| To understand the meaning of the Islamic forms, it is essential to relate them to the time, space and their specific historical context. The forms themselves, could be considered as neutral elements or as simple technical devices of construction and decoration, unless they acquire a motif that gives them a meaning.A broad concept must be considered, which is not inherent in the form, function, or vocabulary that has been used. Rather it is associated with a complex relationship amongst these three elements.The forms, must symbolize something deeply rooted within the Muslim community which must be accepted as a substantial element of its existence and religious purposes, that focuses more on the relationship between man and form, rather than the relationships among the forms themselves. To accept that this relationship takes priority over all others, is to accept that all traditional Islamic forms are interpretations of past experiences.Instead of being a simple description and analysis of the traditional Islamic city, this study (as part of a long tradition of continuous reinterpretation of the traditional values and design language of Andalusian culture) uses experiential and bibliographic research, speculative reconstruction and referential design as methods of engaging meaning in urban and architectural forms in Granada. |
