form generation. Accordingly, the research focuses on how to investigate the positive impacts of digital technologies on Islamic Architecture. In addition to how to utilize the digital thoughts, vocabulary, and techniques to create and develop a heritage inspired vocabulary that can compromise with the traditional Islamic architecture theme. Through this, the research aims to achieve a systemization of digital design strategies to facilitate the generation of Islamic-inspired façade, to create a new Islamic architecture that can be applied within Islamic heritage regions to connect the modern buildings which located in these regions with the existing Islamic reference. To achieve that, the research starts with studying and discussing the main elements that formed the Islamic facades, to stand on the methods of formations of each element and its function of the Islamic façade, whether it is an intrinsic function or aesthetic function. Consequently, standing on the main digital theories that lead to new architectural vocabulary that can homogenate with Islamic vocabulary, through studying the concept of each digital theory, accordingly how it can be applied theoretically to create a modern façade with an Islamic spirit. The research ends with a case study for a proposed modern building that resembles most of the recent buildings in Al-Azhar Islamic region in Cairo, and how through applying some selected digital theories can result in developing and renovating this facade to match the heritage Islamic surrounding in a new digital way.