SOCIETY AND HOUSE

Case Study:

THE ISLAMIC SOCIETY and the ISLAMIC HOUSE

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

About Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion which arose in the deserts of Arabia in 600 A.D. Its founder was the Prophet Muhammad. The message of God revealed to him is contained in the holy book, the Quran. The Prophet's sayings, deeds and teachings are recorded by his followers and compiled in the Hadith. These two books guide the Muslim from the cradle to the grave in all religious and secular activities. The religious laws and legislation cover all areas of political, economic, social and personal life to the minutest detail.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Segregation of Women in Islam

Stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that at the former times of ignorance.
(Surah Al Ahzaab, verse 33)

In the Hadith the following rules are laid down for observance of purdah:
Women should stay home in all dignity and since there are restrictions on their mobility, no duty is alloted to them which requires them to go out of the house. A women should always confine herself to domestic obligation and duties. If the women has to go out in unavoidable circumstances, she must be simply attired.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

O Prophet, tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close around them (when they go abroad) that will be better, so that they may be recognised and not annoyed. (Surah Al Ahzaab, verse 59) It is therefore required for a Muslim woman when she goes out to wear a dress that covers her from head to foot and does not reveal her figure.

Men have also been advised as to their conduct regarding the segregation of women.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

The special and almost universal characteristic of the Islamic home can be explained when it is understood as a manifestation of some special teachings and interpretations of the Islamic faith.
The teachings of the Islamic faith influence and guide its followers in all spheres of religious and secular activities and maintain social order by providing guidelines and control mechanisms for individual behaviour. The conceptual similarity in the built environment of the followers of Islam have to be understood as an expression of a common faith and a unifying religious culture.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Women's Domain in the Islamic House

The seclusion of women from certain categories of men is an important factor in the use of household space and the orientation of dwellings with respect to one another. The women's activities are centered around the private life of the family, hidden from the public eye. The man has more interaction with the public realm and the important obligation of hospitality gives rise to the necessity of spaces to receive guests.

The dominant emphasis is on domestic privacy and the seclusion and segregation of women.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

The most common dwelling form is the inward looking courtyard house, which supports the family and social functions. Closed to the outer world, it opens towards a central court, thus fulfilling the need for privacy as well as for adequate light and ventilation. This dwelling type appears to be the universal solution in the Islamic world. It supports the division of the home into a public and a secluded family section.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Apart from the courtyard house, Islamic teachings have been the basis of several additional architectural devices and elements which reinforce the concept of seclusion and concealment of women.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Minimum windows to the exterior, small in size

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

The Islamic house is an INTROVERTED FORM, conceived from the INSIDE OUTSIDE, with emphasis of interior elements, such as the courtyard faade, while the street faade is usually a plain wall.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

External house walls are built to a height that ensures that the domestic interior cannot be overlooked and that intruders are discouraged. Any openings in the Ground floor are small, grilled and above the line of vision of passerby.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Mashrabiya (screened windows) allow women to look out without being seen

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Hawa Mahal Palace Complex, Jaipur

The Hawa Mahal(Palace of Breezes), a ventilated residence, overlooks a busy downtown street near the City Palace in Jaipur. Built in 1799, it allowed court women to observe the passing scene while remaining in seclusion.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

The house entrance

The main gateway of the house usually does not give immediate access to the domestic quarters, but leads into a vestibule (often with another door opening into the harem) or passage with a right angle turn so that it is impossible to see into the court from outside.
Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Indirect entrances to dwellings, usually from a corner; separate entrances for women.

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

High roof parapets to allow private use of roofspace

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture

Influence of Islamic Socio-Cultural patterns on its Architecture