Architectural Symbolism Research Articles

The Tripartite Qibla Wall as a Visual Form of Embodied Belief: From Al-Andalus to Mudejar and Morisco Mosques in Exile—Memory and Identity

The maqṣūrah commissioned by Caliph al-Hakam II in the 10th-century Mosque of Córdoba epitomizes the blend of sacred grandeur and political symbolism in Islamic architecture. This structure enhances aesthetic experiences, allowing worshippers to connect with divinity during Friday prayers. A distinctive feature is its qibla wall, divided into three parts, with a central empty miḥrāb symbolizing sacred force. This spatial organization, reminiscent of Late Antique basilicas in the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean, persisted in peninsular mosques even after the Christian conquest of al-Andalus. Mudejar Islamic communities replicated this design in smaller mosques, perhaps to preserve al-Andalus’s memory amidst growing repression. Following the 17th-century expulsion of the Moriscos, similar architectural elements appeared in Testour, Tunisia, built by Morisco exiles. These visual codes, shared among Hispanic Islamic communities, reflect the enduring memory of the exile.

Symbolis of Shivai Temples in Dravid Architecture: Influenced by Dravidian style

This paper focuses on studying different design features and concepts which act as symbolism in Dravid architecture. Then, historical methods that strike a balance between form and function as well as elements that have influenced the evolution of both historical and contemporary building methods. The earliest phases of Shiva temple construction began during the early Palava’s empire in southern India, and here is where Dravid architecture originated. Dravidian design characteristics are more commonly found in Shiva temples. Several design elements, such as historical significance, conceptually based designs, neighboring scenes, and many more, can make a building structure renowned. There are several aspects that contribute to a building structure becoming famous. Hindu temple architecture with variety of styles and ornamenting features is a part of tradition. They are different styles dedicated to different regions and gods. However, because of people's carelessness and lack of knowledge, the architecture of the temples has been gradually changing through the generation evolves. The analytical research highlights Dravidian style shiva temples and design principles for construction of shiva temples and by what design features some shiva temples stood as an example for Dravidian style.

Escaping from Confinement: Hell Imagery in the Shōjuraigōji Rokudō-e Scrolls

This article explores the pictorial representation of the Buddhist hell in Kamakura (1185–1333) Japan, with a focus on a mid-thirteenth century rokudō-e, or Pictures of the Six Realms, preserved at Shōjuraigōji Temple. The examination revolves around how these scroll paintings convey messages of salvation by representing the symbolic architecture of the hell realm, the lowest level within the six realms. By scrutinizing the visual representation of hell landscapes in four hell scrolls in the Shōjuraigōji set, the study unveils the architectural symbolism of boundaries and pathways. A visual analysis of two hell-tearing narrative scrolls further reveals that the key iconography involves the destruction of the architectural symbols of hell. Through tracing the concurrent processes of constructing and destroying the imaginary space of hell, the study demonstrates that the conceptual and visual construction of hell is coupled with an equally pronounced intent for hell-tearing. Lastly, based on the visuality of the hell-escaping narratives, the medium of hanging scrolls, and the centrality of an Enma scroll within the Shōjuraigōji set, the author proposes a spatial arrangement of this set of fifteen scrolls that could systematically convey the visual massage of “escaping from suffering in the six courses”.

′Symbols′ as Expression Tools of Islam and Their Usage Methods in Palace Architecture

Islamic architecture consists of religion, politics, philosophy, and aesthetics. The religious expression of symbols in Islamic architecture is also extremely important in architecture. These religious symbols, which are used in palace buildings and generally in administrative places in the Islamic world, are shaped depending on the function of the buildings. In this period, the palace complexes were considered to be the most important structures representing state politics and economy. In this study, the purposes and methods of use of religious symbols used in many palace complexes of Islamic architecture were investigated. While investigating the main source and usage rules of these symbols in palace architecture, the Quran, which is the foundation of Islam, was examined and the dependence of these symbols on numbers was tried to be revealed with examples.

Architecture in Anthropological Perspective: Structural Reflection on Local Architectural Dynamics

The objective of this study is to discuss the role of an anthropological perspective in architecture as well as structural reflection on the dynamics of architecture in relation to society. An anthropological lens can be used to study architecture as a manifestation of human culture in order to better understand the complex interactions between humans, the environment, and social structures. This research takes an anthropological approach to understanding architecture and investigates the dynamics of architecture as a cultural product influenced by social, technological, economic, and political changes. An analysis of the physical structure of architecture that reflects social structure, symbolism, and representation in architecture as a reflection of society is used to explain structural reflection. Case studies encompass vernacular, religious, colonial, and sustainable architecture. Understanding architecture from an anthropological standpoint allows humans to recognize the significance of cultural identity, the preservation of traditions, and their relationship with the physical environment as an art form in development.

ВТРАЧЕНІ ЕЛЕМЕНТИ АРХІТЕКТУРНИХ ПАМ’ЯТОК КИЄВА УКРАЇНСЬКОГО БАРОКО

The article is dedicated to the research of the loss of important architectural and compositional elements in Kyiv architectural monuments of the Ukrainian Baroque of the XVIIth – XVIIIth centuries. The author analyzes the architectural development of such Kyiv buildings as the Onufriivska Tower and the Church of Conception of Ann of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the Resurrection Church, the st. Illia Church, the Temple of Nikolas, the Intercession Church, the Old Building of the Kyiv-Mohyla academy, cookhouse and Church of the Holy Spirit of the Brotherly Epiphany Monastery, St. Sophia Cathedral, Church of the Ascension of the Phlor’s Monastery. All these objects have common destiny because of loss of their important Baroque details during XVIII–XIX centuries. Instead, they gained the forms of other styles, which did not detract from the national signs of these monuments. Such changes were made for various reasons: changes in fashion and styles in architecture, functional and utilitarian needs. However, such transformations were often anti-Ukrainian in nature, and they even ended up replacing Ukrainian symbols with Moscow ones. Let us highlight this very incident with the butt of the story: the reconstruction of the St. Sophia Cathedral in 1882. This unique monument and shrine was adorned with characteristic elements of the Ukrainian Baroque – sloping pediments on western and eastern façades. In fact, the temple was redecorated with elements of Byzantine and Russian architecture. During the Soviet time, the practice of replacing Ukrainian architectural symbols with Russian ones continued. Let us illustrate this with the example of the Ascension Cathedral of the Phlor’s Monastery in Podil. For a long time, researches did not pay attention on such a facts, but now it is time to restore justice to our national symbols. In the author’s opinion, today it is necessary to carry out in-depth research on historical monuments with a view to developing a concept and developing large-scale restoration projects that would restore their original beauty and completeness.

Research on the Integration of Chinese Traditional Architectural Elements in Modern Architectural Design under Digital Technology Support

Abstract This study seeks to enhance the integration of traditional Chinese cultural and artistic elements into contemporary architectural design, providing a rich source of inspiration. This paper investigates the connections between modern architectural symbols and traditional Chinese architectural and cultural elements. It identifies key characteristics of traditional architectural elements and proposes the integration of superficial structural features into contemporary designs, focusing on architectural space, form, and color. Utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, this research designs a program that merges traditional Chinese elements with contemporary architectural practices. A specific test site was selected to implement this design. The study conducts a quantitative analysis of the space, form, and color characteristics extracted from the test site. The results indicate an overall symbolic value of the test building at 7.566. The analysis identifies the “stone lion” as an element with a high degree of alignment with traditional Chinese architectural elements, with nearly 50% of the participants rating its compatibility as 4 or above. Further quantitative analysis of the integration of color elements reveals that the color scale of the building’s main body predominantly ranges from 0 to 65, with a brightness level of 25 to 65, aligning with the aesthetic principles of traditional Chinese architecture.

Images of the Homeland in the Cultural Landscape of Northeast China

The article is based on the results of the 2023 field season in Northeast China. Three stories in the history of westernization of Manchuria are examined: the construction of railroads, the activities of Catholic missionaries, and the greening of the Liaodong Peninsula. It is concluded that the Jesuits managed to introduce the main architectural symbol of Western civilization, the Gothic cathedral, into the Chinese cultural landscape. Ideology proved to be more effective than faith in technical progress, which consistently guided both the Russians and the Japanese in their exploration of Manchuria.

The form and content in the architecture of the Yemeni temple gate: the gate of the Baran temple in Ma’rib as a model

Architecture has been considered one of the most expressive means for humans since the beginning of settlement. It carries two aspects, one of which is physical, which is the visible and tangible form. The other is non- physical, which is the intellectual content that the form reveals. Yemeni architecture in general and the architecture of temple gates in particular were shaped by the local environment and social culture. The Yemeni person tried to express his visions, beliefs, and perceptions in a unique architectural form that is distinct from others in an embodied and abstract form. The current research attempts to investigate the content that the architectural form of the Yemeni temple gates carried in form and details. The research focuses on tracing the relationship between the idea and the symbol of portal architecture from the stage of embodiment to the stage of abstraction. The research relies on descriptive and analytical approaches and comparative approaches to compare the gates with their counterparts in the kingdoms of ancient Yemen to determine the similarities and differences the extent of influence between the kingdoms. It aims to analyze the architectural form of the gate in a comprehensive and detailed manner to identify intellectual sources. The study reached an understanding of the architectural form of the temple gates and their contents. Yemeni thought was characterized by integration in embodiment and abstraction. The Yemeni architect turned to signs and symbols in order to give the form the character of embodiment through abstraction, while preserving the main features of the inspired form.

Kajian Tampilan Arsitektur Simbolik pada Taman Budaya Jawa Timur

<p><em>The cultural center is a place used to accommodate all arts and culture activities. The East Java Cultural Park is a building complex designed to promote and preserve East Javanese culture. In appearance, the East Java Cultural Park at first glance applies the Javanese architectural style. However, in this building it is not yet known to what extent the Javanese architectural appearance was used. This research was conducted to identify the Javanese architectural appearance of the TBJT building. Qualitative research using a descriptive critical method approach was applied to this research. Data was collected through direct observation, interviews and analysis of literature related to the application of Javanese architectural symbolism in TBJT. The results of this research are that TBJT has a symbolic meaning in Javanese architecture which can be seen from the appearance of the TBJT building. However, this application does not fully follow the rules of Javanese architectural appearance because there is an amalgamation of other styles, namely colonial architecture. It is hoped that this research can provide a deeper understanding of the application of Javanese architectural symbolism to the appearance of the East Java Cultural Park.</em></p>

Local cultural identity representation at the Yogyakarta International Airport gate

Airports serve as a gateway for tourists as well as an introduction to local cultural opportunities, connecting regions, provinces, and countries. The application of local cultural aesthetic elements in airport public spaces is necessary due to conditions where the heavy influence of globalization can threaten the sustainability and the existence of local wisdom identity. This research aims to identify the potential of Javanese and Yogyakarta Cretan cultural elements, forming architectural designs and decorative elements at Yogyakarta International Airport's gates by the interior entrance access and the values contained therein. This research method uses qualitative methods with the ATUMICS theory approach to analyzing traditional elements (past culture) that can be integrated with modern features (present) in interpreting the existence of a form of local cultural identity. The results of this study suggest that the existence of local culture in the gapura and entrance gate in depicting micro symbols plays a significant influence. The Jogja palace feels present as it creates a feeling of place for its presence at Yogyakarta International Airport. The findings demonstrate that the object of research has an essential function in developing local identity as a symbol of archipelago architecture and as a possible magnet for introducing local culture so that it can be preserved by modernization.

Teori-Teori Simbolisme Seni Bina Darihal Masjid Tradisional: Satu Pengelasan Awal

The productive scholarship on the architectural symbolism of the traditional mosque expounded by the Traditionalist School at the end of the second millennium, which continued well into the third millennium by scholars exhibiting a strong Traditionalist influence or otherwise, is a testament to the subject’s importance to the development of Islāmic architecture. Despite its prolificity and agency, most studies on the subject remain theoretically arbitrary, if not deficient, rudimentary at best, and disjointed. To fill this theoretical gap, this article, for the first time, identifies, outlines and synthesises the many disparate theories of the architectural symbolism of the traditional mosque to establish a preliminary classification. It employs a hermeneutic reading of 32 significant theoretical and empirical studies on the architectural symbolism of the traditional mosque sourced from books, journals, conference proceedings, and periodicals available to the authors. By capitalising on the textual and comparative analyses, it is found that as many as 28 distinct theories of the architectural symbolism of the traditional mosque with their attendant symbolic dimensions and parameters were posited in all 32 studies, all of which can be consolidated into three broad theoretical frameworks. These findings present an original systematisation of theories of the architectural symbolism of the traditional mosque, which is instrumental in two ways: it encourages scholars to develop existing theories or establish new ones, and it assists Muslims in recognising and acknowledging the spiritual agency of their built forms while offering foreign readers another expansive and inspiring lens to view them.

Understanding client satisfaction of prefabricated curtain wall in Hong Kong using XGBoost and Pearson correlation

PurposeThe unitized curtain wall system (UCWS), a symbol of modern architecture, is gaining popularity among prefabricated components. Previous studies have focused on both construction technology advances and material selection strategies to facilitate the UCWS. However, the topic of client satisfaction, which drives industry development by targeting clients' demands, has gone unnoticed. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate client satisfaction with UCWS products in Hong Kong by finding its influential factors.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review was employed to first identify the influential factors. A semi-structured interview was employed to validate the reliability of the extracted factors. The machine learning algorithm Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and the Pearson correlation were then employed to rank the importance and correlation of factors based on the 1–5 Likert scale scores obtained through a questionnaire survey.FindingsThe findings revealed that “reduction in construction time” and “reduction in construction waste” are the most important factors and have a strong positive influence on client satisfaction.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies, the present study focused on a novel research topic and introduces an objective analysis process using machine learning algorithms. The findings contribute to narrowing the knowledge gap regarding client preference for UCWS products from both individual and collaborative perspectives, providing decision-makers with an objective, quantitative and thorough reference before making investments in the curtain wall management development.

Innovative design solutions for contemporary Tou-Kung based on topological optimisation

Tou-Kung, which is pronounced in Chinese and known as Bracket Set (Liang & Fairbank, A pictorial history of Chinese architecture, 1984), is a vital support component in the Chinese traditional wooden tectonic systems. It is located between the column and the beam and connects the eave and pillar, making the heavy roof extend out of the eaves longer. The development of Tou-Kung is entirely a microcosm of the development of ancient Chinese architecture; the aesthetic structure and Asian artistic temperament behind Tou-Kung make it gradually become the cultural and spiritual symbol of traditional Chinese architecture. In the contemporary era, inheriting and developing Tou-Kung has become an essential issue. Several architects have attempted to employ new materials and techniques to integrate the traditional Tou-Kung into modern architectural systems, such as the China Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo and Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum. This paper introduces the topological optimisation method bi-directional evolutionary structural optimisation (BESO) for form-finding. BESO method is one of the most popular topology optimisation methods widely employed in civil engineering and architecture. Through analyzing the development trend of Tou-Kung and mechanical structure, the authors integrate 2D and 3D optimisation methods and apply the hybrid methods to form-finding. Meanwhile, mortise and tenon joint used to create stable connections with components of Tou-Kung are retained. This research aims to design a new Tou-Kung corresponding to “structural performance-based aesthetics”. The workflow proposed in this paper is valuable for Architrave and other traditional building components.

The arch. Crisis and its form

The arch, a favourite form of world architecture, is analysed in terms of its phenomenology, genesis and meanings. There is a thesis about the ambiguity of the arched structure, its initial criticality, which allows us to consider the arch as an architectural symbol of crisis. The popularity of the arch implies that architecture tends to signify states of crisis, to “play” with them, to give any crisis. . . an expressive form.

Research on the cultural value of architectural symbols in the ancient town of CiQikou

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the cultural value of the architectural heritage symbols of the ancient town of CiQikou in Chongqing, China, and to analyze their implied meaning. Specifically, the main objectives of the study are. (1) to identify the architectural symbols that embody the architectural heritage of the ancient town of CiQikou. (2) To assess the cultural value of these symbols and the contribution they have made to the town. To achieve these objectives, this study employs an empirical model to analyze the architectural symbols of the architectural heritage of the ancient town of CiQikou. Direct observations and records of 87 buildings were collected, and a questionnaire survey with more than 800 validity and reliability analyses was used to analyze the specific cultural values of the architectural heritage symbols of the ancient town of CiQikou, including architectural cultural value, historical cultural value, commercial cultural value, folklore cultural value, scientific and educational value, and heritage value. And the specific values of the above cultural values in the cultural value of architectural heritage symbols are evaluated to show who is the biggest contributor. With the support of these empirical results, a policy framework to support the symbolic cultural value of the architecture of the ancient town of CiQikou is proposed.

Makna Simbolik Arsitektur Pada Rumah Kampung Kemasan Di Kelurahan Pekelingan Kecamatan Gresik Kabupaten Gresik

The research is motivated by the meaning of the symbols contained in the architecture of packaged village houses in Pekelingan Village, Gresik District, Gresik Regency. The aims of this study is; 1) To find out the architectural symbols contained in the Kampung Kemasan House; 2) Indetify the meaning of the symbols in the architecure of the Kampung Kemasan House in Pekelingan Village, Gresik District, Gresik Regency. This research uses qualitative methods using a descriptive approach and for data collection techniques using interview, observation, and documentation methods. The results of this study show that the Kampung Kemasan house building is a building whose architecture is influenced by Europeans, Chinese, and Arabs. The meaning of symbols contained in the architecture of the Kampung Kemasan house building in Pekelingan Village, Gresik District, Gresik Regency includes doria pillars (sturdy, magnificent and monumental), tendrils (hope containing prayers), piles of bricks (ornamental variety), octagon / squares floors (prosperity, victory), flora/climb symbols (strong and confident establishments), double doors (ornamental varieties), spear fences (strength), spear fence (strength), fatma flower (beauty,loyalty), Red color (prosperity, luck, benevolence and courage).

Historical and Architectural Study of the Ambar Shah Mosque, an Ancient Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh

The development of Islamic cities over the ages has always been aided by magnificent mosques. The religious practices of Islam’s teachings on nationhood serve as an example of this viewpoint, and the mosque concept has gained widespread acceptance as a means of both community building and religious expression. However, this focus on design, function, and aesthetics is examined and addressed as important topics regarding how the Muslim community interacts with mosques. According to this study, the continued performance of Islamic nationhood in the community is seen as indicative of the historic state mosque’s survival as a “iconic colossal edifice.” This study examines the perception of metropolitan city people’ preferences for the continuation of mosques as a symbol of national integration empirically. Because of the significant roles it performed as a location for historical events and as an architectural symbol that represented Islamic laws, this mosque is a structure of extraordinary architectural quality and unexceptional historical importance to the state. Despite the fact that our research was able to capture information on the mosque’s condition and architectural features, it is clear that more information is required to illustrate how to keep the mosque from deteriorating. Future generations must continue to examine every part of the mosque to make sure that the information needed for repair and maintenance work along with the nation’s progress toward modernity and globalization is not lost.

Innovative Application of Traditional Chinese Cultural Symbols in Contemporary Architecture

Traditional Chinese culture, with its distinctive nationality and regionalism, is a valuable source of creative elements for Chinese architecture, and also an effective weapon to cope with the impact of “internationalization” and “standardization”. In this paper, traditional cultural elements are symbolically categorized, dissected and innovated through architectural semiotics to explore the characteristics and application significance of traditional cultural symbols in contemporary architectural design. Moreover, case studies are conducted to derive the correct expression of traditional Chinese culture in contemporary architectural design, with a view to finding out a universal path for applying traditional cultural symbols in architecture.

Modern Heritage of the Middle East potentials and values: Documenting a UAE Landmark

Buildings represent the identity of cities and create the memory of the nation. Architecture landmark are the ambassadors of culture and civilization of the country. The UAE modern heritage represented in the 60s, 70s, and 80s architecture signifies the memory of the country and highlights the architecture style and its influences in various periods. The national theatre of Abu Dhabi is a key landmark from the 70s era. This cultural symbol is a landmark that shaped the style of the capital city at this time. This paper is a case study that aims at understanding the architecture of the National Theatre of Abu Dhabi building as a symbol of architecture and the architect’s only building remaining in the region. The paper outcomes and findings represent an approach for evaluating and greening modern heritage buildings in the Middle East while protecting both their historical and cultural values. The research aims to provide architects, researchers, and decision makers with a capture of architectural heritage buildings documentation via BIM modelling and traditional methods.