Title: The sense of unity : the Sufi tradition in Persian architecture /
Authors: Ardalan, Nader.; Bakhtiar, Laleh.
Publisher: ABC International Group,
Year: 1999
Subjects: Architecture Iran; Islamic architecture Iran; Symbolism in architecture.; Sufism
Abstract: Despite its extraordinary richness, Islamic architecture has rarely been studied for its conceptual and symbolic significance. In the Sense of Unity, a handsomely illustrated volume and the first extended work of its kind, Nader Ardalan and Laleh Bakhtiar examine the architecture of Persia as a manifestation of Islamic tradition and demonstrate the synthesis of traditional Persian thought and form. The most fundamental principle of Sufism, the inner, esoteric dimension of Islam, is that of unity in multiplicity. This view sees in every aspect of reality a reflection of a transcendent source which is given symbolic expression through all of man's activities, most directly and importantly through his works of art. The authors of The Sense of Unity show how all the elements of the Islamic architecture of Persia from the simplest architectural unit to a complex urban environment are woven around this central doctrine and thus are best understood as multiple manifestations of unity. The Sense of Unity is illustrated with photographs, drawing, charts, and tables which are an integral part of its argument and which exemplify, in abundant and striking detail, the principles discussed in the text. Presenting to the Western reader for the first time the insights of the Iranian cultural tradition, the book also offers a stimulating new way of thinking about man and his relationship to his milieu.
Contents: Part I. The morphology of concepts : Introduction ; Creative man ; Realization through art -- Space : The structure of space ; Orientation in space ; The sense of place ; Positive space continuity ; Positive space systems ; The space of man ; Time-form simultaneity ; Rhythm in time -- Shape : Mathematics and nature ; The mathematics of proportion ; Man as the unit of measure ; Numbers ; Geometry ; Squaring the circle ; The mandala -- Surface : Symbolic dimensions ; The concept of line ; Geometric patterns ; Arabesque patterns ; Calligraphy -- Color : The seven colors ; The system of three colors ; The system of four colors ; Alchemy and color ; Order in the color of nature ; Harmony of adjacents ; Harmony of opposites ; Single-level color systems ; Multi-level color systems -- Matter : Fire, air, water, and earth ; Metals and minerals -- Part II. The concept of traditional forms : Garden ; Socle ; Porch ; Gateway ; Room ; Minaret ; Dome ; Chahār Tāq -- Part III. Levels of realization : Synthesis of forms ; City form -- Natural order : Random order ; Linear order ; Cluster order -- Geometric order : Concentric cities: circular ; Concentric cities: quadrangular ; Baghdad: a prototypical city -- Harmonic order : Freedom of boundaries ; Isfahan -- Epilogue.