Reevaluating Muqarnas: A Parametric Generative Exploration

Authors : Sevde Gülizar Dinçer, Mehmet Oğuz Duru

Pages : 258-272

Doi:10.53433/yyufbed.1518020

View : 35 | Download : 45

Publication Date : 2025-04-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Muqarnas, an essential feature in Islamic architecture, seamlessly combines ornamental and structural roles, adorning elements such as portals, domes, and mihrabs. The diverse design configurations of muqarnas are based on a geometric framework that guides the construction process, typically initiated by creating projection plans. Within the scope of this study, the examination of muqarnas projection plans revealed tessellations formed by strategically arranged square and rhombus units inspired by Islamic geometric patterns and early muqarnas prototypes. Analyzing the geometric structure of these tessellations facilitated a systematic approach. The study implemented each step by employing the Grasshopper plug-in in the Rhinoceros program, culminating in generating muqarnas models. This transformative process converted tessellations into tangible three-dimensional geometric units, ready for integration into muqarnas designs. This study deepened the understanding of muqarnas construction and demonstrated the integration between traditional Islamic geometric patterns and contemporary computational design tools. By blending the timeless elegance of Islamic geometric principles with cutting-edge digital methods, this research contributes to the preservation and innovation of cultural heritage, offering new insights into the future of Islamic architectural design. The parametric models represented the geometric transformations intrinsic to muqarnas, reflecting the fusion of tradition and innovation in Islamic architectural design.
Keywords : Hesaplamalı tasarım, Kültürel miras, Mimari geometri, Mukarnas, Parametrik tasarım, Tasarım analizi