2024Academic Year Short Course Review「Courtyard Design in the Islamic Tradition」

The module “Courtyard Design in the Islamic Tradition” was delivered by tutor Zeynep Iqbal from the King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts at Yuan Centre on 20-31 May.

Course Content：

During the first week, Zeynep introduced the ideological principles and design process of Islamic courtyard design, and demonstrated its aesthetic value.

The tutor showcased a sample courtyard project and shared her study on various courtyards and gardens from the Islamic lands and countries along the Silk Road from different eras.

Through the multisensory experience (sight, hear, smell, touch), students gradually comprehended the diversity, locality, architectural elements, and sustainability of Islamic courtyards.

During the second week, students learned how to constructing their own garden based on the key elements of water and shades in Islamic courtyard design as well as other architectural elements and local elements from Suzhou.

Geometric order and proportional relationships are applied in the design of these dynamic architectural spaces and ornamental elements.

In the second half of the week, students transferred their designs onto watercolour paper and further developed their paintings in colour to reflect their design ideas for the final presentation.  

For most students, this is their first time to have a close contact with Islamic art and culture as well as a hands-on project of an Islamic courtyard design. To those who are more familiar with classical Chinese gardens, their experience throughout the workshop has brought them a richer understanding of garden art from both roots.