Word Count

This project communicates the subject and content of the first chapter of my dissertation. The title of my dissertation was, ‘Does modern Islamic architecture hold the same symbolic value as it did in the past?’  Through the medium of type, colour, and paper stock, this project focuses on the key characteristics of Islamic architecture - light, ornamentation, and colour.

The first section focuses on light, inspired by large domes, shadows, the infinite, and the eternal. These words are represented through the paper stock and typesetting. The second section of the book focuses on the three dominant ornamental motifs of Islamic architecture, which include floral and vegetal patterns (also known as arabesque), geometric patterns, and calligraphy. The ornamental motifs are displayed as frames making the text visible through each frame. Lastly, the heavily used colour blue in Islamic tradition often signifies the impenetrable depths of the universe, and turquoise blue is thought to have mystical qualities. These particular colours and additional colours mentioned in the book are portrayed through the paper stock and through foiling.