Composition Possibilities of Transformable Structures within an Islamic Architecture Context

Hussein, Hussein Essam; Al-Ebrashy, Mohammed Al-Sayed

doi:10.21608/ijaeur.2023.234503.1047

Composition Possibilities of Transformable Structures within an Islamic Architecture Context

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Architectural Engineering department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

² Architectural Engineering Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

10.21608/ijaeur.2023.234503.1047

Abstract

This research aims to reveal the composition possibilities of transformable structures within an Islamic architectural context. Transformable structures are structural compositions with mechanical components (e.g., joints) that can achieve multiple form variations in order to fit functional, environmental, or aesthetical spatial requirements, such as retractable roof structures.
Despite the mechanical characteristics of these structures, they have been successfully utilized to achieve compositions that respond to their context and reflect their culture, such as the transformable tents of the Prophet’s Mosque in the KSA, which is inspired by the Bedouin tents.
The research investigated five precedents in the Arab counties; The study found that the compositions of these structures were based exclusively on only two typologies: the foldable tensile fabric structures and movable spatial frame ones. So, why these only two typologies of such structures were commonly used, however, there are other typologies that can achieve Islamic compositions?
Therefore, the study investigated the typologies of transformable roof structures to explore the other forms of these structures that can possibly be utilized within an Islamic architecture context. The study found that pantographic, reciprocal and tensegrity structures can achieve the required compositions, however they were rarely used in architectural applications. Therefore, the study performed a critical review of these three typologies of structures in terms of their composition possibilities, applicability, and feasibility; then, the study revealed the advantages and disadvantages of each typology. Finally, this research presents the outcomes of the study and highlights the applicability of the other possible form variation of transformable structures to achieve spatial compositions within Islamic architecture context.

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