Architecture in the Islamic World (ABPL30062)

This subject will offer an overview of the cosmopolitan origin and modern development of architecture in the Islamic world. Case studies from different regional contexts and historical periods will be examined to highlight the broad spectrum of political, cultural, social and environmental aspects related to the shaping of architecture in the Islamic world. A variety of building types, ranging from classical religious and monumental structures, vernacular forms and settlements, to urban and contemporary civic projects, as well as important architectural figures and discourses emerging from the Islamic world will be studied. In order to recognise how architecture continues to manifest the Islamic world’s transforming socio-cultural milieu, a particular focus will be given to the architectural outcomes of the long-standing encounters between the spread of Islam and other social and political formations. These include cross cultural encounters between Islamic and European courts in the Mediterranean region, the syncretism between the teaching of Islam and older indigenous traditions in Southeast Asia, and the shaping of Islamic identity in the context of colonialism and nation building politics in North Africa and Asia, including specifically South and Southeast Asia. The rise of popular culture and youth identity in contemporary cities in the Islamic world, their interactions with Islamic expressions and representations in public space and architectural forms will also be explored.