ISLAMIC PALATIAL VOLUMETRIC SYSTEMS AS STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

Abstract

The Islamic palaces architecture is a highly advanced combination of space hierarchy, ritual order, and ecological sensitivity, which is attained by systematically elucidated volumetric systems. This paper analyses Islamic palaces volumetric buildings as structural and space aspects of monumental palaces in terms of how repeated architectural elements structure the functional, movement and symbolic power in a territory and time. By conducting a comparative study of five case studies, including Topkapi Palace (Ottoman), Lahore Fort (Mughal), Alhambra Palace (Nasrid), Ak-Saray Palace (Timurid) and Rohtas Fort (Suri), the research determines the following elements to be the central ones that create a common Islamic architectural vocabulary; courtyards, arcades, iwans, monumental gateways, axial planning and enclosure walls. Instead of taking these elements as the ornamental elements, the paper illustrates their functions as the leading regulators of the volumetric aspect of space hierarchy, mediators of the separation of the public and the private space, and responsiveness to the climatic and topographical conditions. Although the sizes and materialities differ, as well as the manifestations of the dynasty, the logic of volumetricity stays unchanged, indicating transregional persistence of Islamic palaces. These observations support the relevance of volumetric structure to the interpretation of the architecture of Islamic palaces and place these monuments in the context of unified space structures in which structural form, ritual use, and environmental adaptation cannot be separated.