Output details
16 - Architecture, Built Environment and Planning
De Montfort University
The Crown of Esfahan -
Description:
The work presents a contemporary dome design for a mosque in Iran.
The work presents a contemporary dome design for a mosque in Iran. Exhibited as a single artefact for the 2010 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition; the piece aims to explore a notion of ornament as architectural object, opposed to an applied surface ornamentation or decoration.
Combining CAD modelling and fabrication with traditional silversmith techniques the work aims to develop a digitally crafted artefact. The process involves the ‘unfolding’ of complex 3 dimensional digital models in to flat triangulated panels which can then be acid etched out of sheet brass and reconstructed by hand.
The design of the dome reinvents the traditional Islamic geometric dome as a series of deep apertures or funnels, connected to the outside skin of the building, which brings in indirect light into the mosque. The variance in illumination caused by the movement of the sun throughout the day creates constantly changing spatial conditions inside the prayer hall.
How the output was developed:
A digitally crafted artefact, combining a digital modelling and design process with traditional jewellery fabrication methods
A dome which uses the suns path to create changing spatial conditions inside the mosque
A faceted geometric structure incorporating deep apertures/funnels to capture sunlight.
Context:
Critique of digital and analogue representation methods
Notions of Sublime space and light in religious buildings
Environmental simulation in relation to contemporary architectural design and process
Methods:
2D drawings and fabrication templates were produced from precise 3 dimensional digital models.
Acid etched from 1mm brass sheet and then reconstructed into 3 dimensions physically by hand.
Exhibition:
Royal Academy of Arts, Summer Exhibition, London 2010: Peer selected by David Chipperfield
Published:
Building Design Magazine, Chipperfield’s structured themes enrich this year’s Royal Academy summer show, Ellis Woodman, 9th July 2010
Authorship:
Ben Cowd and Sara Shafiei contribute equally to the research.
